Cusco's Saturday farmers' market: the producer-to-consumer fair

Every Saturday morning, farmers and small producers from Cusco's provinces come into the city to sell without middlemen. The producer-to-consumer Saturday fair, organised by the Regional Agriculture Office, is one of the best places to discover the region's larder: native potatoes, cheese, coffee, cacao, honey, fruit and ready-to-eat food. It isn't a tourist attraction but a fair for Cusco families, and that's exactly what makes it so interesting. This guide explains where it is, how to get there and what to look for.

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What the Saturday fair is

The idea is simple: bring producers and consumers together so farmers get a fair price and shoppers buy fresh produce at a good price. It's organised by the Cusco Regional Government through its Regional Agriculture Office and brings together producers from different provinces of the region. Stalls are usually run by the same families who grow, raise or make what they sell, so you can ask where each product comes from and how to cook it.

For travellers it's a window onto Cusco's agricultural diversity, from the high puna, with potatoes and camelids, to the warm valleys and cloud-forest edge, with coffee, cacao and fruit.

Where it is and how to get there

According to official information, the fair takes place on Avenida de la Cultura, at the fifth stop (quinto paradero) of San Sebastián, on the grounds of the Agencia Agraria Cusco, next to the Diego Quispe Tito stadium. It's about twenty to thirty minutes by car from the historic centre, depending on traffic.

• By taxi or app: the most comfortable option. Say Agencia Agraria, quinto paradero de San Sebastián, next to the Diego Quispe Tito stadium.
• By city bus: many lines run along Avenida de la Cultura towards San Sebastián. Ask the driver for the quinto paradero.
• To get back with shopping, a taxi is the most practical.

• Getting around Cusco: taxis, ride apps, city buses and colectivos

Opening hours

The fair runs every Saturday from six in the morning into the afternoon. The best choice is first thing: the most sought-after products sell out before midday. Organisers can change dates, venue or format for holidays or special events, so check times before you go on the Regional Government's official channels.

What you'll find

• Native potatoes: dozens of varieties in different colours, shapes and textures, plus chuño and moraya, freeze-dried potatoes.
• Andean grains: quinoa, kiwicha, cañihua, corn and broad beans.
• Dairy: fresh and aged cheeses, yoghurts and other products.
• Coffee and cacao: coffee from La Convención and other parts of the region, cacao and artisan chocolate.
• Honey: honey from different areas and other hive products.
• Fruit and vegetables: fruit from the warm valleys and freshly harvested vegetables.
• Meat and eggs: including free-range eggs and meat from the region.
• Food: stalls with ready-to-eat dishes for breakfast or lunch.

Breakfast at the fair

As well as shopping, you can eat. There are stalls with traditional dishes and drinks that change from week to week depending on which producers attend. It's a good chance to try Andean flavours in a local setting, surrounded by families doing their weekly shop. Bring an appetite, cash and patience if the most popular stalls have queues.

• What and where to eat in Cusco: typical dishes, markets and tips

Who it's for

• Travellers curious about Andean food and farming.
• Anyone staying in an apartment who wants fresh produce for several days.
• Photographers looking for everyday scenes, always asking permission.
• Families wanting a calm Saturday-morning activity.

If you're after crafts and souvenirs, San Pedro, San Blas or the craft markets are better.

• Cusco's artisan markets: San Blas, Centro Artesanal, Pisac and Chinchero
• What to buy in Cusco: authentic souvenirs and what to avoid

How to combine it with other plans

San Sebastián is one of Cusco's oldest districts and has a striking colonial church on its main square. You can combine the fair with a visit to the San Sebastián plaza or, if you like markets, with Wanchaq Market or the Saturday baratillo flea market in the Santiago neighbourhood, although it's in a different part of the city.

• Wanchaq Market: where Cusco locals really shop
• El Baratillo, Cusco's Saturday flea market

Practical tips

• Arrive early, ideally before nine.
• Bring cash in small notes and reusable bags.
• Ask prices and ask to taste: many producers offer samples.
• Protect yourself from the sun: mornings can be cold, but the high-altitude sun burns.
• Watch your belongings in the busiest areas.

• Is Cusco safe? Real risks and practical tips for a worry-free trip
• Money in Cusco: soles, ATMs, exchange offices and cards

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).