Look, we get it. You didn’t fly all the way to the Andes just to eat American fast food. You came for the world-class ceviche, the hearty lomo saltado, and the legendary Andean flavors. But after a long day of conquering high-altitude trails, sometimes the soul demands one thing: a massive, juicy burger. Luckily, Cusco’s culinary magic doesn’t stop at traditional dishes. From gourmet wood-fired beef to local seasoned alpaca patties paired with native Andean potatoes, the imperial city serves up some serious comfort food. If you’re craving a taste of home with a spectacular high-altitude twist, here is your ultimate guide to the absolute best burgers in Cusco.Peruvian food is known worldwide, for example its amazing ceviche and typical local dishes. But not only Peruvian food is on the menu. Peru has amazing food in every variety you can imagine. When traveling most crave a little taste of home, so here are the best burgers in Cusco for you to enjoy.
The Cheap Eats (Maximum Flavor on a Budget)
Expect to pay between S/.15 and S/.25 ($4 – $7 USD) for a full meal.
Chakruna Native Burgers
The Price: S/.18 – S/.24 ($5 – $7 USD)
Why it’s a steal: This is the ultimate budget champion. For around 20 soles, you get a handmade burger infused with Andean herbs, a side of 5 varieties of native potato wedges, and a local drink included.
Location: Plazoleta de San Blas 699
Red Llama
The Price: S/.15 – S/.22 ($4 – $6 USD)
Why it’s a steal: Incredibly pocket-friendly prices for a great, juicy patty. Just remember their signature twist: no fries here! Your burger comes with a side of crunchy, satisfying crisps/chips.
Location: Calle Choquechaka 233
JC’s Cafe
The Price: S/.18 – S/.25 ($5 – $7 USD)
Why it’s a steal: A tiny, cozy backpacker favorite that serves massive, fresh portions with perfectly seasoned fries for a fraction of Plaza prices.
Location: Calle Meloc 438
Burgers with Family (Comfortable, Great Service & Central)
Expect to pay between S/.26 and S/.35 ($7 – $10 USD) per burger.
Papachos
The Price: S/.26 – S/.35 ($7 – $10 USD) without fries, or S/.31 – S/.38 ($8 – $11 USD) with a side of native fries.
Why it fits: Owned by legendary chef Gastón Acurio, these are large, premium gourmet fusion burgers. A classic hamburger or cheeseburger sits comfortably right around 31 to 35 soles, making it fantastic family value for the quality.
Location: Portal de Panes 115 (Plaza de Armas)
Norton Rat’s Tavern
The Price: S/.25 – S/.32 ($7 – $9 USD)
Why it fits: Straightforward, classic pub-style beef burgers with fries. It’s casual, has big tables for the family, and won’t break the bank.
Location: Portal de Carrizos 116 (Plaza de Armas)
Burgers with Beer (Great Craft Brews & Night Vibes)
Expect to pay between S/.30 and S/.42 ($8 – $12 USD) for a burger (excluding drinks).
Hanz Craft Beer
The Price: S/.32 – S/.40 ($9 – $11 USD)
Why it fits: A perfectly executed pub-style burger. While it sits on the slightly higher end for a classic burger, the price includes a premium experience: free craft beer tastings, endless water, hot towels, and a complimentary chocolate dessert.
Location: Portal de Carnes 216 (Plaza de Armas)
Toro Burgers & Craft Beer
The Price: S/.28 – S/.38 ($8 – $10 USD)
Why it fits: Big, satisfying burgers with thin McDonald’s-style crispy fries. Prices vary depending on your choice of meat (beef, chicken, or alpaca).
Location: Calle Meloc 422
Paddy’s Irish Pub
The Price: S/.30 – S/.38 ($8 – $10 USD)
Why it fits: Massive, thick, pub-style comfort burgers designed to be washed down with a cold Irish stout or local craft pint on tap.
Location: Calle Triunfo 124 (Plaza de Armas)
The Posh Burger Places (Gourmet Ingredients & Killer Views)
Expect to pay S/.35 to S/.50+ ($10 – $14+ USD) for premium meats and settings.
Fuego
The Price: S/.35 – S/.45 ($10 – $12 USD)
Why it fits: You are paying for top-tier steakhouse-grade ground beef, flawless execution, and premium seating on a wooden balcony overlooking the main square.
Location: Portal de Panes 111 (Plaza de Armas)
Limbus Restobar
The Price: S/.35 – S/.45 ($10 – $12 USD)
Why it fits: You are paying for top-tier steakhouse-grade ground beef, flawless execution, and premium seating on a wooden balcony overlooking the main square.
Location: Portal de Panes 111 (Plaza de Armas)
The 100% Fully Vegan Spots
If you want to give your readers a spot that is entirely plant-based so they don’t have to worry about cross-contamination with meat grills, add one of these two local favorites:
Chia Vegan Kitchen (Centro)
The Vibe: Cozy, modern, and located just a block and a half off the main Plaza de Armas.
The Burger: They make an incredible Quinoa and Amaranth burger that comes loaded with fresh local vegetables and homemade vegan sauces. It’s a fantastic, quick, and centrally located spot for anyone wanting a clean, healthy, and filling plant-based meal.
Location: Calle Tecsecocha 418
Vida Vegan Bistro
The Vibe: Intimate, highly rated, and charmingly decorated, tucked just a few minutes’ walk up from the main square.
The Burger: They serve a phenomenal, crispy Lentil and Mushroom Burger on artisanal bread, topped with fresh avocado, tomato, and house-made vegan mayo, served alongside perfectly seasoned potato wedges. It has a huge digital footprint online with endless traveler photos proving it’s a staple on their menu.
Location: Calle Palacio 122
Vegan Traveler Note: You don’t have to skip out on burger night if you’re plant-based. Chakruna offers fantastic homemade quinoa, lentil, and chickpea burgers right alongside their meat options. For a 100% fully vegan kitchen, head straight to Green Point or Chia Vegan Kitchen near the center for mind-blowing plant-based patties that will satisfy anyone.
The Best of the Best: 4 Standout Cusco Burgers
No matter what kind of burger experience you’re chasing, Cusco has a specific champion waiting for you. If you are eager to step outside your comfort zone and try a unique local meat, there is a clear frontrunner for an unforgettable alpaca patty. If your soul is simply demanding a perfectly executed cheeseburger, a no-nonsense classic, or a wildly over-the-top culinary challenge, the historic center has a dedicated spot that does it best. Here is exactly where to go based on the specific craving you need to satisfy tonight.
1. The Best Alpaca Burger: Chakruna Native Burgers
While gourmet spots like Organika serve a beautiful plated alpaca tenderloin, Chakruna completely owns the alpaca burger crown online.
- The Consensus: Reviewers rave about the fact that they use actual tender alpaca loin mixed with local Andean herbs. Travelers trying alpaca for the first time continuously mention that it’s perfectly seasoned, juicy, and completely avoids the dry texture that poorly cooked alpaca can sometimes have. The fact that it comes with five varieties of native potato wedges and homemade dipping sauces makes it an unbeatable 10/10 favorite on TripAdvisor and Reddit.
2. The Best Cheeseburger: Fuego
When people online talk about a classic, cheese-smothered, premium burger experience in the center, Fuego takes the top spot.
- The Consensus: Because they operate as a premium steakhouse and smokehouse, their grind quality is exceptional. Reviewers love their flame-grilled beef cheeseburgers because they nailed the basics: thick, incredibly juicy high-grade beef patties, perfectly melted real cheese, and fresh brioche buns that hold up to the juices. Eating it on the balcony overlooking the plaza just seals the deal.
3. The Best Classic Hamburger: Hanz Craft Beer
If you want a pure, traditional, no-nonsense classic hamburger where the meat and execution do all the talking, online reviewers point heavily to Hanz.
- The Consensus: While Hanz is famous for its unmatched hospitality (the hot towels and beer tastings), the food reviews are stellar. Their classic burger is praised for being a perfectly executed, straightforward pub-style hamburger. It skips the gimmicks and focuses on premium, clean beef flavor, fresh crisp lettuce, tomato, and a great sear.
4. The Most Outrageous Burger to Try: Papachos
Hands down, Papachos is the king of crazy, over-the-top burger creations in Cusco. Because it’s backed by Gastón Acurio, they deliberately try to make the most outrageous, towering fusion burgers possible.
The Consensus: This isn’t just a burger; it’s a culinary experiment. Reviewers talk about burgers stacked high with crispy sweet plantains, fried eggs, thick slices of local fried cheese, massive onion rings, and smoked bacon, all dripping in intense house-made elderberry BBQ sauces or spicy ají amarillo cremas. It’s messy, it’s giant, and it is definitely the “crazy” choice for travelers looking for a food challenge.
Local Tips for Your Cusco Burger Night
- Mind the Altitude: If you’ve just arrived in Cusco, remember that digestion slows down considerably at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). Saving that massive, over-the-top Papachos fusion burger for lunch, or eating an earlier dinner, will save you a sleepless night!
- The Evening Temperature Drop: Bring a light jacket or sweater if you are heading out for an evening meal. Because of Cusco’s high elevation, the temperature drops drastically the exact minute the sun sets behind the mountains.
- Cash vs. Card: While the posh burger spots and larger craft beer bars right on the Plaza de Armas readily accept credit cards, the tiny Cheap Eats like Chakruna or Red Llama prefer cash (Peruvian Soles). Always keep a few 10 or 20-soles notes in your pocket.
