Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors worth booking?
Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors is a 5-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $90 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (6)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $90 per person
This tour gives you a chance to visit local markets that are seldom visited by tourists. We will travel by local us to the market at San Jeronimo where we will tour the markets and taste Peruvian fruits and vegetables and see people selling things such as chickens, flowers and gardening supplies. Then we will walk to a chicheria, where locals are selling chicha, the traditional fermented corn drink so important in Peruvian culture. We will then return to the city center for for lunch in a local restaurant and taste traditional Peruvian food. After lunch (own expense), we will visit the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, which is a non-profit organization founded to support the long standing tradition of weaving in Peru and to help the locals that produce them. Finally, we will walk to San Pedro Market where in addition to fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, they sell medicinal plants that have been around since Inca times and are still in use today.
What you get
About this experience
This tour gives you a chance to visit local markets that are seldom visited by tourists. We will travel by local us to the market at San Jeronimo where we will tour the markets and taste Peruvian fruits and vegetables and see people selling things such as chickens, flowers and gardening supplies. Then we will walk to a chicheria, where locals are selling chicha, the traditional fermented corn drink so important in Peruvian culture. We will then return to the city center for for lunch in a local restaurant and taste traditional Peruvian food. After lunch (own expense), we will visit the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, which is a non-profit organization founded to support the long standing tradition of weaving in Peru and to help the locals that produce them. Finally, we will walk to San Pedro Market where in addition to fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, they sell medicinal plants that have been around since Inca times and are still in use today.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Food tasting
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
What you'll see and do
Valentin's Pachamama Journeys
We will pick you up at your hotel at 8:30am and then take a local bus to San Jeronimo which will take about 25 minutes. Here, we will tour the markets where they sell fruits, vegetables, chickens, flowers, and gardening supplies. We will taste fruits and vegetables unique to Peru such as passion fruit, lucma and chirimoya. We will also learn about the ingredients needed to make chicha, a corn beer that has been an important part of Peruvian culture since Inca times. After visiting the local market, we will visit a local chicheria, and taste chicha and see the guinea pigs that live in the kitchens of many locals.
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco
We will then return to the city center for lunch (own expense) in a local restaurant and taste traditional Peruvian food. After lunch, we will visit the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, which is a non-profit organization founded to support the long standing tradition of weaving in Peru and to help the locals that produce them. There is a small but excellent museum which will teach us about the history of weaving, and you can also see live demonstrations of weaving and have a chance to purchase beautiful products.
Admission included
Mercado Central de San Pedro
Finally, we will walk to the San Pedro market where in addition to fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, they sell things such as frog soup which is reportedly a medication for anemia, and also sheep's head soup which is used to fortify your health. We will also learn about and see medicinal plants that have been around since Inca times and are still in use today.
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Valentins Pachamama Journeys
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day experiencing Cusco as a Local
We had a wonderful time with Herlin as our guide experiencing Cusco as a local. We went on the bus and to a market outside of the main city of Cusco. Herlin was very patient, since we had our 8 year old with us and helped us buy snacks for our trip to Puno the next day. He took us to a local restaurant where the food was delicious. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Joanne: Wereally loved that you had a wonderful time with our tour guide Herlin, it is a pleasure for us to give our people the best experience! Thaks a lot!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tour with Valentin!
We recently traveled with a group of high school students to Cusco and had a great day with Valentin and his team visiting local markets and getting a taste for local foods and flavors. We happened to be in Cusco on Carnaval and we had a blast running around with them and celebrating with spray and water balloons. The team was welcoming, knowledgeable, and we love the service & community outreach that they do!
Response from the operator: Dear Costumer, many thanks for your commentary and recommendation. Its good to know that you enjoyed your tour. Our staff is grateful for your review. We hope you have the best memories with us. Best regards!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful day with Wilson
My wife and I had the most fantastic day exploring Cusco with Wilson as our guide. I started my day a little sick from the altitude, but Wilson was kind and patient. As I picked up my pace, Wilson took us to a large and exciting market outside of town where we were the only tourists. We sampled local fruits, veggies, drinks and learned so much about the food, market, and culture. Wilson then brought us to a wonderful non tourist restaurant for authentic, delicious, and inexpensive peruvian lunch that we would have never found on our own. We then went through another exciting market before going to the textile museum where we learned and appreciated so much about this dying functional art-form. We booked this tour last minute because my altitude sickness prevented us from an eco tour. However, because we learned so much and had so much fun - I think we had a better day than the eco tour. Thank you so much, Wilson!!
Response from the operator: Dear Friend, Many thanks for your commentary, It is good to know that you had an amazing experience during your tour. Our guide Wilson and all our staff are grateful with your review, because it helps them to continue improving. Best regards, Valentin's Pachamama Journeys.
via Tripadvisor
One of my favorite tours in cusco. Our...
<p>One of my favorite tours in cusco. Our guide took us to the 2 different sites via the local transportation. At the local market we did not see a single tourist while we were there which was really cool. Tried lots of different fruits we have never seen before. They also have mini avocados with no pits!! I didn't even know that was a thing : Went to the textile museum, and as a seamstress I loved it! There were a few women there making items. I bought a hand knitted hat made out of alpaca fur, and there was a lot of other handmade items for purchase. Don't be fooled by some of the super touristy spots...most of the items are not true alpaca and not hand made. You'll get authentic items at the textile museum</p>
via Viator
A great experience with Velentin Pachamama
My friend and I had an amazing 3-day tour with Valentin and Pachamama Journeys. They started by picking us up at our hotel. We were initially going to try the famous Pisco Sour, but ended up going to the local market. That was an amazing experience. We had the tour to the sacred Valley with them everything was very nice and pleasant the only thing that perhaps did not measure up to everything was the moment of refreshment. Maybe they gave us a better food option. My partner liked him badly and was sick to his stomach for the next few days. Our guide in MachuPicchu was native to the area. We shared detailed information, the only thing I could perhaps recommend that the visit should be more than 2 hours.we think we could know more about this beautiful wonder.
Response from the operator: Hola "Joe" from Cusco, We respectfully feel that this is a fraudulent review created by a competitor in Cusco to lower our ranking. We located the place of a review to an internet cafe very near to our office on the outskirts of Cusco. We have no record of a customer named Joe or any other customer (especially one from Cusco!) who had this itinerary--why would someone from Cusco hire us to take them out for Pisco sours or to the local market? Nor have we ever had a customer report to us that they have gotten sick after one of our tours. We take pride in using only highly trained chefs who use the freshest ingredients, clean bottled water, and strict sanitation in the preparation of foods. If we choose a restaurant in the Sacred Valley for a tour, we only use a handful of select restaurants that have the highest standards of cleanliness. Finally, we do not use guides from Aguas Calientes who are "nativo de la zona". All of our guides accompany our passengers from the Sacred Vally or Cusco to Aguas Calientes and give in depth, detailed tours of Machu picchu that last 3-4 hours with extra trips to the Sun Gate, the Inka bridge or Huayna picchu or Machu picchu mountain if desired. Valentin Baca Baños, owner of Valentin's Pachamama Journeys
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Local guide; Round-trip shared transfer; and Food tasting. Not included: Lunch; Gratuities; and Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 33 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Cusco Local Tastes and Flavors?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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