Ponchos Peruvian Kitchen

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Andes Dining at Ponchos was one of the unexpected highlights of my Machu Picchu adventure. Nestled along Av. Imperio de los Incas, this cozy spot blends rustic charm with a touch of elegance, offering a warm welcome after a day of exploring. The menu is a delightful fusion of Peruvian and Italian flavors, with standout dishes like lomo saltado and grilled alpaca stealing the show. Each plate was beautifully presented, and the flavors were bold yet balanced. I especially appreciated the attention to dietary preferences—vegetarian and gluten-free options were available without compromising taste. What truly elevated the experience was the service. Ana went above and beyond, making us feel like honored guests rather than just tourists passing through. Their genuine hospitality and knowledge of the menu added a personal touch that’s rare to find.

The best place we ate on our trip to Peru. I had the gluten-free carbonara pasta option, which was very well served, and my fiancé had the barbecue with alfredo pasta. Both dishes were very well served. We plan on going back for lunch. Luz's service was a plus, very attentive!

Stopped in for dinner after our Machupicchu trek and it was a bit of a disappointment. I ordered the Pulpo/octopus and it was the worst I have ever eaten. I took one bite and sent it back - wild because I’ve literally never done that and would feel like a Karen, typically, but to butcher such a sentient beautiful animal and then absolutely destroy it through overcooking is a bit of a tragedy. It was extremely dense, flavorless, and chewy… kind of like chicken made by someone who is terrified of salmonella, so they cook it until it has a rock-like consistency. My replacement meal was decent, but lacking the fantastic flavor palette I was hoping for. My mother enjoyed her meal, though! On the positive end, the mocktails were creative and delicious and the servers were very friendly and accommodating for a Gluten allergy at our table.