Beer in Cusco: craft beer, Cusqueña and chicha de jora

Cusco has a long relationship with beer, though not always the kind you'd expect. Before industrial beers arrived, people in the Andes were already drinking chicha de jora, a fermented corn drink still made in neighbourhood chicherías. Then came Cusqueña, a beer born in the city and now sold all over Peru. And in recent years a small craft beer scene with Andean ingredients has blossomed. This guide covers all three sides of Cusco beer and where to try them. We only name places we've confirmed are still open, with their area: check opening times before you go.

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Chicha de jora: the ancestral drink

Chicha de jora is made from germinated corn (jora), boiled and left to ferment for days. The result is a cloudy, slightly sour, low-alcohol drink. In Inca times it was ceremonial and offered to Pachamama; today it's still the drink of popular fiestas and picantería lunches.

Traditional chicherías are recognised by a pole with a plastic bag or red flowers hanging at the door, a sign that fresh chicha is available. They're usually in residential neighbourhoods and Sacred Valley villages. There's also "frutillada", chicha mixed with strawberry, very refreshing.

• Cusco picanterías and chicherías: eat like a local
• Pachamama in August: offerings to Mother Earth in Cusco

Cusqueña: the city's beer

Cusqueña was born in Cusco in the early 20th century, and its label features an Inca wall. Today it belongs to a large brewing group and is produced in several plants around the country, but it remains a Cusco symbol. It comes in several versions: golden, dark, red and wheat. You'll find it in every restaurant and shop.

Cristal is also very common in Cusco, and at fiestas people drink beer from large bottles shared in a round with a single glass, a tradition that surprises many visitors.

Craft beer in Cusco

Cervecería del Valle Sagrado

One of the region's pioneering craft breweries. Its brewery is in the Sacred Valley, in the Pachar area near Ollantaytambo, and in the city it has a taproom on Calle Espaderos, steps from the Plaza de Armas, on a second floor. It offers a wide range of styles, from light beers to IPAs and dark beers, plus tasting flights to try several. Some use local ingredients.

Cervecería Andhara

On Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, home of the famous twelve-angled stone, in a hidden courtyard. Craft beer brewed with local ingredients in a relaxed setting. A good stop on your way up to San Blas.

• San Blas, Cusco's artisan quarter: what to see, viewpoints and tips

Andean ingredients in beer

Many Peruvian craft breweries experiment with local ingredients:

• Quinoa and kiwicha: Andean grains that add body.
• Purple corn: adds colour and a touch of sweetness.
• Coca: some beers include infused coca leaf.
• Fruit: golden berry, passion fruit or tumbo, for acidity.
• Muña: an aromatic Andean herb similar to mint.

Ask the staff which beers use regional produce: they're usually the most interesting.

How to order and toast like a local

• In Peru beer is colloquially called "chela". Asking for "una chelita" will make the waiter smile.
• Large bottles (around 620 ml) are the norm for sharing; ask for glasses for everyone.
• You can ask for it "helada" (cold) or "al tiempo" (room temperature); many locals prefer it al tiempo because of the cold.
• To toast, say "¡salud!" while looking people in the eye.
• In groups it's customary to pour for others before yourself.

Beer and altitude

Alcohol hits harder at 3,400 metres. In your first days, drink in moderation and alternate with water. If you're planning a hike or an early excursion the next day, save the tasting for another time. One light beer with a meal usually sits better than several at night.

• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do

Beer in the Sacred Valley

If you visit Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, you'll find craft breweries and village chicherías in the valley. It's a good way to end a day of ruins. Remember not to drive after drinking and arrange your transport back to Cusco in good time.

• Sacred Valley of the Incas: what to see and how to visit
• Ollantaytambo: ruins, a living Inca town, the Machu Picchu train and tips
• Cusco to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo: colectivo, taxi, tour and train

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).