A produced show vs. what you'll see on the street
The Tunupa folk show vs. Cusco's street performers: what's actually different
Plaza de Armas has both a produced dinner show and informal street musicians — here's how they differ.
See Cusco Folk Show dates on GetYourGuide ↗Tunupa show vs. street performers, compared
| Tunupa dinner show | Street performers | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A produced, seated programme with dinner | Informal, unscheduled busking around the square |
| Reliability | A booked, guaranteed seating and programme | Depends entirely on who's out and when |
| Best for | A guaranteed evening of dinner plus a full dance programme | A free, casual taste of street music while sightseeing |
Two different ways to hear Andean music in Cusco
Plaza de Armas has genuine street musicians playing panpipes and charango on any given evening, alongside Tunupa's scheduled, produced dinner-and-show format — both are real, but they're not the same experience.
Which one should you choose?
If you want a guaranteed seat, a full dinner and a structured programme of songs and regional dances, book Tunupa. If you're happy with whatever's happening informally while you explore the square, street performers cost nothing and need no booking — some visitors enjoy both on the same trip.
Still deciding on dates?
Leave your email and roughly when you're travelling — we'll send a short rundown of how to choose the right ticket and how far ahead to book.