Top 7+ Best Markets in Cusco You Must Visit

Skip the touristy stuff and pricey items! You will find the real gems in the best markets in Cusco that are lively, full of local color, and offer the best bargains. They offer souvenirs, allowing you to take a piece of Peru home with you and enjoy the culture of Peru.

Forget the guidebook and follow the aromas and sounds of bargaining. The best souvenirs in Cusco aren’t just things; they are memories intertwined with the city’s vibrant markets.
Let the journey begin!

Top 7+ Must-Visit Markets in Cusco

These are the top Cusco mrkets you must visit:
1: San Pedro Market in Cusco
2: San Blas Market in Cusco
3: Baratillo Market in Cusco
4: Wanchaq Market in Cusco
5: Huancaro Market in Cusco
6: Ttio Market in Cusco
7: Vinocanchon Market in Cusco
8: Pisac Market Near Cusco

1: San Pedro Market

The San Pedro market in Cusco is undoubtedly one of the city’s most renowned markets, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Situated just a brief 10-minute walk from downtown, it stands as one of the largest and most captivating markets in the area.

Highlights of San Pedro Market:

• Wide Variety of Products: In the market, find a variety of goods, from tasty food stalls to souvenir shops full of fascinating products.
• ourist-Friendly Atmosphere: Unlike traditional markets, San Pedro caters more to visitors. Sections for fresh juice, hot meals, local coffee, chocolate, and flowers offer a welcoming environment.
• Delicious Street Food: One of the market’s highlights: delicious street food! From empanadas to salchipapas and ceviche, there’s something for every taste. Try local delicacies likecuy (guinea pig) or alpaca meat.
• Souvenirs and Handicrafts: For souvenir hunters, San Pedro Market offers alpaca wool clothing, jewelry, pottery, and textiles at negotiable prices.
• Fresh Produce: Also, the market boasts an impressive selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, showcasing a variety of local produce.

Friendly vendors are on hand to offer recommendations and cooking tips, making it a convenient stop for stocking up on ingredients. San Pedro Market in Cusco showcases the city’s cultural richness, providing a vibrant taste of local life and a memorable shopping experience.

2: San Blas Market

Located in the charming San Blas neighborhood, the San Blas Market offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to the bustling San Pedro Market. Despite its smaller size, it holds its own as a hidden gem within Cusco’s market scene.
Highlights of San Blas Market:

• Artisanal Goods: San Blas Market is famous for artisanal products like handmade crafts, pottery, jewelry, and textiles. Visitors explore stalls for unique items & haggle for deals.
• Jewelry and Textiles: The market offers stunning jewelry and colorful textiles, from intricate necklaces to vibrant blankets. Something for every taste!
• Supporting the Local Economy: Visiting San Blas Market supports local economy & artisans. It’s a vital hub for the community, making it a meaningful shopping spot.
• Authentic Shopping Experience: San Blas Market offers an authentic shopping experience. Explore at your leisure and discover hidden gems in the charming neighborhood.

A visit to the San Blas Market provides a glimpse into Cusco’s artisanal heritage and offers an opportunity to connect with local artisans while exploring the picturesque streets of the San Blas neighborhood.

3: Baratillo Market

Baratillo Market stands out as Cusco’s premier weekly flea market, offering an eclectic mix of goods and a vibrant atmosphere. Situated in the heart of the city, it attracts locals and visitors alike with its unique offerings and lively ambiance.
Highlights of Baratillo Market:

• Unique Street Foods: Baratillo offers a wide array of street foods, including chicha, tamales, ceviche, fried meats, churros, and sweets – a food lover’s paradise for authentic Peruvian cuisine.
• Vintage Clothing and Textiles: Bargain hunters enjoy a wide range of new and used clothing at Baratillo, from mass-produced items to vintage textiles, all at prices lower than traditional stores. Perfect for fashion enthusiasts!
• Artisanal Instruments: Music lovers will enjoy Bellavista Street’s handmade charangos, bandurias, and drums. Skilled luthiers craft these unique Andean instruments for visitors to purchase.
• Rare Andean Artifacts: History buffs can discover sacred Inca and pre-Inca artifacts at Baratillo market, including llama bone flutes, ceramics, healing stones, and old coins, shedding light on Peru’s cultural heritage.
• Black-Market Electronics: While the market is a hub for recovering stolen electronics, exercise caution when buying used items to avoid supporting criminal activity.
• Early Bird Deals: For the best bargains, arrive early at the market before dawn. Surrounding village vendors offer lower prices in the early-morning window, a prime time to snag deals before the crowds come.
• Safety Precautions: While Baratillo is safe, stay vigilant against theft. Avoid unnecessary valuables, secure money, and wear your backpack in front to deter pickpockets.

4: Wanchaq Market

For a more local experience away from the tourist center, Wanchaq Market offers a diverse array of goods at affordable prices. Near Avenida El Sol, this market serves locals and tourists, blending cultures and commerce.
Highlights of Wanchaq Market:

• Fresh Seafood: Wanchaq Market: A seafood lover’s paradise with fresh coastal fish & seafood. Explore stalls with marine delicacies & enjoy local dishes at the onsite food court.
• Household Items and Services: Beyond food, Wanchaq Market offers household items, crafts, utensils, and services like hardware stores, locksmiths, watchmakers, and shoemakers for everyday needs.
• Local and Tourist Traffic: Wanchaq Market caters to locals and tourists, offering a dynamic blend of local culture and diverse products.
• Convenient Location: The market near Avenida Tullumayo is easily accessible from the historical center. A destination for fresh produce, clothing, and more.

5: Huancaro Market

About a 30-minute walk from Cusco’s center, Huancaro Market provides a more intimate local shopping experience than larger markets. Despite its smaller size, the market boasts a variety of stalls and sections, each offering unique goods and services.
Highlights of Huancaro Market:
Local Audience: Huancaro Market serves the local population, offering travelers an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Cusco. The smaller scale and local focus allow visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural fabric.

• Diverse Offerings: Huancaro Market offers different products and services, from fresh produce and meats to household items, crafts, and textiles. Visitors can explore different sections and stalls, each with unique treasures.
• Convenient Location: Huancaro Market is a bustling hub in the area, conveniently located near shops and attractions. Perfect for shopping and sightseeing.
• Cultural Exchange: Huancaro Market offers cultural exchange with locals to learn about Peruvian customs. Bargain, taste local food, and gain insights into local life.
• Saturday Morning Market: Similar to other markets in Cusco, Huancaro Market operates on Saturday mornings, drawing crowds of vendors and shoppers alike. The lively atmosphere and bustling energy make it a vibrant destination for experiencing the city’s market culture.

6: Ttio Market

For those seeking ,
Ttio Market is one of the best markets in Cusco to enjoy an authentic local experience. Situated approximately a 35-minute walk from the city center, this market may appear smaller compared to its bustling counterparts. But it makes up for it in charm and affordability.
Highlights of Ttio Market:

• Local Experience: Ttio Market lets visitors immerse in Cusco’s vibrant local culture. Interact with vendors & explore offerings to experience a day in the life of Cusqueños.
• Affordable Prices: One standout feature of Ttio Market: incredibly attractive prices. Visitors can enjoy affordable shopping without compromising on quality.
• Convenient Location: Despite its distance from the city center, Ttio Market is accessible to visitors exploring beyond tourist hotspots. After visiting Cusco’s archaeological sites, a trip to Ttio Market provides a change of pace and an opportunity to interact with locals.

7: Vinocanchon Market

Located on the southern end of the city, Vinocanchon Market is one of Cusco’s largest and most well-stocked markets. Serving as the lifeblood for local families, restaurants, and small shops in the area, it offers a wide range of products beyond just produce.
Highlights of Vinocanchon Market:

• Size and Variety: Vinocanchon Market stands out for its size and diversity of offerings. From fresh produce to household items, clothing, and more, the market caters to a wide range of needs and preferences.
• Local Patronage: As a favorite among locals, Vinocanchon Market sees a high level of activity in its surroundings. Visitors can expect an authentic and bustling atmosphere as they explore the market and interact with vendors.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path: While not as frequented by tourists, Vinocanchon Market offers a genuine and traditional market experience. You can enjoy browsing the stalls and discovering hidden gems without the crowds typically found in more touristy areas.

8: Pisac Market Near Cusco

Pisac Market, just a short drive from Cusco, is a renowned market in the Cusco region, particularly famous for its bustling Sunday market. It is a must-visit, especially when you are on a day trip from Cusco.
Indigenous Quechua communities from the surrounding highlands gather here to sell their produce and stock up on supplies for the week, creating a vibrant atmosphere. That’s why I had to include this market in the list.
Highlights of San Pedro Market:

• Souvenir Galore: A significant market section is dedicated to souvenir stalls, offering weavings, jewelry, ponchos, hats, Andean instruments, ceramics, and alpaca products. Perfect for finding gifts and mementos to take home.
• Authentic Experience: The market operates daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Visiting on a Sunday offers an authentic experience with local Quechua communities showcasing traditional wares in colorful attire.
• Unique Finds: You can find unique products at Pisac Market, including natural powders for watercolor paint, colorful weavings, and alpaca clothing.
• Respectful Photography: When photographing Pisac Market, respect vendors’ photography preferences. Ask permission first and consider a small fee as a gesture of appreciation.
• Explore the Town: Exploring Pisac on market days immerses you in local culture. Enjoy local cuisine and interact with residents in this picturesque town.

Pisac Market gives a glimpse into local life and traditions, a must-visit for an authentic Peruvian experience. The market at Pisac town promises an unforgettable adventure, whether you’re shopping for souvenirs, sampling local cuisine, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

FAQs for Visiting the Best Markets in Cusco

Now is the time to answer your questions so you are fully prepared to visit the top Cusco markets.

What special things should you keep in mind when visiting Cusco’s markets?

Here are 6 practical tips for visiting the markets in Cusco:

• Explore Before Buying: With the abundance of products available in Cusco’s markets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take your time to explore the entire market before making a purchase. You might find the same item at different stalls, allowing you to compare prices and quality.
• Be Prepared to Negotiate: Negotiating prices is common practice in Peruvian markets. Vendors often start with a high price, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better deal. Walk away if you’re not satisfied with the initial offer, as vendors may lower their prices when they see you’re serious about bargaining.
• Watch Your Belongings: Markets can be crowded, making them prime targets for pickpockets. Keep a close eye on your valuables, such as cameras, phones, and wallets. Consider carrying your belongings in a secure money belt or inside pockets to deter theft.
• Take Your Time to Browse: Cusco’s markets offer a wide variety of goods, ranging from clothing and souvenirs to groceries and kitchen supplies. Spend some time browsing to discover hidden gems and unique items you didn’t know you needed.
• Consider Hygiene: While Cusco’s markets are a hub of activity, hygiene standards may vary, especially when it comes to food handling. Exercise caution when purchasing perishable items like meat and opt for vendors with good hygiene practices.
• Bring Your Own Bag: Help reduce plastic waste by bringing your own reusable bag to the market. Many locals bring their own bags, and you can follow suit to minimize your environmental impact during your stay in Peru.

With these tips, you can make the most of your visit to the best of Cusco’s markets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere while staying safe and savvy as a shopper.

What can I find as souvenirs in Cusco’s markets?

Cusco’s markets offer a vast array of souvenirs. Let me share some of my favorites Cusco is known for:

• Alpaca wool clothing and textiles
• Jewelry made with local materials
• Traditional pottery and ceramics
• Andean instruments
• Paintings and weavings
• Fresh produce (be mindful of customs regulations)

Do you haggle in Cusco?

Haggling is usual in Cusco’s markets. It’s normal to bargain with vendors for a good deal. Be polite and respectul while negotiating because it’s not just about the price but also about supporting local businesses and artisans fairly.

Yes, you absolutely can haggle in Cusco! Bargaining is a normal part of the market experience in Cusco. Vendors often start with a higher price, leaving room for negotiation.

• Be polite and friendly while bargaining.
• Walk away if you’re not happy with the initial offer. This sometimes encourages vendors to lower their prices.
• Set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on an item. This helps you stay focused during negotiations.

Can you use credit cards in Cusco’s markets?

Most vendors and stalls in Cusco’s markets only accept cash. It’s always a good idea to have Peruvian Soles on hand for your purchases. But, some larger markets like the San Pedro Market may have a few vendors that accept credit cards or offer ATMs on-site.

What is the most beautiful street in Cusco?

The most beautiful street in Cusco is Calle Siete Borreguitos, known for its charm and Instagrammable appeal. The cobblestone pathway, lined with stone walls and colonial-era balconies, is a must-visit for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.