San Pedro Market in Cusco: what to eat, what to buy, opening hours and tips

San Pedro Central Market is Cusco's best-known market and one of the best windows into everyday life in the city. Under its large metal roof you'll find juice stalls, home-cooking counters, giant breads, cheeses, dozens of potato and corn varieties, medicinal herbs and some crafts. It's practically a must: cheap, authentic and a few minutes' walk from the centre.

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Where it is and how to get there

The market is about a 10-minute walk southwest of the Plaza de Armas. From the plaza, walk down Calle Mantas to Plaza San Francisco and continue along Calle Santa Clara under the Santa Clara arch: the market is straight ahead, next to San Pedro church. It's a flat walk, fine for your first days of acclimatisation.

Opening hours

The market opens daily from early morning until late afternoon, roughly 6:00 to 18:00 or 19:00, though each stall keeps its own hours. Sundays and holidays are livelier and some stalls close earlier. The best time is morning, between 8:00 and 11:00: everything is fresh, the food counters start serving and it's less crowded than at midday.

What you'll find: the sections

• Juices: one of the most famous areas. Vendors blend tropical and Andean fruit juices on the spot and often top you up with what's left in the jug.
• Food counters: long shared tables serving soups, broths, set meals and breakfasts at very low prices.
• Breads: huge round loaves such as chuta from Oropesa, sweet breads and anise breads.
• Cheese and dairy: fresh Andean cheeses and homemade yoghurt.
• Potatoes, corn and grains: an impressive show of Andean biodiversity, with native potatoes of every colour, chuño (freeze-dried potato), quinoa and giant corn.
• Fruit: from the highlands and the nearby jungle, many unknown outside Peru, such as granadilla, aguaymanto (golden berry) and cherimoya.
• Herbs and ritual items: medicinal plants, coca leaves and items for Pachamama offerings.
• Meat: a section some visitors find confronting, with cuts on open display.
• Crafts and souvenirs: textiles, hats, souvenirs and bags around the edges.

What to eat at San Pedro

• A fresh fruit juice: try combinations with papaya, mango, banana or Andean fruits.
• A soup at the counters: chicken broth, quinoa soup or chairo, depending on the day.
• A local breakfast: bread with cheese, tamales or hot emoliente, a typical herbal drink.
• Exotic fruits: ask the vendor to let you taste before buying.
• Chicharrón or roast pork at some stalls, mainly in the morning.

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What to buy

• Peruvian coffee, cacao and bar chocolate.
• Quinoa, purple corn and Andean spices to take home (check your country's food import rules).
• Textiles and simple souvenirs, usually cheaper than in shops around the Plaza de Armas, though not always handmade.
• Don't buy products from protected animals or coca leaves to take out of Peru: in many countries it's illegal.

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Safety and respect

• It's one of the busiest pickpocket spots in Cusco: keep your phone and wallet in front pockets and wear your backpack on your front.
• Carry small notes and coins; many stalls can't change large notes.
• Ask before photographing vendors and their products. Many agree if you buy something.
• It's a working market: make way for porters and don't block the aisles.

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What's nearby

• San Pedro church, opposite the market.
• The Santa Clara arch and church, on the way from the centre.
• Plaza San Francisco, with its church and convent.
• Other, less touristy local markets such as Wanchaq or San Blas.

• Local markets in Cusco: Wanchaq, Huancaro, Vinocanchón and beyond San Pedro
• Cusco's artisan markets: San Blas, Centro Artesanal, Pisac and Chinchero

Guided visits and cooking classes

Many cooking classes and food tours start with a guided visit to San Pedro to discover Andean fruits, potatoes and grains. A great way to understand what you see and taste with confidence.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).