I know we’ve said this many times in different blogs, but Cusco is definitely the most complete travel destination in Peru. There you can learn about a great part of our history, explore the most impressive natural wonders, without even forgetting about experiencing the ancestral cultural expression of the region.
The San Pedro Market is one of the most popular spots in Cusco not only for tourists but for locals as well since it actually is the central market of the Imperial City. For those looking for a glimpse at the traditional way of living in Cusco, this is the way to start! Besides, it is located a couple of blocks away from Plaza de Armas.
There are hundreds of stalls divided into several sections, where you can shop for fresh vegetables, warm clothing, souvenirs, food, flowers and much more. San Pedro is packed with a bit of everything with good and affordable prices, as well as top quality products.
Traveling in Peru goes beyond visiting interesting ruins and natural wonders, our cultural expression is something that can’t be simply ignored and we’d love to show you a bit more of the things that make us, Peruvians, authentic.
About the San Pedro Market
Long before this local commercial center existed, the cusqueñan people used to sell their products in the main square of the city and Plaza San Francisco, which are located 3 blocks away from one another.
The regional government saw a necessity back in the 1910s and decided to build a place where local farmers and artisans could have a designated area to sell products comfortably. That’s when the San Pedro Market initiative was born.
Not so far from Plaza de Armas was another square surrounded by the Santa Clara Convent and San Pedro Church, called “Pampa de Qasqaparo”, a central location in the city perfect for this new public commercial space.
The San Pedro Market was inaugurated in 1925 though the construction wasn’t fully finished until 25 years later. Gustave Eiffel, the same architect that designed the famous Eiffel tower, was the one in charge of the oldest structure within the local market.
This iconic architect was responsible for the construction of the largest part of the San Pedro Market, which was in fact, the largest covered surface in the entire city back then. Nonetheless, the building had to be expanded due to the population growth of the city, turning into the principal commercial core of the city.
What to Find in the San Pedro Market?
As we mentioned earlier on this blog, the San Pedro Market comprises several areas where you can find food, decorative items, souvenirs, clothing, vegetables, fruits and much more.
However, keep in mind that this traditional local market holds over 1,180 stalls, and if you want to explore it at its fullest, it would be best if you take a morning to get deeply involved in its cultural expression and diversity. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
1. Souvenirs and Handicraft
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to take home or maybe a unique clothing piece for your days in Cusco, this is one of the best places to visit. For those coming into the market by the Santa Clara Street, the first thing you’ll notice is an entire hall dedicated to this section.
There you’ll find beautiful handicraft pieces at reasonable and affordable prices, though we would advise to check for different prices since locals tend to overcharge a little bit for their products, specifically to foreigners.
When purchasing anything on this market, you’ll contribute to the community but keep in mind that haggling is not frowned upon in Peru, it is actually essential if purchasing anything on a local space, especially if you look tourist. So don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask if the products may be priced lower.
2. Fruit Juice & Extracts
There are 3 rows of juice vendors in the San Pedro Market, mostly run by charismatic women that will try anything to get your attention. For those looking for something refreshingly good, this section will be the best place to go.
Besides, interacting with locals is a way to know more about the Cusqueñan people, the super chatty and friendly vendors will surely give you another reason to come back to the market.
Likewise, the juices and extracts are exceptionally good, made with the freshest vegetables and fruits. You can either choose from the different combinations in their menu or come up with your own. Personally for us, this is the happiest and most vivid section of the market!
3. Soup and Meals
Whether you’re visiting the San Pedro Market early in the morning or around lunch time, you’ll find the most intimate approach to the gastronomic experience of the Cusqueñan region.
The Soups and Meals section is located near the Gohering Street entrance and comprises several stalls where you can find delicious and very intriguing local dishes. For breakfast, we recommend sampling some “Pan con Nata,” one of the specialties in this market.
For lunch, you’ll find many options, ranging from classic Peruvian dishes to Andean local cuisine. There you can get a delicious trout ceviche, lomo saltado or, if you’re feeling brave enough, you could try some of the soups or broths made with sheep heads, otherwise, you can just choose for a chicken or vegetable soup.
These are just three sections of the many things to find in the San Pedro Market. Remember that you can buy meat, fresh fruits and vegetables from this special spot in the Historic Center of Cusco.
How to Get to the San Pedro Market in Cusco?
The San Pedro Market is located right at the heart of the city center! To get there, you can use the Plaza de Armas as a reference point. You can easily continue by the Portal de Mantas street, passing by the Merced Church and the San Francisco Square before reaching this cultural center.
Simply put, the San Pedro Market is located 5 blocks away from Plaza de Armas, and it will take you about 10 minutes to get there by foot. If you’d like to get around the city like a local, don’t miss our Cusco Walking Tour, where you’ll get to explore this and many other places within the city.
Cusco is a magical town, where history and ancient traditions have marked our generations. We want you to experience it at its fullest, so make sure to know about the different things to do in Cusco city while you’re here.
For those planning the perfect trip to Peru, we have some options that might work for you! Check our travel packages and discover much more of our country during your adventure.