Cafe Ayllu: A classic coffee shop in Cusco
December 29, 2009
Although it sadly no longer exists, it’s nice to be reminded of the once iconic Cafe Ayllu of Cusco, thanks to photographer Scott Vanthoff.
The Cafe Ayllu has been serving the hungry of Cusco for 38 years now. I have been going there for over 20 of them and it hasn’t changed. It still is the best cafe in Cusco. Its location smack bang on the plaza with it’s huge windows allow for a fine view where you can sit and enjoy what is happening outside, while partaking in fine drinks and food. It is famous for it’s baked custard and hot chocolate, but all of its pastries are good and the pancakes with fruit and honey absolutely delicious.
The Ayllu still with its original furniture, service and food.
Its prices are local prices so you are not paying the tourist premium you do in many other places on the plaza. The Ayllu is where all the intellectual and arty set in Cusco go to hangout. Often jam packed even at 10pm at night it is definitely a must visit place if you are heading to Cusco. Just order a coffee and my favorite treat an alfajor (a large shortbread biscuit with caramelised condensed milk inside)… Kick back and watch the world go by.
Sadly the Ayllu no longer exists – there’s a Starbucks there now – but thanks to photos and blogs like those of Scott, this little cafe lives on in memory.
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Nice post. It’s a pity that Starfucks took over the place. Thanks for sharing this photo!
I think you may have a typo there… oh no wait, that looks fine.
I was just in Cusco yesterday and had hot chocolate at a cafe called Cafe Ayllu, except it wasn’t located in the Plaza de Armas, instead it was located on Av. Santa Clara or San Pedro (I can’t recall which).
I don’t know if this is run by the original owners or not but the cafe was fairly small in comparison to the photo from this article of the old cafe.
That sounds like wonderful news. Hopefully it’s run by the same owners. I’d love if someone were able to find out.
StarFucks indeed.
Or CharBucks ( their coffee is way over roasted ).
How could the local authorities let this happen ?
And how could they let McDonald on the Plaza de Armas ?
And how could they let McDo’s green municipal trashbins appear on the Plaza de Armas with that horrific yellow “M” and something to the effect of “limpiar la ciudad” below it ?
They are the ones who are responsible for the trash problem in the first place !
Come on, Cusco… wake up and boycott !
hello ,
cafe ayllu still exists , they had to move , but reopened at the following adresses , they have 2 coffe bars now ,
ayllu principal
calle almagro 133
ayllu sucursal
calle marques 263
cafeayllu@gmail.com
great place for a good cofee ,
greetings
peter
I’m going back to Cusco this fall for the first time in a few years, and I find the single thing I’m steeling myself for most is the idea that there’s a Starbucks where El Ayllu should be — was, all my life. I was not yet 5 when I first went there in the 1970s. It is one of the most salient sets of memories of my childhood — all the years of breakfasts there. And how shockingly few pictures I ever took of the place. Thank you for this one.