The visit to Machu Picchu can be complemented with a visit to the most traditional markets in Cusco, this type of tours give you a more real experience of the daily life, traditions and gastronomy of the Andean inhabitants of the archaeological capital of America, Cusco.
Go sightseeing in the main and most traditional markets in Cusco and learn more about their customs and culture, in each of these local markets, you will find ceramics with Andean symbols, exotic fruits, bizarre foods, breads and cheeses of all kinds, in addition to many things that will surprise you. We have prepared this blog with the 5 most traditional markets in the city of Cusco.
Summary
1. The Market of San Pedro
If you find yourself walking through the Plaza de Armas, take a hop to this traditional market in Cusco. It is located just 3 blocks from the main square. Upon entering, you will find a section of crafts of all kinds, fruit juices, grains such as quinoa, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, breads, cheeses, foods and many interesting things that you have never seen before.
The San Pedro market is located 1 block from the beautiful San Francisco square and behind the Santa Clara arch and the emblematic Ciencias School.
In this typical market of Cusco you can find everything you are looking for and at very cheap prices, you just have to browse among its more than 1000 stalls.
Office hours are Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sundays until noon.
Mercado San Pedro
2. Huancaro Market
This traditional markets in Cusco is located in the Santiago district. Local farmers gather at the Huancaro market, bringing all kinds of vegetables and fruits grown in their farms and organic gardens. In this market you can see how the people from the outskirts of Cusco, get involved in a very colorful place, created by the color of the vegetables and their clothing.
You will also be able to visit the Huancaro Fair, a place where vendors and producers from different parts of Cusco come to offer their products such as coffee, chocolate, natural honey, cheese, among others. This fair takes place from July 18 to 31.
The easiest way to get to this market is to take a taxi that will cost you around 10 soles from the city center. Open every day from 6 am. to 6 p.m. However, the best day to visit it is on Saturdays.
Mercado Huancaro
3. Centro Artesanal Textil Cusco
Since 1996, a group of local weavers and artisans created an association to sell all kinds of crafts that they produce in their homes or their workshops.
In this traditional market in Cusco, you will find a great diversity of types, colors and designs of rugs, ponchos, sweaters, wool hats, socks, backpacks and more trinkets. In this place you will find good quality products at a fair price.
The Craft Center is located in one of the main avenues of Cusco, Tullumayo avenue (in front of the Paqcha). From the Plaza de Armas it will be much easier for you to get here, you just have to walk along El Sol avenue and reach a small square known as Paqcha.
Mercado Artesanal del Cusco
4. One of the Most Traditional Markets in Cusco: El Molino I and II
Appliances, sportswear, toys, breads, cheeses, Andean clothing, footwear, and everything you can imagine. El Molino is an emblematic artisan market in Cusco, where you will find everything you are looking for. From a nice wallet to a good plate of ceviche.
El Molino I and II, is undoubtedly one of the most visited points in the city. This place combines the sale of agricultural products with manufactured products and small stables where they can fix you from a broken shoe to a high-end cell phone. The visit to traditional markets in Cusco is the best way to get to know the people and their daily life.
Mercado el Molino
5. Mercado Mayorista Vinocanchon
One of the traditional markets in Cusco that you must visit if you really want to immerse yourself in the popular culture of Cusco is the San Vinocanchon market.
This market is the most crowded by resellers of smaller traditional markets, this is because trailers and trucks from all over the country arrive at this wholesale market, full of potatoes, rice, fruits, vegetables and all kinds of grains and legumes. .
It is located in the district of San Jeronimo about 30 minutes by taxi from the heart of Cusco.
Mercado Vinocanchon
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