La Boulangerie de Paris cafe in Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) is a great stop if you want a quick breakfast or snack before heading to or after visiting Machu Picchu. Unlike most restaurants in Aguas Calientes that offer the same generic pizza or pasta dishes, La Boulangerie brings a fresh breath of air to the town with their offering of authentic French pastries, quiche, panini and decent coffee.
Run by French team Gilles and Nicolas who previously ran the café in the Alliance Francaise in Cusco, they both have years of international experience in the culinary industry and decided to set up something a bit different in Aguas Calientes. They felt that by the time you arrived in Machu Picchu after travelling through Peru most travellers were ready for some international fare, and they were right!
Everything is baked on site fresh every day from the almond croissants to the bread for their sandwiches. Try their delicious chef’s pizza with zucchini, red pepper, onions, olives and smoked ham or something more typical like the ‘Croque Monsieur,’ a French grilled sandwich with béchamel sauce, cheese and ham. For sweets, the chocolate eclairs, strawberry tarts and almond crosissants are a treat and don’t miss their famous hot chocolate made from the recipe of the famous French pastry chef ‘Ladure.’
The cafe itself is simple, decor is minimal with some signs of wear and tear. Service is fast and overall this is a cheerful place to stop for a snack and great French pastries and is definitely one of the best cafes in Aguas Calientes.
Best of Peru Travel Recommends:
- La Boulangerie also offers box lunches for S/.25 (Approx. US$9) which include a sandwich, hard-boiled egg, chocolate and a piece of fruit. They open at 5am and are right next to the bus stop to Machu Picchu so you can call by and pick up your order before heading up to Machu Picchu.
