How would you like to try a Peruvian tradition? How about trying our Cuy Tour otherwise known as the guinea pig Tour. Yes, that’s correct, here in Cusco we eat guinea pig and we love it!
Guinea pigs were originally bred for their meat in the Andes around Cusco. Traditionally, the Cuy was reserved for ceremonial meals and is a delicacy for indigenous people in the Andes, but since the 1960s, it has become more socially acceptable to be eaten by everyone and on any occasion.
Whilst in the area of Tipon, the capital of Cuy dinning we shall take a visit to Oropesa.
Oropesa is a small bread town famous for its bread-making skills. This bread can only be produced here because of the minerals in the water used. Many other towns have tried to copy this delicious bread, but all have failed. In Oropesa, we will visit a traditional bread making bakery and try some delicious bread.
If Cuy isn’t for you, then we also have a choice of fish or a pork dish.
Don’t want to go by local bus? we have an option for a private car too.
We will pick you up from your hotel/hostel
Drop off will be around the Plaza de Armas
Departure time will be at 9 am where we will head to the local bus stop and catch a bus heading to Oropesa.
Our Cuy Tour is a day full of local experiences, from riding the local bus to a local village outside of Cusco to trying a local traditional dish. On top of local experiences, we will also explore Oropesa.
The tour begins with a trip to Oropesa where we visit a local bakery, try some delicious pieces of bread, a small walk to the beautiful plaza before heading to Tipon to explore a local Cuy farm. At the Cuy farm you will be taken on a tour to explore the process or having a Cuy farm. Then we will retire to the restaurant area where your Cuy will be served.
We’ll start the Cuy Tour from your hostel/hotel where your guide will come and meet you. We shall then head to the local bus stop to catch a local bus heading for Oropesa.
Once we arrive in Oropesa we will head to a local bakery preparing local loaves of bread. The bread here is very special because it can only be made here. Many other towns have tried to copy the bread but it isn’t possible to get the same taste and texture due to the minerals in the local water.
After we have seen and tasted the bread we will take a short 10 minutes to walk to the beautiful plaza where we can relax and take photos.
Private car option available.
After we have finished exploring Oropesa head towards Tipon. Tipon is a famous small town known for its fresh Cuy. In Tipon you can find many Cuyarias offering traditional Cuy.
We head up the hills in Tipon to a special Cuy farm, where we will be shown around the Cuy farm and learn how the Cuy are raised before being served.
After exploring the Cuy farm, you will sit down in the restaurant area and enjoy your Cuy dish. Apart from Cuy, we can also offer a local pork dish or a local fish dish. In the restaurant, we will enjoy views of the mountains across.
After you have enjoyed this delicious traditional Andes dish we will head downhill for 10 minutes to the local bus stop and catch the local bus back to Cusco.
Notes
Because this is a local experience and catching the local bus, you must understand that sometimes the bus is full and we have to wait for the next bus. During non-COVID times busses are packed full with some people standing.
The local busses do not have a time table, so it is a case of waiting for the next bus to come along. Busses normally pass every 15 minutes.
A private car can be selected in the booking options if you decide a local bus isn’t for you.
This tour can be combined with the Huasao tour full a complete full day local experience.
This was a very interesting tour, I kept hearing they eat guinia pig but didn’t quite belive it. The taste of course tastes like chicken, isnt that what everyone says with dishes like this. Well it really does, only a stronger meat. I’m glad I tried Cuy and I would eat it again. It was just us on the tour so we kinda had a private tour which was great.
You can’t come to the Andes and not try Cuy, that’s like coming to Cusco and not seeing Machu Picchu. Fun tour learning about the traditions
Eat like a local they say, it will be fun they say. hmmmmmm cuy wasn’t for me but the trip was nice and i still recommend it for the experience.
Private Cuy Tour just for us, can’t complain. Was great to go out of the city and see the real local way. We had so much fun on this tour and would love to do it again
This isnt a tour you’ll find advertised in the main square of Cusco, it seems like they have created their own Cuy tour and hats off, great idea, great tour, great fun. Everyone, go on this Cuy Tour for a fun day out of the city