Café Starbucks

Gate-side caffeine fix before Cusco’s early-morning departures

Café Starbucks at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport sits airside in the main departures area, a few minutes’ walk past security toward the gates. It usually opens in the early morning to catch the Lima and Arequipa flights, then runs through the afternoon bank of departures. Expect standard Starbucks branding and menu boards, but in a compact space that feels more grab-and-go than hangout.

Prices run higher than downtown Cusco; a latte or cappuccino often lands around 14–18 PEN, and bottled water or juices climb above supermarket levels. You still get the familiar lineup: espresso drinks, brewed coffee, Frappuccino-style blends, and a small case of pastries, muffins, and sandwiches. It’s one of the few spots at CUZ where you can reliably get a milk-based espresso drink rather than basic filter coffee.

Food is simple but predictable. You’ll usually see croissants, cookies, and pre-made sandwiches in the refrigerated case, plus a few packaged snacks. Quality tracks with typical Peruvian Starbucks outlets, not a full café kitchen. If you’re hungry before a longer Lima or international connection, grab a sandwich and something sweet here and treat it as a backup, not your main meal for the day.

Seating is limited and close to the main passenger flow, so don’t plan on camping here with a laptop for two hours. Power outlets are scarce, and tables turn quickly during the 6:00–9:00 window when multiple flights board at once. Lines can stretch 10–15 minutes in that morning rush, then drop to almost nothing after the first wave departs.

Tip: Order and pay first, then step aside from the counter; baristas call drinks quickly, and you don’t want to miss your name with boarding already showing “último aviso” at the nearby gates.