A Guide to Cusco's Best Coffee Shops

Cusco is a unique city among its South American peers. The capital of the Inca Empire, the Spaniards built a city on top of the old Incan city - using the Incan rocks all over the bottom of buildings. The facades of the buildings diverge significantly from the colorful stucco of its peers; it whitewashed buildings with blue accents as far as the eye can see. It would be easy to confuse this for coastal Greece or North Africa if you weren't aware of the lack of water. Cusco - just a comfortable train ride from Peruvian Disneyland (aka Machu Picchu) - has become the center of Peru's tourism industry. And while some parts of this make traveling to Cusco less authentic (you'll be able to imitate the ladies trying to sell massages really well by the end of your trip), Cusco's food and drink scene has exploded from the tourism rush. The best part (in my opinion)? A coffee scene predicated around local Peruvian coffee. The coffee shops in Cusco could rival coffee in most large cities in Western countries. If visiting Cusco, make sure to set aside some time in the morning or afternoon to look into some of these awesome coffee shops!

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Florencia y Fortunata Café

@markfedoronko

Florencia y Fortunata is - in my humble opinion - the best coffee shop in all of Peru. This is based strictly on the quality of the coffee; I don't even include the amazing social business model or the funky space they have created to enjoy their craft. Florencia y Fortunata both takes pride in their status as a women-owned and women-run business and their approach to sourcing coffee directly from the farms (often by women farmers). The result is remarkably fresh and delicious coffee sourced from Cusco area, along with some blends from Cajamarca and Puno areas. The beans are great souvenirs to bring home. The shop is an amazing place to hang out and have a coffee. The coffee itself is some of the best I've ever had. Florencia y Fortunata is a must visit coffee shop in Cusco

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Xapiri Ground

@markfedoronko

Xapiri Ground actually comes up as an attraction when I type it into Thatch. And no wonder - the space functions as a museum, a gallery, and a cafe. However, I like the think the cafe is the main draw and the wonderful gallery and exhibits are just the icing on the cake. Xapiri Ground is a space dedicated to celebrating the Peruvian Amazon. The galleries show of Amazonian artists who use a unique style blending modern elements with indigenous colors and motifs. The exhibits talk about the effects of climate change and other human degradation on the forest. And to top off this Amazonian motif, Xapiri Ground serves delicious drinks and snacks sourcing ingredients from the Amazon. The result is delicious coffee, but also some of the best chocolate drinks you'll find in Cusco. The cinnamon rolls are particularly delicious on the food side of things. I also love Xapiri Ground's cups in which coffee is served - really quite a unique vessel to hold your beverage!

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Organika Bakery & Coffee

@markfedoronko

Organika is almost a bit of an empire in Cusco nowadays. Their organic restaurant is among the best in the city, using ingredients from their farm in Urubamba (in the Sacred Valley). The coffee shop and bakery - claiming to have the best breakfast in Cusco - offers delicious coffees and baked goods using the same philosophy. And delicious their items are!

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Café Dwasi Peruvian Coffee

@markfedoronko

Cafe D'Wasi is one of the oldest coffee companies on this list - dating back to 2005. Founded by a local of Santa Teresa - a coffee producing region near Machu Picchu - the coffee roasting business expanded to include several cafes in Cusco. While the vibes of the shop (quaint and basic) might not be quite as impeccable as some of its younger peers, the coffee punches with the best in the city, especially the dark roasts.

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INDIE CAFÉ & CONCEPT STORE

@markfedoronko

You might not even notice Indie Cafe; located in a quaint interior courtyard with other businesses, the main reason most tourists come to this spot is to go to Cicciolina upstairs (a delicious restaurant to add to that). However, the boutiques on the first floor are awesome, especially Indie Cafe. Indie Cafe is a charming cafe with great coffees and herbal teas. However, my favorite part of this cafe is the amazing boutique on site. Sipping a delicious coffee while browsing the Peruvian artistry is worth visiting this cafe every single time!

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LOCAL Restaurante

@markfedoronko

As the name suggests, Local is primarily a restaurant. The food in the evening is delicious and wide ranging. However, I want to focus on the daytime, when Local serves up some of Cusco's best coffee. The funky space serves delicious teas, coffees, and other beverages, both sitting down and to go. If you need some energy before you conquer the big hill up to San Blas, this is a great pit stop! If you can though, I'd make sure to also visit Local for dinner - a great restaurant for sure

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Mark Fedoronko

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My name is Mark, and I've been travel planning since the age of 11. About Me I help redefine the way you experience the world. I don't just plan trips; we craft extraordinary adventures tailored to your unique desires. Mark's journey into the realm of travel planning began at an early age, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make each destination truly exceptional. Expertise Beyond Borders Boasting an extensive portfolio of expertise, Mark is a seasoned navigator through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, the captivating history of Jordan, the rich tapestry of Israel/Palestine, the cosmopolitan allure of Copenhagen, and beyond. Whether you're yearning for the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the ancient wonders of Petra, the historical significance of Jerusalem, or the contemporary charm of Copenhagen, I ensure that your journey is not just a trip but a transformative experience. Custom Itineraries, Crafted with Care I understand that no two travelers are the same. My commitment to personalization means that every itinerary is a bespoke masterpiece, meticulously crafted to reflect your preferences, interests, and dreams. From immersive cultural excursions to adrenaline-pumping adventures, we curate experiences that resonate with your individual travel style. Why Choose Mark's Travel Recs? Passion-Driven Expertise: Mark's lifelong passion ensures every itinerary has an authentic touch. Global Perspective: With knowledge spanning diverse destinations, I offer journeys beyond the ordinary. Attention to Detail: I leave no stone unturned, from accommodation to off-the-beaten-path excursions. Seamless Planning: Let me take the reins for a stress-free journey from conception to execution. Embark on a voyage of a lifetime with me—where the world is your oyster, and I help you discover its pearls

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