Huacatay
A hidden garden restaurant in the heart of Urubamba.
- Address: Jr. Arica 620, Urubamba
- District: Urubamba (Valle Sagrado)
- Cuisine: Creative Peruvian
- Chef / group: Chef Pio Vasquez
El Huacatay is an elevated Peruvian restaurant set in a converted colonial house with a garden courtyard in Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, roughly an hour and a half from Cusco city. Chef Pio Vasquez builds the menu around fresh produce from local farms, blending Peruvian tradition with Asian and Mediterranean touches. Trout and alpaca carpaccio are standout starters, alongside comforting dishes such as chicken curry and quinoa soup, with solid vegetarian choices. The garden setting stands apart from typical tourist restaurants, and it is a favorite lunch or dinner stop for travelers overnighting in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba and Yucay) rather than staying in Cusco city. El Huacatay ranked #6 among the best restaurants of Cusco at the Premios Summum 2026. It is at Jr. Arica 620, Urubamba and is open daily except Sunday, usually from about 12:30 to 8 pm.
Why we chose it
- Well-reviewed, elevated dining option for guests staying overnight in the Sacred Valley
- Distinctive garden-courtyard setting that stands apart from typical tourist restaurants
- Menu balances familiar Peruvian classics with lighter, produce-driven dishes
- Useful recommendation to pair with a Sacred Valley itinerary (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray)
Highlights
- Located in Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley — not in Cusco city
- Garden courtyard setting inside a restored colonial-era house
- Menu fuses Peruvian ingredients with Asian and Mediterranean influences
- Signature trout and alpaca carpaccio, plus solid vegetarian choices
- A well-regarded stop for travelers based in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba/Yucay area)
- #6 among the best restaurants of Cusco, Premios Summum 2026
Ideal for
- guests staying in the Sacred Valley
Practical information
- Hours
- Daily except Sunday, approximately 12:30pm-8pm; closed Sundays
- Good to know
- El Huacatay is at Jr. Arica 620, Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley.
- Tips
- Plan it as a lunch stop on a Sacred Valley day, between Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Huacatay in Cusco city?
No — this is an important distinction: El Huacatay is located in Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley, roughly an hour and a half from Cusco city. It's best recommended to travelers staying in or passing through Urubamba, not as a Cusco-city dinner option.
What kind of food does El Huacatay serve?
A Peruvian menu with Asian and Mediterranean touches, built around fresh, locally sourced produce — highlights include trout and alpaca carpaccio, chicken curry, and quinoa soup, with vegetarian dishes available.
Is it good for dinner or just lunch?
It operates for both, and its garden-courtyard setting works well for either a relaxed lunch between Sacred Valley stops or a quieter evening meal.
How did El Huacatay do at the Premios Summum 2026?
It ranked #6 among the best restaurants of Cusco.
What are the signature starters?
Trout and alpaca carpaccio, followed by comforting dishes such as chicken curry and quinoa soup.
Does it have vegetarian options?
Yes, the menu includes solid vegetarian choices built on produce from local farms.