Tripadvisor
The Mercado Central of San Pedro, located in the heart of Cusco, Peru, is a bustling marketplace that is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the region. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of goods, the market is a great place to experience the local culture and to find unique souvenirs.
What can you find at the Mercado of San Pedro?
The Mercado Central is divided into several sections, each with its own specialty. The market’s main section is the food market. On this section vendors sell a wide variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Here you’ll find a wide variety of Peruvian fruits like lúcuma, passion fruit, and granadilla. You’ll also find a diversity of fresh vegetables like corn, potatoes, and Peruvian beans. There’s also a section for the sale of traditional Andean grains, like quinoa and kiwicha.
Another section of the market is dedicated to textiles. On this section, vendors sell hand-woven textiles, including traditional Peruvian ponchos, blankets, and scarves. The textiles here are made using natural fibers like alpaca wool and are known for their high quality and intricate designs.
There is also a section of the market dedicated to the sale of traditional Andean crafts, like pottery, ceramics, and jewelry. The market is a great place to find unique and authentic souvenirs to take home.
The Mercado Central is also a great place to try traditional Peruvian street food. You can find a variety of street food vendors. They sell items like ceviche, anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), and chicharrones (deep-fried pork).
The market is open every day, but it’s busiest on Sundays. On this day, local people from the surrounding communities come to buy and sell their goods. It is a great place to experience the local culture and to find unique souvenirs.
The market can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, but it is safe and easy to navigate. It is also a great place to practice your Spanish and to interact with the local people.
Why visit the Mercado of San Pedro?
One of the best things about the Mercado Central of San Pedro is the opportunity to purchase local products at a fair price. The vendors in the market are often small-scale farmers, artisans, and craftspeople who rely on the market as a source of income. By buying from these vendors, tourists can support local communities and the local economy.
Another great aspect of the Mercado Central of San Pedro is the opportunity to learn about traditional Andean foods and ingredients. Many of the products sold in the market are grown or produced in the surrounding communities.
When visiting the Mercado Central of San Pedro, it’s important to be mindful of the cultural customs and to be respectful of the vendors and their goods. Many vendors will be happy to answer questions and to share information about their products.
However, it’s important to be respectful and not to handle the goods too much. It’s also important to be aware of haggling customs. It is a common practice in the market, but it should be done politely and respectfully.
Final thoughts
It’s also important to be aware of the altitude when visiting the Mercado Central of San Pedro. Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, so take it easy and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Overall, the Mercado Central of San Pedro is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cusco. With its vibrant atmosphere, wide variety of goods, and delicious street food, it is a great place to experience the local culture, find unique souvenirs and support the local communities and economy.
If you want to learn more about the rich history of Peru, take a look at our tours to the Sacred Valley Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
