Is there a Machu Picchu restaurant to eat at while visiting this legendary historic site?
One of the top spots in Peru. Almost every tourist heads there on their trip. Because of its fame as a must-see place. So lots wonder if there’s a restaurant for eating when visiting Machu Picchu. And what the best eating choices are there.
In this guide we’ll check if there’s a Machu Picchu restaurant. Also if eating is allowed inside the actual ancient ruins. We’ll answer key questions later in our FAQ part.
Quick answer: no restaurant right inside the Machu Picchu ruins. Rules exist to stop damage or effects on the old archaeological spot.
But there’s something called “Machu Picchu restaurant” just outside the ruins. That’s the closest we can say. The Tinkuy Restaurant sits outside the park entry. It’s part of the fancy Belmond Hotel group. There you eat a buffet lunch only steps from the Machu Picchu entry. They serve Peruvian dishes and ones inspired by international stuff.
There’s also the Machu Picchu Snack Bar. Outside the main gate. Buy light cold and hot snacks there. Drinks too. For a cheaper budget than the luxury Tinkuy above. Both work for a fast bite during your Machu Picchu hike. So you don’t wander hungry!
Hey, but is Tinkuy worth it? Not sure, maybe if you want that close view. Prices can hit hard.
If those two don’t appeal. Or you want to try elsewhere. Then other dining spots exist for your Machu Picchu trip. Most restaurants and eateries are in Aguas Calientes town. The main spot for trips there. About a 20-minute bus ride down from Machu Picchu.
You find all sorts of restaurants there. Gives better choice than just the two next to Machu Picchu. This covers real Peruvian places offering usual dishes like papa a la huancaína. Ceviche too. Or lomo saltado. Plus international spots serving from Italian food to Mexican.
Maybe try something like Tree House for andean fusion vibes. Or Full House for more options. Watch out for tourist prices, they jump up suddenly!
Below we answer common questions about if there’s a Machu Picchu restaurant. Plus other important stuff you need to know.
Can You Eat In Machu Picchu?
Strictly no eating inside Machu Picchu. Or bringing food items in while exploring the archaeological site. To avoid litter and harm to the place. Not mess with local plants and animals inside. They check bags when you visit the park gate. Break rules and rangers or guards might kick you out. Follow it to enjoy the site and keep it safe.
If hungry right before or after your visit. Nice to know options beyond your own snacks from Aguas Calientes. For saving cash, eat at Machu Picchu Snack Bar. It has various cold hot snacks and drinks. Also the fancy Tinkuy Restaurant from Belmond chain. Provides luxury buffet.
Right outside the Machu Picchu entry gate, clean modern toilets. Perfect before you check out the New Seventh Wonder of the World. Small fee of 2 soles. Around 0.50 USD. Key to know no toilets inside the archaeological site. Go quick if needed before you visit.
And that’s it for this guide on if there’s a Machu Picchu restaurant.
Visiting Machu Picchu is a must on any Peru trip. But its far-off location raises questions on food options when at the site. Luckily a couple different eating spots right outside the ruins. Based on your budget and likes. While tons more eating choices 30 minutes away in nearby Aguas Calientes town.
Ready to finally check out the amazing wonder Machu Picchu? Book our overnight Machu Picchu tour now. Where all transport, trains, site visit ticket and hotel stay included. Plus our local expert guide gives you private tour around the ruins as extra.
Wait, does the tour cover snacks? Doubt it, better check.