San Pedro Market Cusco: The Most Traditional Spot in the City
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. San Pedro Market in Cusco is one of the best places to experience local culture, traditional food, and daily life all in one vibrant location.
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.
Visiting San Pedro Market is also a great way to support local vendors while discovering authentic Peruvian products at reasonable prices. 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.
San Pedro Market at a Glance
Information |
Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Historic Center of Cusco |
| Opening Hours | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Time Needed | 1–2 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | 8:00–11:00 AM |
| Main Highlights | Food, handicrafts, fresh produce |
| Distance from Plaza de Armas | 10-minute walk |
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 historical background makes San Pedro Market not only a commercial hub but also an important cultural and architectural landmark in Cusco.
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.
Why Visit San Pedro Market?
San Pedro Market is more than just a place to shop. It is the heart of everyday life in Cusco, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy authentic Peruvian food, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Andean products. Walking through its colorful aisles offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s culture beyond its famous archaeological sites.
Whether you are looking for fresh fruit juices, local specialties, alpaca textiles, or unique souvenirs, San Pedro Market is one of the best places to discover the authentic flavors and traditions of Cusco while supporting local vendors.
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.
Exploring early in the day also allows you to see the market at its most authentic and lively moment. 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.
Tip: Always compare prices between different stalls before buying to ensure you get the best deal.
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!
Don’t miss trying exotic fruits like lucuma, chirimoya, or passion fruit for a truly local experience.
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 Cusco’s Historic Center is recognized for its cultural and architectural importance, and you can learn more about it here.
Prices are very affordable, making this one of the best places in Cusco to enjoy authentic food on a budget.
What Should You Buy at San Pedro Market?
San Pedro Market is one of the best places in Cusco to purchase authentic Peruvian products at reasonable prices. Many items are handmade by local artisans or come directly from nearby Andean communities, making them unique souvenirs and meaningful gifts.
Some of the most popular products include:
- Alpaca Wool Products – Scarves, sweaters, gloves, hats, and blankets made from alpaca fiber.
- Peruvian Coffee – High-quality coffee from Cusco and other regions, available as whole beans or ground.
- Organic Chocolate – Handmade chocolate bars prepared with Peruvian cacao.
- Coca Tea – A traditional herbal tea commonly enjoyed to help visitors adapt to the altitude.
- Andean Spices and Herbs – Natural ingredients used in local cuisine and traditional remedies.
- Handmade Textiles – Colorful table runners, bags, and woven decorations created by local artisans.
- Ceramics and Souvenirs – Small handcrafted pieces inspired by Inca culture and Andean traditions.
Before making a purchase, compare prices at a few different stalls. Vendors are generally friendly, and polite bargaining is common, especially when buying several items.
Best Time to Visit San Pedro Market
The best time to visit San Pedro Market is between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. During these hours, the market is full of fresh produce, local vendors have just opened their stalls, and you’ll experience the most authentic atmosphere.
If you want to enjoy breakfast or freshly prepared fruit juices, arriving early is highly recommended. Midday tends to be busier, while the afternoon is generally quieter but offers fewer food options.
Things to Avoid at San Pedro Market
To enjoy a safe and pleasant visit, keep these simple recommendations in mind:
- Carry small bills when shopping.
- Compare prices before buying souvenirs.
- Keep personal belongings secure in crowded areas.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of vendors.
- Choose busy food stalls if you plan to eat at the market.
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. It’s an easy and pleasant walk through Cusco’s historic streets.
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. If you want to explore San Pedro Market and other highlights of the city, check out our Cusco Walking Tour or Cusco City Tour for a complete local experience.
These tours allow you to discover hidden spots, learn from local guides, and make the most of your time in Cusco.
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!
Travel Tips for Visiting San Pedro Market
- Visit early in the morning for the freshest food and fewer crowds
- Bring small cash (Peruvian soles) for easier purchases
- Always keep an eye on your belongings
- Try local dishes but choose busy stalls for better hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions about San Pedro Market