Where To Eat In Aguas Calientes
Let’s be real. You’re either about to go on, or have just come back from, an epic adventure. You need food! So if you’re wondering where to eat in Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of Machu Picchu, here is where we recommend.
We arrived in Aguas Calientes at just around lunch time. We were tired since we had to get up pretty early to take the train from Cusco, but we wanted to eat before we relaxed in our hostel for the rest of the afternoon. Some friends we had made on the train had read good reviews about the Indio Feliz so we decided to check it out.
Indio Feliz
Address: Calle Lloque Yupanqui Nº 103, Aguas Calientes
The decorations were bright and festive. It’s a Franco-Peruvian restaurant with a good mix of local and European influences, both in the food and appearance of the restaurant.
We really enjoyed our meal. We started off with a tomato soup that came with a good amount of parmesan cheese. We were pretty hungry, so we didn’t take a picture. But it was good! Then I ordered the trout with garlic cream sauce and my friend had the chicken with mango sauce. Both dishes were really good, but we both agreed that my fish was exceptionally delicious. For dessert we had the chocolate mouse. That was so good we didn’t wait to take a picture either!
Overall we really liked the Indio Feliz restaurant. The cozy atmosphere was fun, the food was yummy, they had a great beer selection, and our waitress was really nice. It’s also off to the side of a main street, so it wasn’t as crowded as some of the other restaurants.
The next morning, we explored the ruins of Machu Picchu. It was an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G experience. And a tiring one. And since they don’t sell food up there (read this for some useful tips to enjoy Machu Picchu) we were pretty hungry. This time, we went for what we love: pizza!
Incontri del Pueblo Viejo
Address: Av. Pachacuteq 6° Cuadra S/N, Aguas Calientes
There was a big contrast between this restaurant and the Indio Feliz. Incontri del Pueblo Viejo was more open and brighter, with a simpler decor.
And the pizza…
It was yummy cheesy goodness. Quite possibly the best pizza I had in Peru. Which was a surprise. Incontri del Pueblo Viejo also sells gelato at the front of the restaurant. We wanted some but we were so tired by that point that we didn’t want to wait for the woman that had temporarily stepped away. We were practically falling asleep at our table!
We really enjoyed both restaurants. They each had their charm and they both had very tasty food. To be completely honest, when we wondered where to eat in Aguas Calientes we didn’t think we’d find such great food. Since it’s a major tourist destination, I thought the food would be crap and way overpriced. But who knew this tiny town had such great chefs?
Have you ever been pleasantly surprised by the food at a major tourist destination? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂
| Click below to see the items we recommend for your visit to Aguas Calientes | ||
|---|---|---|
| [easyazon_image align="center" height="160" identifier="B071S7LCSW" locale="US" src="http://www.buddythetravelingmonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/51y0p69dy5L.SL160.jpg" tag="buddythetrave-20" width="105"] | [easyazon_image align="center" height="160" identifier="B00UV3MCK2" locale="US" src="http://www.buddythetravelingmonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/41Cdvj6uV9L.SL160.jpg" tag="buddythetrave-20" width="160"] | [easyazon_image align="center" height="72" identifier="B00F6EF7M6" locale="US" src="http://www.buddythetravelingmonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/41h12BWcUPL.SL160.jpg" tag="buddythetrave-20" width="160"] |
Like this post? Pin it for later!
Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com.
Didn’t know about pizza at Machu Picchu. We would have tried some when there. Great food photos.
I was just as surprised Beverly! And thanks 🙂
I am so desperate to go Machu Picchu and now, if (when) I do, I will know where to eat! The fish sounds especially good…..
Hi Sarah! You’ll love it!
I’ve been to the Indio Felize!! It was awesome, good, simply and tasty food!
Yay!! Glad you liked it too 😀
First time I’ve seen someone talk about the food around Machu Picchu, thanks for that! I love the photos and the bright colors in the first restaurant. Great to know places to eat once we get to Machu Picchu!. Thanks again.
No problem Sue, glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Great tips!!
I have to be honest with you, the idea I had about Aguas Calientes was: tiny city probably too crowded, overpriced, and with an average cuisine. Good to know that they have beautiful places, delicious food and decent price… Makes the trip to Machu Picchu even more desirable! 😀
Safe journey,
Nat
Believe me, I had the same idea Nat! It is a tiny town, but there are a few hidden gems.
Urgh! You’d never know how much I want to go to Machu Picchu! 😀 Anyways I love the colourful decoration at Indio Feliz and would definitely love to try the trout when I eventually get there!
Congrats on finishing your studies, btw!
Aww, thank you so much!! 😀
Sounds delicious! I would love to try Peruvian cooking!
It’s very good, I’m sure you’ll love it!
I would love to eat at that pretty little corner of Indio Feliz! Thanks for all the tips. Preparing for our own trip to Machu Picchu!
Great Carol!
So hungry now haha! Great reviews Vicky, will make a note to visit when going to Machu Picchu 🙂
Awesome Mel!
That fish does look incredible! Great write up…now to just get myself to Machu Picchu!
Yup! 🙂
This place is on our bucket list, definitely will try pizza, love the place from your photos 🙂
Thanks!
Wow! I’m so excited to visit Peru! We are going to Lima for a foodie trip, but next time we go, its for the animals and Macchy Picchu. I’ll save this for later. 🙂