Best Markets to visit in Cusco

San Pedro Market

In the historic center of Cusco, in front of the church of the same name, five blocks from the Plaza de Armas, is the San Pedro market, the oldest in the city. There, you will find products and foods from the Cusco region, as well as clothing and souvenirs made with llamas and alpaca fibers.

The natural juice section is famous for combining different fruits with carob, honey, pollen, maca, eggs, milk, and even beer. The meat section may seem overwhelming to some visitors because it features the viscera and heads of various types of animals on hot plates.

It is one of those markets of Cusco where you can find everything and at reasonable prices for everything offered there.

San Blas Market

This open-air market is located in front of the San Blas church in one of the city's most picturesque and oldest neighborhoods. It is the San Blas neighborhood of artists and artisans, where you will find various types of meat, fish, vegetables, and fresh fruits.

You will surely want to sit at one of the food stalls, where you can enjoy a delicious chupe or chicken escabeche in the most traditional style, with the taste of homemade food, and at an excellent price.

You should also visit the dairy section for its typical cheeses, such as Andino or Paria, which are yellow and usually offered as appetizers in the city's excellent restaurants. If you go early, you can have a good breakfast accompanied by refreshing fruit juice and a good coffee.

Wanchaq Market

Visit this market, located in the district of Cusco with the same name, between Huascar and Garcilaso avenues. It is one of the most charming in the city because, in a very traditional and native atmosphere, original crafts from the area and a good variety of vegetables and fruits grown in the nearby valleys are offered.

For those who want to enjoy the best of famous Peruvian cuisine, traditional dishes with their unbeatable aromas are available there. If you have not tried them before, you can delight yourself with an anticucho or a tamale and accompany it with a chicha morada in this market.

In its food section, there are other delicacies for taste and good eating, such as trout tempo, a very home-style stew, baked guinea pig, a pickled dish, or a lamb's head broth. The juices they prepare there are made from a great variety of fruits that you can combine as you wish, and they will not disappoint you.

Vinocanchón Market

This market is located in the Cusco district of San Jerónimo. It has undergone some changes in recent years and has, therefore, not been a popular tourist destination or visited by foreign tourists. However, since these necessary changes, it is today one of the most attractive markets for what is offered in its food section.

This is so much so that those who have visited and tried its gastronomic delights recommend it thoroughly on social networks. Many praise the chicken broth with yuca or manioc, potato, and carrot, the scrambled eggs with trotters and a variety of other scrambled eggs, fried liver with red onion, and many other specialties of Peru's creative and delicious popular food.

Pisac Market (Sacred Valley)

This market is the busiest and most famous in what is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is on a corner of the main square of the town of Pisac. It is so colorful that it never fails to attract those who pass by and decide to get to know it in detail. A great variety of products are sold there, from vegetables and fruits to finely crafted garments made of silver and alpaca fibers.

Its food stalls stand out because their original and homemade flavors can be enjoyed at very reasonable prices. They stand out for the taste of those who appreciate Peruvian cuisine: lomo saltado, ceviche, fried trout, baked guinea pig, and potatoes a la huancaína.

Once you have indulged in one or more of these dishes, you can visit the Botanical Garden and its archaeological site as a prelude to your visit to Machu Picchu and other sites of vital historical and cultural interest.

Tips for visiting Cusco markets

Visiting Cusco's markets is a must-do experience. These markets offer an exciting mix of Peruvian culture, history, and gastronomy, providing a unique opportunity to connect with local traditions. While Cusco's markets are very safe, it is always advisable to explore them with company and caution, as anywhere in the world, there may be people trying to take advantage of tourists.

Tip 1: Altitude Sickness

If you're affected by the altitude, it's recommended to bring bottled water and headache medication to help you feel better. "Sorojchi pills" are very effective for altitude sickness.

➡️Read more: Overcoming Altitude Sickness in Cusco

Tip 2: Bring cash

Always carry enough cash (Peruvian soles), but avoid displaying it ostentatiously. While some stalls offer card payment options, they typically apply a 5% commission on your purchase. Therefore, carrying cash will allow you to negotiate prices more quickly and easily.

Tip 3: Watch your belongings

Just like with any other trip, it's important to maintain a discreet attitude, avoid showing too much money. Keep your belongings close and be cautious of the people you interact with, especially if you don’t know them.

Tip 4: Take your time

Although these markets offer everything from food and fresh fruits to traditional wool ponchos, don’t buy the first thing you see. Take your time to explore and compare prices. In the end, you'll know where to make the best purchase.

Tip 5: Try the local food

You can’t visit these markets without trying the peruvian gastronomy. In the markets, you'll find typical dishes such as "chicharrón", "lechón", "anticuchos", and a wide variety of fresh juices, reflecting the diversity of fruits the region has to offer.

Cusco's markets are an essential part of the city's charm, offering a unique blend of culture, flavors, and traditions that will make your visit unforgettable. Discover vibrant markets like San Pedro market and the colorful Pisac market, where there’s always something new to explore. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this living culture and connect with the heart of Peru. Explore the magical markets of Cusco and enjoy everything this incredible destination has to offer! And remember, if you want a unique experience, do it with TreXperience!