Do you want to experience Cusco in a different way? Start by exploring its markets. Every stall, every experience, and every detail in the markets in Cusco will bring you closer to the cultural heart of the city. In this blog you will discover the 5 most visited markets in Cusco: how to get there, what to see in each one, and other interesting facts you’re probably wondering about.
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The markets in Cusco are safe and easy to visit on your own. Go ahead and explore them!
The main markets in Cusco
San Pedro Market – The Heart of Cusco
In the Top 1 is the San Pedro Market, one of the most traditional and beloved by both locals and visitors. With more than 100 years of history, it is considered the oldest market in Peru and a true cultural icon of the city.
What to see:
The San Pedro Market is spacious and full of life. Along its aisles you will find stalls of typical food, fresh juices, bread, cheese, desserts, clothing, and souvenirs. A single place where all of Cusco comes together.
What to buy:
In the San Pedro Market you will find everything: Andean handicrafts, alpaca textiles, silver jewelry, medicinal herbs, local spices, Cusco cacao chocolates, coffee, cheese, traditional breads, and colorful souvenirs. It is the perfect place to take a little piece of Cusco home with you.
Location:
The San Pedro Market is located just a few blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, on Cascaparo Avenue. Its proximity to the historic center makes it an easy and accessible stop for every traveler.
San Blas Market – Art and Tradition in Every Corner
The San Blas Market is the second most visited in Cusco and is located in the most charming neighborhood of the city. Famous for its bohemian and artistic atmosphere, here art, tradition, and local gastronomy come together.
What to see:
You will find stalls with typical food, workshops of local artisans, small galleries, and murals that fill the place with color.
What to buy:
It is ideal for purchasing original handicrafts, silver jewelry, ceramic pieces, alpaca textiles, and local paintings. In addition, this market is famous for offering some of the most delicious breakfasts in Cusco: don’t miss its special sandwiches, including the popular “Machu Picchu” and “Huayna Picchu,” true delicacies that delight every traveler.
Location:
It is located in the San Blas neighborhood, just a 10-minute walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. It is a small market but full of charm, easy to visit during a stroll through the area.
Wanchaq Market – An Authentic Local Market
Although it is a bit far from the historic center, it is one of the most traditional markets in Cusco, little visited by tourists and very popular with locals. An ideal space to get to know the daily life of the city.
What to see:
The Wanchaq Market is one of the busiest places for the inhabitants of Cusco. Its aisles are filled with stalls of fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers, traditional herbs, juice stands, and more.
What to buy:
The highlight is the fresh and seasonal fruits, which come directly from the nearby valleys. It is the perfect place to taste Andean flavors such as cherimoya, granadilla, or lúcuma. In addition, prices are affordable for everyone.
Location:
The Wanchaq Market is located on Garcilaso Avenue, about a 15-minute walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Pisac Market – Handicrafts in the Sacred Valley
The Pisac Market is one of the most picturesque and attractive markets in Cusco for those who visit the Sacred Valley. It combines the daily life of the locals with a wide variety of handicrafts and unique souvenirs from Cusco and Peru.
What to see:
Its streets and stalls display textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and local products, especially on Sundays when the market reaches its greatest splendor.
What to buy:
It is famous for its handicrafts: alpaca textiles, decorated ceramics, silver jewelry, and unique souvenirs from Peru. You can also find fresh fruits and agricultural products that come directly from the nearby valleys.
Location:
The Pisac Market is located in the main square of the town of Pisac, about 40 minutes by car from the city of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Chinchero Market – Textiles and Ancestral Culture
The Chinchero Market is the ideal place to appreciate the Andean textile tradition and discover unique handmade pieces, each with designs that convey the history and culture of the Andes.
What to see:
It is common to see women in traditional clothing performing natural dye demonstrations and presenting their colorful textiles in an authentic setting.
What to buy:
The main attraction is the textiles: blankets, scarves, chullos, and tapestries handmade with alpaca and sheep wool. You can also find small handicrafts and Andean souvenirs.
Location:
The Chinchero Market is located in the town of Chinchero, about 30 kilometers from Cusco, on the route to the Sacred Valley.
Tips for visiting the markets in Cusco
- Visit early: Markets are busier in the mornings, with more fresh products and a local atmosphere.
- Bring cash: Many stalls do not accept cards, so it is advisable to carry bills and coins in soles, the local currency.
- Ask and compare: Before buying handicrafts or textiles, walk through several stalls. Prices can vary quite a bit.
- Negotiate with respect: Bargaining is common, but always do it with courtesy and valuing the artisanal work.
- Taste local products: Don’t miss trying fresh juices, seasonal fruits, or a typical dish at the food stalls.
How to get to the markets from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
From Cusco’s Plaza de Armas you can easily reach three main markets located in the city: San Pedro, San Blas, and Wanchaq, all accessible on foot or with a short transfer.
- Plaza de Armas to San Pedro Market: The San Pedro Market is very close to the Plaza de Armas, about a 10-minute walk. Walking is the best option, as along the way you can appreciate the colonial architecture and the traditional streets of Cusco.
- Plaza de Armas to San Blas Market: The San Blas Market is about a 10–12 minute walk. From the Plaza de Armas you can go up Cuesta de San Blas Street until you reach the neighborhood where the market is located.
- Plaza de Armas to Wanchaq Market: The Wanchaq Market is a little further away, about a 15–20 minute walk. The most direct route is to take Avenida El Sol south, walking straight until you reach Garcilaso Avenue, where the market is located.
On the other hand, to visit the Pisac and Chinchero markets it is necessary to take a car or tourist transport, as they are located in the Sacred Valley at a greater distance.
What to bring to the markets in Cusco
- Camera or charged cellphone.
- Cash in soles.
- Reusable bag or backpack.
- Comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Water.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about the Markets in Cusco
- Is it safe to visit the markets in Cusco?
Yes, the markets in Cusco are safe and frequented by both locals and tourists. There is a family-friendly and lively atmosphere, although as in any crowded place, it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings.
- When is the best time to visit the markets in Cusco?
The best time to visit the markets is early, between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Can you pay with a card in the markets in Cusco?
Most stalls in the markets of Cusco do not accept cards. It is advisable to bring cash in soles, especially small bills and coins. Although some handicraft or souvenir stalls may accept cards.
- What typical dishes should I try in the markets in Cusco?
In the markets of Cusco you will find a wide variety of typical dishes. Some recommended ones are chicharrón with mote, traditional soups such as chicken broth, the Cusco tamale, and fresh juices made from Andean fruits. Everything is offered at affordable prices and in an authentic local atmosphere.
- Is it possible to visit Pisac and Chinchero on the same day?
Yes, it is possible to visit Pisac and Chinchero in the same day, since both are on the Sacred Valley route. The most recommended way is to do it with an organized tour to optimize time and enjoy their markets and main attractions at ease.
An Experience You Will Never Forget in Cusco
Visiting the markets in Cusco is one of the most authentic ways to connect with the local culture and discover another side of the city. In every aisle you will find colors, flavors, and traditions that show the daily life of the Cusqueños, making your trip a much more complete experience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to live this experience on your next trip to Peru.
Traveling is about discovering, learning, and creating unforgettable memories, and Peru is the perfect destination for all of that. Its landscapes, history, and culture make every experience unique, filled with moments that will change your life.
We invite you to explore our Peru packages. Your experience in Peru is just one step away. Contact us now and start living the unique adventure you’ve always dreamed of.
More information:
- Visit our English website: Peru Grand Travel
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