Cusco San Pedro Market
Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is quite famous for its rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture and traditional markets. In this article, we will not only tell you how to get to Cusco’s San Pedro Market, but we will also explain why this bustling market should be a must-see on your Cusco itinerary.
Exploring Cusco’s attractions, with a special focus on the iconic Cusco San Pedro Market, guarantees a truly fascinating experience that no visit to Peru should overlook. Whether known as the “San Pedro Central Market” or el Mercado de San Pedro,” this Cusco Local Market is a cultural place that invites you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich mix of modern life and historical traditions. Here you will find; from delicious local food to charming, cheap souvenirs, clothing and even traditional medicines.
History of Cusco San Pedro Market
Cusco’s San Pedro Market has a rich historical legacy dating back centuries. Its origins as a bustling market date back to the 18th century, when the place was still small and not famous yet. The construction of the present-day San Pedro Market began in 1925 under the design of Gustave Eiffel who also designed the Eiffel Tower in France.
How to Get to Cusco San Pedro Market
The San Pedro Market is located near Cusco’s main square, making it accessible to most visitors. Getting to Cusco San Pedro Market should take ten to 15 minutes from Cusco’s main square. Here we tell you how to get to Cusco San Pedro Market from Cusco Plaza de Armas:
The market is located in the direction of the front of the cathedral of Cusco, pass the Mantas street and cross the street until you reach the church of La Merced. Once there, walk along Maques street until you reach San Francisco square. Here you will see a colonial arch which you will have to cross, pass by the Santa Catalina church and what is next is finally the San Pedro market.
San Pedro Market Hours
The San Pedro market is open every day of the week, however we recommend visiting San Pedro Market during the day or in the early afternoon. It is best to avoid going too late, as the market gets much busier around 16:00 to 18:00, which can increase the risk of being stolen.
Monday to Sunday, the market is open from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, it is still possible to find some stalls still open until 6:30 pm.
Conclusion
In the ancient city of Cusco, the San Pedro Market is a fascinating tourist attraction that embodies the essence of Peru. This bustling market is not just a place to shop; it is an exciting opportunity to experience the real culture and taste the local flavors. It is definitely a place you should add to your travel bucket list.