The San Pedro Market in Cusco is one of the city’s most vibrant and authentic places. Located just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas, this traditional market serves as a meeting point for locals and tourists looking to experience Cusco’s culture through its gastronomy, handicrafts, and fresh products.
Designed in 1925 by architect Gustave Eiffel, the market is an architectural landmark with its iron roof and spacious walkways, filled with colors, aromas, and sounds that capture the essence of traditional Cusco.
If you're planning to visit San Pedro Market, here’s everything you need to know about its history, what to see, and essential tips to make the most of your experience.
The San Pedro Central Market was built in 1925, during Cusco’s transition into a modern commercial hub. It was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel, best known for the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The market’s iron structure and elevated roof provided a spacious, well-ventilated area, perfect for selling fresh products and handicrafts.
Over the years, San Pedro Market has remained the center of daily life in Cusco. Locals come here to buy fresh food, while tourists enjoy fresh juices and explore traditional Andean products, ranging from coca leaves to handmade textiles.
One of the most popular spots in the market is the fresh juice section. Here, you can find exotic fruit juices made from chirimoya, passion fruit, aguaymanto, and camu camu, freshly prepared by local vendors.
📌 Recommendation: Try the special mixed juice, which combines multiple fruits with honey and pollen.
The market is famous for offering traditional Cusqueñan dishes at affordable prices. Some must-try dishes include:
✔ Caldo de gallina: A hot chicken soup, perfect for high-altitude conditions.
✔ Chiri uchu: A traditional dish with guinea pig, chicken, cheese, and toasted corn.
✔ Lomo saltado: Stir-fried beef with fries and rice.
✔ Rocoto relleno: Spicy stuffed pepper with meat and vegetables.
📌 Tip: Start your day with a traditional Cusqueñan breakfast, including pan chuta (local bread) and a hot cup of coffee.
In this area, you’ll find Cusco’s famous bread varieties, such as pan chuta from Oropesa, known for its sweet flavor and fluffy texture. Also, you can buy fresh cheeses from the region, perfect for an Andean-style breakfast.
San Pedro Market is one of the best places to discover Andean medicinal plants, used by indigenous communities for centuries. Some popular herbs include:
✔ Coca leaves: Helps relieve altitude sickness.
✔ Muña: Aids digestion.
✔ Chamomile flowers: Natural relaxant.
✔ Cat’s claw (uña de gato): Known for boosting the immune system.
📌 Fun Fact: Many of these herbs are used in traditional Andean medicine and spiritual ceremonies.
If you’re looking for souvenirs from Cusco, the market has an incredible selection of handmade crafts. Here, you can find:
✔ Ponchos and chullos (wool hats) made from alpaca wool.
✔ Traditional dance masks.
✔ Colorful Andean textiles.
✔ Musical instruments like panpipes and quenas.
📌 Tip: When shopping at the market, bargain respectfully, as prices are often negotiable.
✔ Bring cash: Most vendors do not accept credit cards.
✔ Try the juices and local dishes: They’re fresh, delicious, and budget-friendly.
✔ Be mindful of your belongings: Like any busy market, keep an eye on valuables.
✔ Buy fresh produce early: The best selection of fruits and vegetables is available in the morning.
✔ Talk to the vendors: They are friendly and happy to explain the benefits of Andean products.
Absolutely yes! The San Pedro Market in Cusco offers an authentic and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, taste traditional food, and discover unique Andean products.
If you visit Cusco, this market is a must-see destination to experience everyday life in Cusco and take home a piece of its rich culture.
📍 Location: Calle Cascaparo, 5-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.
🕒 Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
💰 Entrance: Free.
📌 Have you visited San Pedro Market? Share your experience in the comments!
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