San Pedro Market
Thousands of travelers visit the city of Cusco every year. In the very heart of the city lies a picturesque and bustling local spot: the San Pedro Market. It provides fresh produce and daily goods for locals and offers a richly entertaining and authentic cultural experience for visitors.
The Market
Constructed in 1925, it is the oldest central market in the city. Occupying an entire city block, this structure bears the architectural hallmark of Gustave Eiffel’s workshop, featuring sturdy metallic columns and a vaulted iron truss roof.
It is located on Plaza San Pedro, directly opposite the historic San Pedro Church, just south of the main Plaza de Armas.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday from 6:30 to 18:30. Sundays until noon.
Address:
Mercado Central de San Pedro, Cascaparo, Cusco.
How to get to San Pedro Market:
On foot: along Calle Santa Clara, an easy 11-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.
A Richly Varied Marketplace.
The San Pedro Market is ideal for purchasing fresh regional fruits (lúcuma, figs, bananas, goldenberries/aguaymanto, mangoes, passion fruit); avocados, giant Andean corn (in multiple vibrant colors), yucca, sweet potatoes, hundreds of native Andean potato varieties, peanuts, quinoa, and more.
You will also find dedicated aisles for fresh meats, artisanal Andean cheeses, traditional breads (such as giant Pan Chuta), medicinal herbs, dried fruits, fresh flowers, and handmade Andean handicrafts.
You can enjoy freshly squeezed, all-natural fruit juices for breakfast, as well as hearty traditional mutton broths (caldo de carnero); if you are feeling adventurous, you can even sample natural beef gelatin (collagen) traditionally consumed for joint health. There are also many food stalls serving budget-friendly daily lunch menus.
Here are typical juice and snack offerings:
– Mango + Lúcuma + Milk (prices vary, check official website)
– Orange + Goldenberry (Aguaymanto) + Mango (prices vary, check official website)
– Avocado Sandwich (prices vary, check official website)
– Shredded Chicken Sandwich (prices vary, check official website)
– Marbled Cake Slice (prices vary, check official website)
It is customary to receive “yapa” at the market juice stalls—meaning the vendor generously pours you a complimentary refill when you finish your glass.
Excellent for Experiencing Local Culture
The best way to truly understand the essence of any destination is by exploring and dining in its local markets. While it may not be the most glamorous market in the world, it is deeply illuminating and offers a magnificent showcase of the region’s agricultural richness. If you have an adventurous appetite, you can have breakfast here and sample exotic tropical fruits alongside flavorful Andean cheeses.
The San Pedro Market is a living bazaar that transports you back in time to an era where commerce was simpler, fresher, and unburdened by industrial processing.
Your experience when booking: “Cusco: Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour”
What you will do
- You will savor delicious dishes of traditional Cusquenian cuisine.
- Take an immersive guided walk through the bustling local San Pedro Market.
- Learn to prepare authentic Peruvian dishes alongside an expert chef.
- Receive a cooking certificate and digital recipe booklet.
