Supermarkets and malls in Cusco: where to stock up

Traditional markets are the most authentic way to shop in Cusco, but sometimes you need a supermarket: to stock up before a trek, buy water in bulk, find a specific product, pay by card or simply buy packaged souvenirs at fixed prices. Cusco has large supermarkets and a modern mall outside the historic centre, plus many small shops in the old town. This guide tells you where they are and what's worth buying at each. Hours change: check before you go.

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Real Plaza Cusco

The city's largest mall is on Avenida Collasuyo, in the university area, about 15 minutes by taxi from the historic centre. It has a big Plaza Vea hypermarket on the ground floor, a department store, a DIY store, international clothing shops, a food court, a cinema and a gym. Useful if you need last-minute warm clothes, electronics or a big grocery run. Many locals go at weekends, so weekdays are quieter.

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Tottus

Cusco's Tottus supermarket is on the extension of Avenida de la Cultura, in the San Sebastián district, on the way to the South Valley. It offers a wide range of food, toiletries and household goods at competitive prices. Handy if you're staying around Avenida de la Cultura or driving south.

Shops in the historic centre

The old town has no big supermarkets, but there are many minimarkets and corner shops on streets like Plateros, Procuradores, Avenida El Sol or Mantas, where you'll find water, snacks, fruit, basics and some toiletries. Prices are a bit higher than at big supermarkets, but the convenience is worth it for small purchases. There are also small shops selling organic and local products.

Supermarket or market

• Fruit, vegetables, bread and cheese: better and cheaper at markets like San Pedro or Wanchaq.
• Packaged goods, large water bottles, toiletries: easier at supermarkets.
• Food souvenirs: packaged chocolate, coffee, quinoa or Maras salt at fixed prices in supermarkets; markets offer more variety and tasting.

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What to buy before a trek

• Water and purification tablets or a filter, to cut down on plastic.
• Energy snacks: nuts, chocolate, bars, biscuits.
• High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm: high-altitude sun burns fast.
• Tissues, toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
• Rubbish bags to carry out your waste.
• Batteries for your head torch.

If you're going with an agency, ask what's included to avoid buying twice.

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If you cook at your accommodation

Many hostels and apartments have shared kitchens, and cooking some meals is a good way to save on long stays. A practical strategy is to combine: buy fruit, vegetables, eggs, fresh cheese and bread at the market, where they're fresher and cheaper, and oil, pasta, rice, spices and cleaning products at the supermarket. Remember that at 3,400 metres water boils at a lower temperature, so pasta and pulses take longer to cook; a pressure cooker, common in Peruvian kitchens, helps a lot.

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Water and less plastic

Cusco tap water isn't recommended for drinking untreated. Instead of buying lots of small bottles, buy large water jugs at the supermarket and refill your bottle, or use a filter or purification tablets. Many places to stay offer filtered water for refills. This cuts costs and waste, which matters in a region where rubbish management is a challenge.

Pharmacies

There are many national chain pharmacies in the centre, especially on Avenida El Sol and around the Plaza de Armas, and also inside or next to supermarkets. They sell altitude sickness medication, painkillers, rehydration salts and sunscreen. Some drugs that need a prescription at home may be sold without one, but always consult a doctor before taking anything new.

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Payment and hours

• Big supermarkets accept credit and debit cards; minimarkets sometimes take only cash or Peruvian payment apps.
• Large supermarkets open every day, usually from morning to night.
• Bring your own bag: plastic bags are charged in Peru.
• Keep the receipt if you buy products to take home.

• Money in Cusco: soles, ATMs, exchange offices and cards

ATMs and exchange

Malls have ATMs from several banks inside, a safer option than street ATMs at night. If you need to change money, there are more exchange offices in the historic centre.

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Before you go

eSIM for Peru

Land connected: install an Airalo data eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

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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).