Ranking the Top 5 Alfajores I ate in Peru
#4. Random Bodega in Aguas Calientes
This is a strange pick - not gonna lie. After going completing three days of trekking through the Andes and visiting stunning sites like Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Pass, my fiancée and I had settled into a hotel in Aguas Calientes - the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. With horrific blisters all over her feet, I was tasked with finding bandaids, moleskin, and antibiotic cream. After stopping at three pharmacies and finally finding everything I needed, I bought an alfajor at some random bodega for a little treat. It was MASSIVE. Think about the size of a large man's hand. Filled with so so much dulce de leche. Was it fresh? I have no clue. Was it delicious? Absolutely - and that makes it worthy of being on this list. I couldn't locate the actual place on Google maps, but it's on the east side of the Peru Rail tracks towards the south end of town.
#3. Masa Mama, Arequipa
The first real bakery on this list, Masamama is a delicious spot in Arequipa's amazing old town. The actual premise comprises three different spaces: the bakery in the front (a rather underwhelming space), an amazing bar/coffee shop cafe in the back, and one of the nicest and most ambiance filled courtyards I witnessed in a country filled with lovely courtyards. The coffees are fun and delicious - but the real discussion point here are the alfajores. Masamama makes two different alfajores: the chocolate coated variety which is one of the more standard varieties, and an incredibly unique coconut alfajor. I happen to not love coconut, but if you do, this will be your number one alfajor. With a hefty layer of dulce de leche and one of the most unique, coconut filled cookies you will have, I rank this 3 but I certainly know some other people who would rank this higher.
#2. Mumi's, Arequipa
#1. Pan Atelier, Lima
And my number one is Pan Atelier! One of the best bakeries I have ever been to (in Peru and elsewhere) I love their bakery - and so do locals! With two locations in Lima (one in Miraflores and one in Pueblo Libre near the Museo Larco), we went to the bakery in Pueblo Libre on Mother's Day. We were the only tourists there with almost an hour and a half wait. While waiting for their delicious breakfast (with all the amazing baked goods), I got the only things I needed to tide me over: a coffee and an alfajor. And this was the best.
Granted I have my biases. When I bake alfajores, I use a recipe with a high percentage of corn starch versus flour and a slight hint of lemon zest in the cookie, which a luscious dulce de leche middle. This alfajor was just like my recipe - but even better. So when making this list, it was only natural that Pan Atelier would be top of the list. Make sure to try some of their other goods - I'm a big fan of their focaccia as well!
More Resources and Reach out to Mark!
Do you want more resources? First check out my favorite coffee shops Cusco and my guide to Lima's coolest neighborhood: Barranco! Then - reach out to me!
Mark provides all sorts of info to help your travel needs! This includes specific travel itineraries and planning services. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like customized travel services.
Like this guide? Don't be afraid to say thank you and send a tip!
The home for unique & authentic travel
