The city of Cusco offers you unique flavors, destinations, products, and experiences. A reflection of this are the markets, shopping centers where Cusco culture is present in every corner, offering experiences that will make your trip even more memorable. In places like San Pedro, San Blas, and even Pisac, you’ll discover a unique perspective on the traditions the city holds. Learn everything you can find in these markets so you don’t miss a single detail during your visit.

• Markets of Cusco
• San Pedro Market
• San Blas Market
• Wanchaq Market
• Pisac Traditional Market
• Cusco Artisan Market
• Recommendations for your visit to the markets of Cusco
• Questions and answers about Cusco’s markets

Workers at the San Pedro market

Markets in Cusco as places full of culture and tradition
Your visit to Cusco can be the best experience of your life. Touring iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and even a complete tour of the city of Cusco, you can find even more surprising and innovative perspectives by visiting traditional places like its markets, which carry history in each of the products they offer. If you’re visiting a town or other place in Cusco, don’t forget to visit its market and learn more about the traditions they preserve.

Markets of Cusco

Cusco’s markets are a meeting place and a place of tradition, where hundreds of people wander in search of authentic experiences, given that these commercial spaces are a reflection of the culture of the city that houses them.

Within them, you can find foods such as fruits and locally produced vegetables, typical Cusco dishes for breakfast or lunch, as well as handicrafts, flowers of infinite colors, and experiences that will make you feel at home in a welcoming place full of variety, joy, and novelty.

San Pedro Market

• The San Pedro Market is one of the most iconic and cultural meeting places in the city of Cusco.
• Its location, about 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, makes it a must-see during your trip or visit.
• The market has this name because it is located in the neighborhood that is home to one of Cusco’s most popular saints, Santo San Pedro.
• San Pedro is the largest and oldest market in the entire city of Cusco.
• One of the main attractions of this place is that its iconic infrastructure was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel in 1925, who is also known for designing the popular Eiffel Tower.
• Inside the market, you’ll find a wide variety of traditional dishes on the menu, at affordable prices that will make you want to try more than one.
• San Pedro is also known for its wide variety of handicrafts, making it an ideal place to take home a souvenir from Cusco, steeped in tradition.
• Among the unique features this market offers during your visit is traditional remedies that can help you heal pain naturally, such as herbs, plants, and frog extracts.
• The San Pedro market is open from early morning until 6:00 p.m.

Facade of the San Pedro Market – Cusco

San Blas Market

• The San Blas market is one of the most popular places to sample dishes and experience Cusco’s culture firsthand.
• It is located approximately 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city.
• The San Blas neighborhood is known for its art and culture, which can be experienced from any angle.
• Inside the market, you can try typical dishes and even find vegan options, making your visit memorable.
• You can also discover local products from food to handicrafts, which add color to this area.
• The market has a small open-air plaza where you can take a break from your tour of Cusco.
• In the vicinity of the market, one can find art galleries and artisan workshops.
• Due to its size, it is not the largest market, but it is one of the most welcoming and popular in the city.
• The San Blas market is open from early morning until 6:00 p.m.

Wanchaq Market

• The Wanchaq market is one of the city’s most traditional shopping centers.
• This is another establishment located a short distance from the Plaza de Armas, approximately 15 minutes away.
• Its location is more central than the rest of the city, making it one of the most visited when it comes to purchasing products and supplies.
• This location allows us a greater variety when searching for products and supplies, given that it is one of the largest, with sections ranging from food to household products.
• A visit is a must if you want to fully understand the variety of foods that the Cusco region offers.
• The Wanchaq market is open from early morning until approximately 6:00 p.m.

This is what the Wanchaq market looked like during the Cusco carnival.

Pisac Traditional Market

• The Pisac market is an essential stop on your visit to Cusco, and more specifically to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• It is located in the town of Pisac, one of the most beautiful destinations in the city of Cusco, approximately 45 minutes by car from the city.
• A visit to this market is usually included in tours and excursions through Pisac and the entire Sacred Valley .
• It is one of the most traditional markets, as its origin dates back to pre-Columbian times, when Andean communities and populations gathered to exchange their products.
• The color that accompanies this place makes it seem almost magical, since around every corner you’ll find a reason to be surprised.
• The market is known for its handicrafts, where local weavers use alpaca wool and cotton. You can find ponchos, blankets, and all kinds of garments of unique quality.
• You’ll also find high-quality silver jewelry, with designs reminiscent of Andean and Incan culture.
• The Pisac artisan market is open from early morning until late at night, around 7:00 p.m.

Cusco Artisan Market

• The Cusco artisan market offers a panorama full of color and variety, making it almost impossible not to find a souvenir during your visit.
• Located on Av. El Sol, a 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, it frames a place where customs are on full display and seek to surprise you.
• Inside the market, we’ll find traditional textile clothing, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, and paintings—a place full of art.
• Most of the designs you’ll find will reflect Andean and Incan culture, adding even more symbolism to the products.
• It’s a place filled with many stands and commercial stalls, so if you want to explore it completely, it will take longer than a simple visit.
• The Cusco artisan market is open from early morning until approximately 9:00 p.m.

Interior of the Cusco artisan market

Recommendations for your visit to the markets of Cusco

• Saying “casero” or “casera” when purchasing food or products at the markets is very common in Cusco tradition, making you feel like you’re in a much friendlier and more trusting conversation.
• Discover new flavors at the San Pedro and San Blas markets, where you’ll fall in love with Cusco’s culinary culture.
• Visiting markets is an opportunity to experience a different perspective on aspects of a city’s culture.
• Cusco and Peruvian culture is very much geared toward haggling, so don’t feel bad about doing so, as it’s part of the local culture.
• Bring cash, as many places do not accept other forms of payment.
• Chat with the vendors and learn about the techniques and history behind each artisanal piece or local food. It’s a way to connect with Andean culture.

Questions and answers about Cusco’s markets

• 1) What are the most authentic markets in Cusco?

  The most representative markets in Cusco are:

  • San Pedro Market (the most traditional and varied).
  • San Blas Market (with a bohemian atmosphere and vegan options).
  • Wanchaq Market (local market with affordable prices).
  • Pisac Traditional Market (famous for its crafts and textiles).
  • Cusco Artisan Market (ideal for buying quality souvenirs).

• 2) Where can I buy handicrafts and souvenirs in Cusco?

  The Cusco Artisan Market and the Pisac Traditional Market are the best places to find alpaca textiles, silver jewelry, Inca pottery, and traditional paintings.

• 3) What are the market opening hours in Cusco?

  Most markets in Cusco open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, although some, like the Cusco Artisan Market, close later, at 9:00 pm.

• 4) Can you haggle in Cusco markets?

  Yes, haggling is a common practice, especially when purchasing handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s recommended to do so with respect and good humor.

• 5) What does it mean to say “casero” or “casera” in the markets of Cusco?

  It’s a friendly way to approach sellers and build trust. Using it when purchasing a product will help you have a better experience.

• 6) Can I pay by card in the markets of Cusco?

  Most markets only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry cash to make shopping easier.

• 7) Are there vegan options in Cusco’s markets?

  Yes, at the San Blas Market and other markets you can find vegan and organic food options, as well as fresh ingredients.

• 8) Who designed the San Pedro Market?

  It was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its metal structure is one of its most notable features on the market.

• 9) Is it necessary to take a tour to visit the markets?

  It’s not mandatory, but some tours include visits to markets as part of a cultural and culinary experience in Cusco. If you prefer, you can explore them independently and discover their charms at your own pace.

• 10) What are the best options for eating in Cusco?

  On your visit to Cusco, you must try Cuy, Capchi with beans or mushrooms, Chiri Uchu, Puchero, Lechón with tamales, or even Huatia.

• 11) Is the menu in Cusco markets “cheap”?

  Yes, prices are usually around 8 to 10 soles in the different markets around the city.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Bukayo S.

“Mercado de San Blas“

“Todos mis días de Cusco los pasé en el mercado de San Blas. Por la tarde siempre recurría para comer un almuerzo vegano, las opciones que me ofrecían fueron tan deliciosas y variadas que quedé maravillado. Realmente más que recomendado si tienes una dieta diferente.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 2, 2025