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Market · Cusco, Cusco
Mercado Central de San Pedro
The central market of Cusco, under an iron structure from the early 20th century, with stalls selling fruits, potatoes, cheeses, breads, juices and Andean cooked lunches.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mercado Central de San Pedro
The Mercado de San Pedro is a few blocks southwest of the Plaza de Armas, next to the old San Pedro train station. It has been Cusco's central market since the early 20th century, housed in an iron-and-glass shed that locals visit every day to buy food.
The aisles are organized by product. There are stalls with dozens of types of potato and corn, jungle fruits such as lúcuma and sweet passion fruit, cheeses, herbs, meats and the round Oropesa breads from a valley village near Cusco. One wing holds the juice stalls, where vendors blend fruit on the spot, and another has flowers and crafts.
At the back of the market are the food stalls with long tables, where people eat soup, chicken broth, trout and daily plates. It's where Cusqueños eat, with peak activity in the late morning. Product names are in Spanish and sometimes in Quechua.
The market helps to understand Andean cuisine and the variety of products from the Andes and the jungle. Hours change on Sundays and holidays: check before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1h30, with lunch or a juice at the stalls.
Best time
Late morning, when all the stalls are open and the food vendors start serving lunch. Early morning sees more local shoppers doing their buying.
How to get there
It is about 700 meters from the Plaza de Armas, a 10-minute walk along Santa Clara street, passing the arch and the church of Santa Clara.
Tip
Try a jungle fruit juice at the juice stalls and buy an Oropesa bread. Carry small change: stalls rarely accept cards.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mercado Central de San Pedro
What to eat at the Mercado de San Pedro?
Freshly blended fruit juices, Oropesa breads, Andean cheeses and the lunches from the food stalls, with soups, broths and trout.
Is the market only for tourists?
No. It is Cusco's central market, where locals buy food every day. There are some craft stalls, but most sell food.
What different fruits can be found there?
Lúcuma, chirimoya, sweet passionfruit (maracujá-doce), aguaymanto and other fruits from the jungle and valleys, as well as dozens of varieties of potato and corn.