Are you planning a trip abroad this year and don’t know where to go? This is the question many people ask themselves every year. And with so many options, we know it can be difficult. The options are endless and your final choice will depend on many factors. Among them, are budget, vacation time, and what you want to see.
If you decide on South America, you should include a trip to Peru in your itinerary. The different features of Peru will make your trip unique, from natural landscapes to unique local markets. Join Machu Travel Peru to discover the Cusco tourist map, full of cobblestone streets, Inca walls, and the oldest market in the city.
All you need to know about the San Pedro Market in Cusco
Overview
No visit to the imperial city is complete without going to the famous San Pedro Market in Cusco. This market is an authentic jewel and a reflection of the great culture and traditions that abound in the city.
Exploring San Pedro Market you will realize that you can experience the local culture. The streets become noisy and crowded as they approach this market in Cusco. A place exists where you can find everything you can imagine, from unfamiliar smells to vibrant colors wherever you look. The characteristic noise of the place becomes noticeable as soon as you enter the place.
As you wander through the busy corridors, your eyes cannot help but appreciate the different alpaca ponchos. This is not to mention that you will have to dodge any of the various stalls that will seek to get your attention. Be sure to try some of the different natural juices. The different ladies who sell in the stalls likely try to call you affectionately, but this is normal in Peru.
Keep in mind that in the Andean country, it is essential to know how to haggle, especially inside the market. So if you have the opportunity, be sure to ask if the store prices the products lower. Before exploring the different things to do in Cusco, enjoy a tour of this market.
What to expect from the San Pedro Market
A visit to this iconic Cusco market can take an entire morning or afternoon to explore. But it is a visit that deserves your time, especially if you are only passing through Cusco. Before knowing the different archaeological sites in Cusco, it is a good idea to explore this market. Inside the market, you can expect a bustling atmosphere.
From its smells and spices that will invade your nostrils to the inexhaustible noises. You will be able to hear each of the local ladies fighting for your attention. Many of them will recommend fresh juices or iconic dishes from Peru. It can be quite a chore to get the right prices, so try to haggle whenever you can.
You will notice how many of these stalls sell similar things, so it is all based on who can get your attention first. So the ladies inviting you to look and ask about the products will be common.
What to buy
When you first enter the market, you will find yourself in a space full of colors and visual attractions to buy. The aura that you can distinguish is similar to that seen in the different festivals in Cusco.
The souvenir section has everything. From pens with llamas attached to colored figures tablecloths and pillowcases. This is the place to go if you want to take home an alpaca sweater. There are also interesting hats with ear flaps that are popular with the locals, these are called chullos and they are the most iconic hats in Peru.
Walk a little further inside the market and you will find one of the many costumes used for local dances available. This elaborately decorated clothing will be a talking point at your next dinner party when you hang them on the wall. Be sure to ask about the history of the various traditional clothing and what dance it is generally used for.
How to get the market?
You can get to the market on any of the walking tours in Cusco and we recommend if possible to use a Cusco travel guide. But if you are looking to visit it on your own, from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas it is quite easy to get there.
Just follow the street that runs from the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús to the right side of the Main Square. You have to go to the Convent of La Merced and then continue straight on that same street.
As you cross the Plaza de San Francisco you will find this iconic market in a few steps. It is super easy to get there on foot and due to the traffic, it is often better to walk than to take a taxi. Some tours include a visit to the market with a short walk. It is easy to get there from the Plaza de Armas. Since it is located about 10 minutes southeast of the square.
The market is located in the historic center of the city, it is just one block from the main square of the city. This market is an inviting place to explore and has many interesting areas. As you approach the market in Cusco, you will notice a large number of street food vendors. You can enjoy a classic view of the Imperial City from the outside and a woman in traditional clothing sits and sells products and has numerous stalls.
Food and drinks
You can buy all the souvenirs you need. A little further down, local women sell food at low prices. For a few soles, you can buy lunch for the day. This menu consists of a soup as a starter, a main dish, and a drink to accompany it. The menu features a Peruvian dish, which generally consists of red meat or chicken accompanied by rice. In the morning, you can also have breakfast at the market in Cusco. There is a juice section that you really should try.
You can try every conceivable combination or just come up with your own. It’s a great way to start the day. Along with your juice, try a freshly prepared sandwich and it will fill your belly until lunchtime.
The Andean country is home to some of the healthiest foods in the world. Among them, you can find Peruvian Superfoods that are a healthy fuel for your body. You will find locally grown Quinoa, Maca, and Camu Camu as great examples of exotic fruits and superfoods. Try some of these beans while on vacation in Peru. Also at breakfast time in the market, you will find a wide variety of oatmeal drinks with Quinoa and Maca. These will give you the energy you will need to get through the day.
Do not be fooled
Although being able to shop at the market in Cusco is a great way to help the local economy. But despite this, if the locals see you looking like a foreigner, they may start to raise prices a little. Therefore, do not be ashamed to ask prices in other similar stalls.
Also, something you will notice about Peruvian merchants is that they love the game of haggling. So if you can, ask for a lower price. They will not look at it badly and it is a common way of negotiating in Cusco. Always compare prices and try to get the price that best suits you. But if you can pay a little more, helping the people of Cusco is not bad either.
In the Mercado de San Pedro, you will find a large number of clothes for sale. From sweaters, scarves, hats, and other clothing made with alpaca and llama wool. Besides, you will also find other types of souvenirs such as pens, key chains, dolls, and magnets with typical decorations of our country. Keep in mind that bargaining for prices or looking for market offers is not frowned upon in Peruvian markets. In addition, you are expected to haggle and fight for a better price. Especially if you are a foreigner, as sellers will try to give you inflated prices.
“SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. SPEND LOCAL. ENJOY LOCAL.”
In conclusion, it is important to mention that Cusco not only has the incredible Machu Picchu in its territory, but also its incredible local life and its local markets. So if we are in this city we can visit the Mercado Central de San Pedro, San Blas Market, or Wanchaq Market, which offers food stalls, fresh fruits, and local food among others.
We hope together with Machu Travel Peru to have been helpful. If you want to know more about our tours in Peru, you can consult with our team of advisers. We will be happy to help you fulfill the trip of your dreams.
