Finally the day arrived to start your experience in Peru, you will notice that the visit goes beyond just the tourist places and the world wonder of Machu Picchu. Auri Peru is happy to share with you that Cusco is an emblematic and traditional city that contains living history and the best places that keep traditions are the popular markets in Cusco, places where local people can buy food, supplies, souvenirs, clothing and many other things.
Join us on this tour to find out which are the best markets in Cusco where you will enjoy a delicious meal, an exquisite fruit juice or where you can buy a souvenir that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Markets in Cusco
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1.- GUIDE TO THE BEST MARKETS IN CUSCO
You will find that in the city there is more than one type of market, from the most traditional to some that have become slightly touristy, such as the San Pedro market in Cusco, which is the most representative.
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1.1.- San Pedro Market
The San Pedro market in Cusco is one of the popular markets in Cusco, it is located in the heart of the city and undoubtedly reflects the rich history and culture of the region. Something important to know is that its structure was designed by the same creator of the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel in 1925. This market has a long history that goes back more than 100 years. Since its opening, San Pedro market in Cusco has been a meeting point for locals and a popular destination for visitors looking to immerse themselves in authentic Cusco life. To get here you can do it by walking from the main square (It takes 10 minutes) or with a private transport (It takes 5 minutes).
San Pedro Market
1.1.1.- What days can you visit?
The market is open every day of the week from 06:00 am to 18:00 pm, it is a bustling place full of colors, aromas and flavors. For security reasons, it is advisable not to visit after 17:00 p.m. Upon entering San Pedro market in Cusco, visitors are greeted by a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables grown in the nearby valleys to meats, fish and seafood. There is also a large selection of medicinal herbs, spices, cheeses, breads and dairy products, as well as a section dedicated to local crafts and souvenirs.
1.1.2.- What will you find here?
The San Pedro market is one of the largest markets in Cusco, as it is distributed in different sections that reflect the diversity of products available. There are areas dedicated to the sale of prepared foods, where you can taste delicious traditional Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche, quinoa soup and rocoto Relleno. Other sections include stalls selling fresh juices, artisanal ice cream and typical sweets, as well as a section of restaurants and dining rooms where visitors can enjoy an authentic and affordable meal.
In addition to being a place to buy fresh products and enjoy local food, the San Pedro market is also an important cultural space. Here, visitors can interact with locals, learn about the history and culinary tradition of the region, and discover the diversity of ingredients and products that make Peruvian cuisine unique, which is why it is considered one of the best markets in Cusco more complete and important.
| “Find the origin of the Peruvian flavor, exploring the San Pedro Market”.
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1.2.- San Blas Market
The San Blas market, one of the popular markets in Cusco, considered a place that maintains culture, tradition and commerce in the heart of this historic Peruvian city, is located in the San Blas neighborhood. Its history dates back to colonial times, where market squares served as a center of exchange, meetings and daily life for local communities and travelers who traveled through the region.
San Blas Market
1.2.1.- When can you visit it?
The San Blas market has witnessed the evolution of the city and the persistence of its traditions, it is one of the first markets in Cusco for this reason it has constant daily attention from 6:00 am to 16:00 pm, filling its halls with the bustle of sellers and buyers looking for fresh products, unique crafts and authentic flavors of the region.
1.2.2.- What will you find here?
Upon entering its labyrinthine corridors, visitors are immersed in a world of colors, aromas and sounds characteristic of the markets of Cusco. The distribution of sections reflects the diversity of products offered: from freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to textiles made with ancestral techniques, including medicinal herbs, ceramics and souvenirs.
The San Blas Market is not only a place for commercial transactions, but also a social meeting space where stories, customs and ancestral knowledge are intertwined. Every corner tells a story, every product carries with it the legacy of past generations and the entrepreneurial spirit of those who offer it to the world.
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1.3.- Wanchaq Market
The Wanchaq market is located in the Wanchaq district – Cusco. It is one of the main markets in Cusco due to its easy-access location for people who live near the historic center. Although it is one of the smallest markets in Cusco, Wanchaq not only supplies local residents with a wide variety of fresh produce, crafts and daily consumer goods, but also attracts visitors from all over the world looking to immerse themselves in the authenticity of Cusco life.
1.3.1.- When can you visit it?
The good part about the markets in Cusco is that they are almost always open and this is also the case of the Wanchaq market which is open every day of the week. You can visit it every day at its 2 schedules, from 08:00 am to 13:00 pm and from 14:00 pm to 17:00 pm. This constant vitality allows visitors and locals to enjoy the experience of exploring its halls and stalls at any time.
1.3.2.- What will you find here?
At the Wanchaq market, one of the most lively and representative places in Cusco, visitors can find a wide range of products ranging from fresh foods and locally grown agricultural products, to traditional crafts, textiles, medicinal herbs and a variety of other articles. In addition to stocking up on fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy, shoppers can browse textile stalls where colorful wool and cotton fabrics are displayed. Typical products of Peruvian gastronomy are also offered, such as giant corn known as “choclo”, native potatoes and a variety of local spices. The Wanchaq Market is a meeting point where tradition, culture and the daily life of the city converge, offering visitors an authentic and memorable experience.
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1.4.- Huancaro Market
The Huancaro market is also one of the markets in Cusco, however this is a vibrant epicenter of local life and Cusco culture. Located in the Santiago district, this market is much more than just a shopping place; It is a reflection of the rich cultural diversity and historical heritage of the region. At the beginning. The Huancaro Market has been a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Here, colors, aromas and sounds mix in a unique sensory experience.
Huancaro Market
1.4.1.- When can you visit it?
You can visit it any day of the week between 04:00 am to 17:00 pm, generally Sunday is the busiest day because new products arrive and it is the main day where people make complete purchases for the entire week. However, there is a time of year, during the month of June, when a fair is held where there is much more attendance of visitors, accompanied by music, food, rides and much more, celebrating the Cusco’s month.
1.4.2.- What can you buy here?
Its streets are full of stalls offering an infinite variety of fresh products: tropical fruits, exotic vegetables, aromatic herbs and spices that awaken the senses. Likewise, there are also others that offer processed objects such as yogurt, honey, cookies and countless other products.
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1.5.- Vinocanchon Market
The Vinocanchón market is a hidden gem among all the markets in Cusco that offers an authentic experience of local life and Andean culture. Located in the San Jerónimo district, this market is a must-see destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of Cusco.
Vinocanchon Market
1.5.1.- When can you visit it?
From the early hours of the morning, the Vinocanchón Market comes to life with the constant activity of sellers and buyers who move through its narrow aisles from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 17:00 pm. Here, visitors are greeted by an explosion of colors from the fresh fruits, vegetables, aromatic herbs and flowers that fill the stalls.
1.5.2.- What will you find here?
As customers wander through the aisles of the market, they are seduced by the tantalizing aromas of Peruvian cuisine. Food stalls offer a wide variety of traditional dishes, from the famous ceviche to tasty quinoa soup. The more adventurous can try local delicacies such as baked guinea pig or stuffed rocoto, while sweet lovers can enjoy desserts such as rice with milk.
2.- MY VISIT TO THE SAN PEDRO MARKET:
“When I found out that the place where I was walking around was made by the same person who built the Eiffel Tower, I felt a pleasant sensation and continued exploring with my guide the beautiful San Pedro market in Cusco.”
3.- SOME TIPS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN VISITING THE MARKETS IN CUSCO:
Before setting out on your adventure, consider following these tips to ensure that your visit to the markets in Cusco is fun but also safe:
- Don’t buy at first glance: If you see something that catches your attention, first check the same product in other stores, to also compare prices.
- Carry a bag with you: When shopping it is uncomfortable to carry them in your hand, so if you can carry a bag or backpack it will make your day easier.
- Take care of your belongings: Like all places in the world, there are places where problems can occur, so before entering one of the markets in Cusco, make sure to close the bags and pockets of your backpack tightly.
- Do your research in advance: If you are looking for something very specific, make sure you first find out where they sell it. It is important that you understand that not all markets sell the same thing.
- Enjoy to the fullest: If you want to stop worrying about everything and just focus on learning and having fun, you can contact Auri Peru. We have incredible options for you that include visiting the markets in Cusco and then unique activities.
On your visit to each of the markets in Cusco you will not only be able to find fruits, vegetables or objects. You will find tradition and living culture for generations. Remember that Auri Peru has personalized experiences for you, contact us now.
“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret.”
