9 of the Top Markets in Cusco

The only way to kick off a list of traditional markets in Cusco is with an epicenter of culture: San Pedro Market Cusco. This, the city’s main market, is situated conveniently close to Plaza de Armas, so you don't have to walk far to experience its sensory banquet.

It's most famous for its stalls piled high with fresh fruits (the juices here are some of the sweetest you'll try), while the street food captures the essence of Peru’s unique cuisine. It's naturally a signature stop on Cusco food tour itineraries, which will introduce you to locally loved snacks such as anticuchos (grilled beef hearts) and plenty of crunchy corn.

Pisac Indian Market, tucked among the rolling Andean highlands of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is undoubtedly one of the top places for cultural shopping in Cusco. Here, you'll find handicrafts ranging from alpaca-wool jumpers and hand-printed pottery to rainbow-colored textiles woven using ancestral techniques.

Once you've had your fill of shopping, the nearby Pisac Archaeological Park offers fascinating insight into Inca civilization; a Sacred Valley tour is a great way to combine the two with other notable sites such as the Ollantaytambo Ruins, a former political center that was the Inca equivalent of the White House.

If you want to stray from the tourist trail in search of authentic markets in Cusco, head to Wanchaq Market, where locals come to do their shopping. This market is mostly dedicated to Andean produce, which ranges from purple corn to exotic types of potato.

Wanchaq is also a much more affordable option for street food, too, as you'll tend to find snacks at much cheaper prices than in Cusco Historic Center. You're also likely to visit the market to buy fresh local ingredients if you book a Cusco cooking class.

The purpose of the Traditional Textile Center is to preserve Cusqueñan weaving traditions that are at risk of dying out, so you can shop here knowing that you're supporting a good cause. The main store is next to the sacred Inca temple of Coricancha and stocks textiles from 10 different communities, as well as also hosting regular weaving demonstrations. Rather than just buying textiles to take home, you can also try your hand at weaving and dyeing during a workshop in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

San Blas is a Cusco neighborhood known for its art scene and creative culture. Its main market, San Blas Market, reflects this bohemian spirit, making it one of the best markets for souvenirs in Cusco. Tasselled ponchos and wooden carvings sit alongside fresh fruit and vegetables at this commercial hub, which is conveniently located near several art galleries and artisan workshops.

A walking tour helps you navigate the cobbled streets of this off-the-beaten-path district with ease, and some even include a traditional pisco sour cocktail.

While Cascapato Market may be one of the best local food markets in Cusco, some of its more interesting stalls actually sell offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), the deity that Andean cultures worship and celebrate with ceremonies.

Look out for yellow flowers and fragrant incense sticks, which locals typically keep in their homes as offerings year-round. You can also learn more about Cusqueñan traditions and the role Pachamama plays in daily life on a private culture tour of Cusco.

You don't need to spend long at Chinchero Market to see why it's better known as the Mercado de Artesanias—the wealth of handicrafts for sale here makes it one of the top artisan markets in Cusco. Another Sacred Valley spot, the town of Chinchero is famous for its centuries-old weaving traditions, so it's also the ideal place to buy textiles directly from their makers.

But that's not the only reason it's worth visiting—not only is it much less crowded than nearby Pisac, it also boasts stellar views of the Urumbamba mountain valley (famous for white-water rafting) from its perch 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level.

Insider tip: The market typically takes place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Nicknamed the Farmers Market, Huancaro Market is an authentic shopping spot in the Santiago district of Cusco. Every Saturday, growers and farmers come from all 13 provinces of the Cusco area to sell fresh goods and medicinal products such as eucalyptus, essential oils, and ointments made from entirely natural ingredients.

And if this culture-rich experience sparks an interest in raw Peruvian ingredients, you can then opt for a chocolate-making workshop at the ChocoMuseo, too.

When it comes to street markets in Cusco, things don’t get much better than Avenida El Sol. Even though the main thoroughfare of the historic center isn’t technically a market, it’s packed full of stores and vendors selling clothing, souvenirs, and art.

And not only that—you can also visit the gift shops of museums such as the Popular Art Museum, which feature unique pieces made by local artisans. This avenue is a popular stop or starting point for Cusco walking tours, too, so you’re bound to stumble across it at some point.