San Pedro Market is the main market in the city of Cusco Peru, located just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It's a vast, two-story market with aisles and stalls selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. You can find just about anything you need here, and it's a great place to people-watch and soak up the local flavor. San Pedro Market is the place to go if you're looking for fresh fruits and vegetables. The products are brought daily from the surrounding countryside, so you know it's fresh. The selection is amazing, from exotic fruits to traditional Peruvian staples. 

Fruits in the San Pedro Market Cusco

There's also a large section devoted to meat and seafood. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try some more unusual meats, like cuy (guinea pig).In addition to food, San Pedro Market sells all kinds of other goods. There are stalls selling clothes, crafts, household items, and just about anything else. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home. You can also haggle with the vendors for better prices on most items. San Pedro Market is worth visiting if you're looking for fresh produce or souvenirs. It's one of the best places in Cusco to taste local life.

Tips and everything you can find in the San Pedro Market Cusco

1.How to get to the San Pedro market

San Pedro Market Cusco is located in the city's heart, just a few blocks from the main square. It is easy to find, and there is plenty of parking nearby. The market is open every day from early morning until late at night, so it is a great place to go for a quick bite or shopping. Hundreds of stalls sell everything from fresh products to souvenirs; you can find almost anything.

  • From the international airport Velasco Astete of the city of Cusco we have a distance of travel by cab, during a time of 20 to 30 minutes.
  • From the central square of Cusco, the travel time walking is 10 to 15 minutes westbound through the Mantas street, Marques Santa Clara to the small square San Pedro.
  • Local buses that travel near the San Pedro market: Señor del Cabildo, Pegaso, San Sebastián, Los Leones, Satélite, El Dorado, Columbia, Nueva Chaska, Pachacutec, León de San Jerónimo, Cristo Blanco, Patrón de San Jerónimo, entre otros.

2. What to Expect

If you're looking for souvenirs, San Pedro Market is the place to go. You'll find handmade goods like jewelry, textiles, and pottery. You can also find traditional Peruvian foods, such as quinoa and potatoes. If you're looking for a more authentic market experience, check out San Pedro Market.

  • Handicraft products: Andean and colonial folk art handicrafts such as textiles (with alpaca wool, sheep and wool), silverware and ceramics are sold.
  • Dairy products: We find a variety of goat and cow cheese, fresh milk and yogurt in all its presentations. 
  • Typical food: We can taste a variety of flavors of traditional cuisine typical of the area and the region of Cusco between broths, pork rinds, ceviches and others. 
  • Juice stands: We observe smoothies made with a variety of fresh fruits collected from the valleys of the city of Cusco. 
  • Variety of fruits:  Fresh fruits harvested from the valleys and sites near the city of Cusco. 
  • Vegetables: Various types of fresh vegetables.
  • Variety of tubers: A variety of colors of native potatoes produced throughout the region of Cusco.
  • Traditional breads of Cusco: In which stands out the chuta bread typical of the city of Cusco made in oropesa of pleasant flavor and aroma, bread rolls of Paucartambo, wheat bread, biscuits, wawa bread, horse bread and jurka bread in seasons of festivities.
  • Variety of grains: Where diversity of grains produced in the valley of Cusco and the Peruvian Andes is observed.

3. Typical Peruvian dishes to try in the market

A stop at the San Pedro Market is a must when in Cusco. This vibrant market is full of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and typical Peruvian dishes. Here are some of the most popular dishes to try:

  • Ceviche: This dish is made with fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime juice and spices. It is then served with chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
  • Papa a la Huancai­na: Boiled potatoes are smothered in a spicy sauce made with yellow peppers, milk, and cheese. This dish is often served as a side or appetizer.
  • Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry dish typically contains beef, tomatoes, onions, and french fries. The meat is marinated in soy sauce and vinegar before being cooked.
  • Arroz con Pollo is a classic chicken and rice dish in Latin America. The rice is cooked in chicken broth and flavored with saffron. Pieces of chicken are added to the dish before it is served.
  • Caldo de gallina o cordero
  • Chairo.
  • Sopa de Quinua (Quinoa soup)
  • Kapchi de habas y setas
  • Choclo con queso (Corn with cheese)
  • Adobo cusqueño
  • Lechón cusqueño
  • Puchero
  • Zarza de patitas cusqueños
  • Nabo haucha
  • Trucha Frita: The traditional one of the rural environments..
  • Cuy al horno (Baked guinea pig)
  • Chicharrón Cusqueño
     

4. Don't be fooled! Learn how to bargain

Here are some tips on how to bargain at the market:

1. Decide what you want to buy before you start bargaining. This will help you stay focused and not get caught up in the moment's excitement.

2. Start with a low offer. The vendor will usually counter with a higher price, so don't be afraid to start low.

3. Don't be afraid to walk away. If the vendor isn't budging on the price, politely thank them and walk away. Often, they will call you back and agree to your original offer.

4. Be prepared to haggle. Bargaining is part of the culture at San Pedro Market, so go into it with the right mindset and be prepared to have some fun!

Tips for bargaining:

San Pedro Market in Cusco is a great place to find bargains on souvenirs, food, and other items. However, it can be tricky to bargain effectively in the market. Here are some tips to help you get the best deals:

  1. Do your research before you go to the market. This way, you'll know what a fair price for an item should be and won't be quickly taken advantage of by vendors.
  2. Start high when bargaining with vendors. They usually start lower, so if you start high, you'll have room to negotiate down to a reasonable price.
  3. Be prepared to walk away from a deal if the vendor isn't budging on the price. Plenty of other stalls sell similar items, so don't waste your time haggling over something that isn't worth your time or money.

5. Learn about its history and culture

The San Pedro market was designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who designed the Eiffel Tower. The market was built to be a covered market where vendors could sell their goods. The market was originally open-air but was later enclosed. The market has undergone several renovations but has retained its original character. The market is a popular tourist destination and a favorite among locals.

The market is home to various businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. The market is open daily from early morning until late evening. Visitors can find a wide variety of goods for sale, including fresh products, seafood, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. The market is also a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts.

The market today

The market in San Pedro is bustling with activity and offers a wide variety of goods. From fresh products to handcrafted goods, there is something for everyone in this vibrant market. Visitors can find everything from traditional Peruvian textiles to unique souvenirs, making it the perfect place to shop for gifts or supplies for your home.

With so many stalls and vendors, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But browsing through the market is half the fun – take your time and explore all these special place offers. And be sure to bargain with the vendors – it's all part of the experience!

Market Layout of San Pedro

San Pedro Market in Cusco is one of the city's largest and most popular markets. The market is located in the central part of the city, just a few blocks from the main square. It is open every day from early morning until late at night.

The market is divided into different sections, each with its specialty. There are sections for fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, grains and beans, spices and herbs, dairy products, bread and pastries, flowers, and more. You can find just about anything you need at the San Pedro Market.

The market can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it is easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. The best way to explore the market is to wander around and see what catches your eye. Be sure to bargain with the vendors for the best price possible. And don't forget to try some delicious food cooked fresh at the market!

The different sections of the market:
  • San Pedro Market in Cusco is one of Peru's largest and most popular markets. The market is divided into several sections, each with its unique offerings.
  • The market's produce section is full of fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are grown locally. This is the perfect place to buy healthy meal or snack ingredients.
  • The meat and seafood section has a wide variety of fresh and cooked options. There are also stalls selling spices, sauces, and other ingredients to add flavor to your dishes.
  • The clothing section offers a wide range of traditional Peruvian garments and everyday items. You can find hand-woven textiles, alpaca wool sweaters, and beautiful jewelry.
  • The souvenir section has something for everyone, from keychains and magnets to hand-painted ceramics and carved wooden masks. This is the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for friends or family back home.

FAQs 

1. How to get to San Pedro Market Cusco?
The market is located in the heart of Cusco, just a few blocks from the main square. To get there, you can either walk or take a taxi.
2. What are the opening hours of San Pedro Market Cusco?
The market is open every day from 6 am to 6 pm.
3. What can I find at San Pedro Market Cusco?
At the market, you can find a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, seafood, and spices. There are also several restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite.
4. Is there anything else I should know about San Pedro Market Cusco?
Yes! Bargaining is expected when shopping at the market, so be sure to haggle with the vendors to get the best price possible!

Conclusion

The San Pedro Market in Cusco is great for finding fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods. The market is also a great place to people-watch and get a feel for the local culture. While the prices at the market are generally reasonable, it is worth bargaining with vendors for better deals on certain items. Overall, the San Pedro Market is a great place to shop for food and experience some of the local cultures in Cusco.

Related Blogs