The San Pedro Market in Cusco
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on March 23, 2021 by James Bustamante
The San Pedro market in Cusco has gone from a relatively unknown location within the city to a “must see” destination during anyone’s visit to the capital of the Inca empire. In Spanish, this place is also called the “Mercado Central de San Pedro”. To the locals of the region, The market is not just a place to buy groceries or to go for a bowl of sheep’s head soup, it is a way of life. Below we go over some of the details regarding this market which in many ways, too many people, is as iconic as the hike to Machu Picchu. The San Pedro Market is quite old as well, its original opening was way back in 1950. The market in itself is a small piece if Andean culture.
Where is The San Pedro Market?
The San Pedro market is located very near to the center of Cusco, just a few blocks and a 10 minute walking distance from the main square or if you prefer, a 3-5 minute cab ride from your hotel depending on where you are staying.
Once you arrive at the outside gates of the market you are instantly transported to a very “old cusco” way of life. The smells of local fruits, vegetables and several other products is abundant as soon as you step into the establishment.
San Pedro Market Address: Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002
Entering The San Pedro Market
Depending on where you enter the market you will step into a different section and where you step into the market depends on what exactly you are looking for. The San Pedro Market has very well defined sections where each specializes in certain type of products.
For instance if you are looking for something to eat, you can enter through the cooked food sections, here you will find dishes like Sheep’s head soup, chanfainita (beef lung stew), fried fish, ceviche, potato soup, etc. You will find dishes which cater to meat eaters as well as find many vegetarian options when visiting the market. Expect to spend anywhere from 3-15 soles for a very well served meal ($1- $4 us).
Try The Sheep’s Head Soup
There is a particularly famous dish the locas really enjoy which is only served for breakfast. The sheep’s head soup is a dish that is served very early in the morning so you kind of have to make an effort to arrive on time before its all gone.
The local Cusquenos seem to really enjoy the flavorful broth make from the sheep’s head and insist this particular dish gives them the energy needed to work all morning. So if you can make it in time and are curious enough to try the dish by all means go for it. This is part of the adventure after all.
The Freshest Fruit Juice You Will Ever Try
If you walk a few feet you will find yourself in the “juice section”, here you can order juice made with fresh local produce including fruits and vegetables native to this part of Peru as well as the typical oranges, carrots, spinach, banana that we usually add to our favorite juices back home. You will even find exotic fruit brought directly from the Amazon rainforest such as Camu Camu. If you ask for a “especial” they will mix together a juice with a variety of fruits and vegetables that are in season. This serves a large pitcher which is usually enough for 5 people so make sure to bring company. The price for juice here ranges from $0.50 to $3.00.
Shopping At The Market
Now let’s get into actually buying produce in the San Pedro market. There is a literal plethora of fruits and vegetables you can buy here such as Pitaya (also known as dragon fruit but sweeter), local papaya, maize, potatoes (there are over 2000 varieties of potato and Peru is said to be the original home of the potato) and much more. One of the more interesting aspects of purchasing produce here is that you are probably purchasing directly from the people that actually farmed it or in some way are related to the sellers. There is also a section full of meats such as beef, lamb, guinea pig (yes, guinea pig), chicken, duck, etc.
Real Andean Quinoa, Legumes and Coca Leaves
When you head over to the spice and dry food sections you will find legumes, quinoa (farmed locally), Kiwicha, local pepper, pink salt brought from the Maras region ($1/lbs) and many more little treasures. Coca leaves are also abundant here as well as coca candy, coca chocolate and coca tea among other coca leaf based products. Remember that the Coca leaf is a widely used product in this part of the world, from making tea to chewing on raw coca leaf to get an energy boost. It was the Inca’s version of coffee at the time.
Charms and Local Potions At The San Pedro Market in Cusco
Lastly there are even stands focusing on magical good luck charms, potions, lotions, dry llama fetuses (yes there are some local ceremonies that use those) and several other products such as alpaca sweaters, mittens, scarfs, t- shirts, ceremonial masks and the list can go on and on. I recommend going around the whole market before purchasing anything just so you get a good idea of what is offered. Once you do that you can go back to your favorite stands and shot away.
Conclusion
No matter what you are looking for or if you just want to take interesting pictures of locals doing what locals do the San Pedro street market is a certain stop for any incoming travelers. Make sure you to include this market into your Peru tour package!
Frequently Asked Questions About The San Pedro Market in Cusco
How old is the San Pedro Market in Cusco?
The San Pedro Market in Cusco originally opened its doors to the Andean public in the year 1950.
What sort of products can I find in the San Pedro Market?
You can find cooked food, Maras Salt, Quinoa, Andean chocolate, fruits and vegetables from the highlands and the amazon rainforest, good luck charms, several types of meat, souvenirs and many more products.
How much does it cost to eat at the San Pedro Market?
You can get a large meal at the market for $3-$5 US.
How far is the San Pedro Market from the Cusco Main Square?
The San Pedro market is located at around a 10 – 15 minute walk from the main square in Cusco,
