Gastronomy in Ayacucho

• Qapchi – Potatoes, fresh Andean cheese, pepper, milk, oil, and onion.
• Mondongo – Corn-based soup with pork, red peppers, and mint.
• Puca Picante – Potatoes, beef, peanuts, and beet roots served in a hearty tomato-pepper sauce over white rice.
• Caldo de Cabeza – Literally “head soup.” Sheep’s head stew with rice, potatoes, and mint.
• Adobo Ayacuchano – Casserole of marinated beef with chili and spices.
• Chaplas – Local round, crusty bread, sometimes served with sauco (elderberry).

Where to Eat in Ayacucho

• Centro Turístico San Cristóbal de Huamanga – 28 de Julio 178. A Colonial courtyard with a central fountain has several good outdoor cafés with a variety of themes. Sometimes has entertainment.
• Lalos Café – Light snacks, cake, coffee, pizzas, and wine.
• El Monasterio – Everything Italian. Pizza, pasta, lasagna, calzone, and wine.
• Brisas del Mar – Probably the best seafood option in Ayacucho.
• La Glorieta – Bolognesi 204. An excellent option in the quiet suburb of Santa Ana. You can eat regional specialties like puca picante (fried pork with spicy potatoes), pachamanca (a medley of meats and vegetables cooked under the ground), and mondongo (tripe stew) on their shady outdoor patio.
• La Casona – Bellido 463, Tel: 62-812-733. One of the best restaurants north of the center. Mainly serves regional dishes. Plant-filled stone courtyard with nice views of the moon and stars. Bring your appetite. Portions are far too big. Sometimes full, so call for reservations if you don’t want to wait.

Drinking in Ayacucho

• Magia Negra – 9 de Diciembre 293. My favorite bar in town. It has character. For instance, the ceiling consists of dozens of black umbrellas turned upside down. Very fitting for Ayacucho. They have good pizzas too.
• Maknumba discoteca – Asamblea and Caceres. One of the more upscale discotecas in Ayacucho.

Nicholas Gill (470 Posts)

Writer and photographer Nicholas Gill is the editor/publisher of New World Review. He lives in Lima, Peru and Brooklyn, New York. His work has appeared in publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CondeNast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Afar, and Penthouse. Visit his personal website (nicholas-gill.com) for more information.