Picantería La Capitana — Restaurant in Cayma

After doing the Colca Canyon 2 day trek with my friend, we were both starving and agreed to try out one of Arequipa’s famous picanterías. Our hostel manager recommended this one and we could not turn down the much more affordable pricing and local feel of this place compared to some others.

My friend ordered the doble (4 “small” plates of food that she ended up having to take home bc it was so much) and I ordered the Matasquita de Panza (stewed tripe) which had a really lovely flavor but interesting texture as one would imagine. The portions were HUGE I could not finish my dish either.

The waiter was very helpful in explaining and recommending different dishes to us!! The overall vibe was very cool and we were the only tourists in the restaurant which is something I look for - you KNOW...

Delicious traditional food at excellent prices. Menu changes everyday and cost S/17.50. You need to queue to visit (We arrived at 11:40 and we got table, after 13:00 you could see the queues inside and outside). Our favorite dishes were "Rocoto Relleno" (with "Pastel de papa") and chicha. A lot of local where here and this is always a great indicator. Minus are that you only can pay with cash and service can take a while due is very full, waitress try to do their best. A must to visit if you go...

Went for lunch as is the typical opening times of picanterias at around 2pm, it was busy with a line outside almost exclusively of locals but it moved quickly and we were seated in 15 minutes. Small menu of local Peruvian foods, it was recommended by a Arequipa resident for the Guinea pig (cuy) which is what I went to try. We also got the prawn soup which was great and a couple of large beers. Prices were very reasonable, including the helado from the stall in the courtyard which is...