The San Pedro Market is remarkable in its own right, needing little introduction. It’s located near the Plaza de Armas and showcases everything Cusco has to offer beyond its monuments: vendors chatting, distinct smells, vibrant colors, and constant activity.
It’s no ordinary market. Its aisles reflect the daily life of Cusco’s residents and the curiosity of tourists seeking an authentic experience. It’s a place where local life and tourism blend naturally.
San Pedro Market in Cusco: you have a free day in Cusco and don’t know what to do? a visit to the San Pedro Market could be a good option to get to know the Inca culture in depth.
What is the San Pedro Market in Cusco?
San Pedro Market (Cusco) is the urban soul of the city, found in its intense aromas, in the ancestral recipes that still resonate, in its aisles, in the flavors that awaken the senses, and in the rituals that have endured since the time of the Incas. It is a meeting place for farmers, artisans from Andean communities, cooks, herbalists, and weavers. Essence and Tradition: It is the urban center of Cusco, where Inca rituals, ancient recipes, and a strong Andean identity are preserved.
It was founded in the early 20th century to organize local trade. It stands out for its spacious and gleaming metal structure, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
The market brings together hundreds of stalls run by Cusco families who have preserved commercial traditions from generation to generation.
Location of the San Pedro Market
The San Pedro Market is located in Plaza San Pedro, four blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas—a 10–15-minute walk—at an elevation of 3,335 m above sea level. It is bordered by Santa Clara, Cascaparo, and Túpac Amaru streets, as well as Pasaje Gohering. Due to its proximity and accessibility, it is an ideal place to experience the city’s authentic atmosphere.
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although hours may vary depending on the day and the type of stall.
History of the San Pedro Market
Pre-Inca Period: The Killke and Chanapata cultures lived in this area; they were primarily engaged in agriculture and grew crops essential for survival.
Their presence marked the beginning of Cusco’s development as an important agricultural center.
Inca Period: With the founding of Cusco, the area gained importance.
Agricultural terraces were built—still visible today near the National College of Sciences—as an example of Inca engineering. It was also part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca road network that connected it to the Kontisuyo, one of the empire’s four regions.
Viceroyal Period: After the arrival of the Spanish (1534–1560), the area was incorporated into the urban landscape, with the creation of city blocks and lots.
The camal, or slaughterhouse, known as the Pampa de Ccascaparo, operated there; in 1921, it was moved to Umanchata Street.
Contemporary Period: In the early 20th century, the authorities in Cusco decided to organize street vending by building a modern 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. In 1905, Prefect Don Pedro José Carrión organized a competition to select the design. Two proposals were submitted: one by architect José Allio and the other by engineer Teodoro Elmore. Elmore was chosen to draw up the plans and prepare the budget. Initially, the plan was to build the market in Plaza San Francisco, but the idea was abandoned for unclear reasons.
In 1922, Mayor Manuel Silvestre Frisancho purchased a 6,900 m² plot of land between the convent and the San Pedro church, using funds from the municipal slaughterhouse. As part of the agreement, a new pedestrian street was created, which today bears the name Túpac Amaru.
The oldest part of the market was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who was hired by Mayor Manuel Silvestre Frisancho to carry out the project. On June 7, 1925, the authorities inaugurated the San Pedro Market based on Teodoro Elmore’s original design.
Today: Since its opening, the San Pedro Market has grown in size and variety. At first, it sold only agricultural products and meat. Later, it began offering traditional foods, fresh juices, medicinal herbs, and handicrafts, becoming Cusco’s most important market. Today, it is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, where tradition, food, and culture come together.
Taking the Walking tour from Cusco
Visit the San Pedro market with a local guide by your side. learn about our traditions and local food, taste the fruit juice, the typical Chuta bread, know the best places to buy cheap souvenirs and more, to know more about this tour click on the following link: Cusco Walking Tour.
What to buy and taste at Cusco San Pedro market
full of curious tourists, diverse stalls, tourist souvenirs, authentic Peruvian food, exotic fresh fruit juices, agricultural products, and more!
What will we find at the San Pedro Market?
At first, the market may seem a little overwhelming. It’s best to explore it at a leisurely pace and return to the areas you like best. Here are some of the most popular sections:
Fruits and juices: Every morning, Andean fruits, root vegetables, cheeses, artisanal breads, and freshly picked flowers arrive. a great place to try fruits like cherimoya, passion fruit, aguaymanto, camu camu, lucuma, and granadilla. Or sample drinks made with exotic fruits from the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon.
Traditional Cuisine: broths, homemade food, and traditional dishes are available for purchase. features traditional dishes and homemade recipes: Caldo de gallina: A hot soup perfect for warding off the Cusco cold.
Chiri uchu: A traditional dish featuring guinea pig, chicken, cheese, toasted corn, and rocoto peppers.
Lomo saltado: Sautéed beef with French fries and rice, a fusion of Andean and Creole cuisine.
Stuffed rocoto: A spicy chili pepper stuffed with meat and vegetables, native to southern Peru.
Grains and dried goods: Includes corn, quinoa, kiwicha, fava beans, and other Andean ingredients.
Corn with cheese. The traditional large-kerneled Andean corn, known as “Cusco Gigante,” is served with fresh cheese. It is a simple, affordable appetizer that is highly representative of Andean cuisine.
Medicinal Herbs: Andean medicinal plants such as coca leaves, muña, eucalyptus, and rue are offered, along with prepared blends; Herbs and traditional products, for uses in cooking and traditional customs.
Handicrafts and textiles: Alpaca clothing, hand-woven textiles, pottery, musical instruments, and inexpensive souvenirs are sold here, bags, woolen clothing, and small mementos; alpaca ponchos and chullos; masks used in traditional dances; Andean textiles with colorful designs; and musical instruments such as zampoñas and quenas.
Superfoods and local products: You’ll find quinoa, maca, kiwicha, purple corn, cacao, coffee, and regional spices.
Bakery and breakfast: Offers breads, including Pan chuta de Oropesa—a sweet, fluffy bread with a hint of anise—as well as coffee, herbal teas, and simple breakfast options.
Fresh cheeses: Local varieties that pair perfectly with pan chuta.
Cultural and tourist significance: Beyond its commercial purpose, the market reflects Cusco’s culture, blending tradition, flavor, and everyday life.
How do I get to the San Pedro Central Market?
• From Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, it takes 20 to 30 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
• You can also take the C-4M or El Dorado buses, which drop you off near the market, although the trip takes 40 to 50 minutes.
• From Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, walk 10 to 15 minutes west along Mantas, Marqués, and Santa Clara streets until you reach Plazoleta San Pedro, where the market is located.
• Tips for visiting the market: Although it’s a safe and popular place, follow these recommendations:
• Bring cash, since most stalls only accept cash in Peruvian soles. Bringing small bills makes haggling easier and speeds up your shopping.
• Try the local food—it’s fresh, delicious, and inexpensive.
• Keep a close eye on your belongings, just as you would at any market.
• Go early to find the best products.
• Talk to the vendors—they’re friendly and will explain Andean products to you in more detail.
Tip: Always compare prices between different stalls before buying to ensure you get the best deal.
Combine a visit to San Pedro with a city tour in Cusco
An easy way to explore the city in half a day is: Stroll through the Plaza de Armas and the streets of the Historic Center.
Head toward Santa Clara to reach the market.
Have breakfast or a juice.
Walk back and visit a nearby museum, church, or viewpoint.
If you book a city tour in Cusco, ask if it’s possible to include a stop at the market. A local guide can help you identify the ingredients and decide what to try.
Commonly Asked Questions About San Pedro Market
What are the opening hours of San Pedro Market in Cusco?
San Pedro Market in Cusco is generally open daily from about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Mornings are the ideal time to visit, as the market is well stocked with fresh products and has a livelier, more authentic atmosphere. Arriving early also helps you avoid crowds, makes it easier to talk with vendors, and offers a more relaxed and complete experience.
What food options are available at the San Pedro Market?
At the San Pedro Market, you can find a wide selection of traditional Peruvian food, such as fresh fruit juices, local soups, “pan con nata” (bread with cream), ceviche, and other typical dishes, including *lomo saltado*. In addition to being delicious, the food is very affordably priced, making it an ideal spot to sample authentic local flavors without spending too much.
How many blocks is the San Pedro Market from the Plaza de Armas?
The San Pedro Market is located just about 5 blocks from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, making it easily accessible on foot. The walk typically takes around 10 minutes and leads through several of the city’s historic streets, where visitors can take in the architecture and the local atmosphere.
Is it worth visiting the San Pedro Market?
Absolutely. Exploring the San Pedro Market is one of the best ways to get a true sense of the authentic culture of Cusco. Beyond being a place to shop, it serves as a cultural hub where you can interact with locals, sample traditional dishes, and observe the city’s daily life. It is, without a doubt, a must-visit destination.
