The San Pedro market is the most famous commercial center in Cusco. Its origins date back to colonial times, where different merchants met offering their products on the street. Over the years, the architecture of the site changed, giving way to a spacious and clean establishment. Cusco citizens congregate there seeking to do the daily 'market'. But foreign tourists looking to buy food, souvenirs, clothing or simply take a photo in this popular place also gather. It is the oldest market in the city, which was part of the Inca trail that connected the Main Square of Cusco (Huacaypata square in Inca times) with the rest of the empire. Part of its fame is due to its proximity to the city center. Also to the food and craft products that they offer to the visitor. In 1925 the market was inaugurated. The most striking thing about its construction was its iron roof with resistant columns that keep the corrugated sheets standing. Several years later, in 1950, due to the growing population of the city, the market expanded, acquiring the dimensions that it has today. In total there are 1180 stores that offer groceries, crafts, clothing and much more. The growth of tourism has made it a popular destination in the city. The San Pedro market is famous for its hundreds of edible products including fruits, vegetables, spices, drinks and more, such as: corn, cocoa, peppers, quinoa, kiwicha, maca and more. The most popular food products are in the meat section. In the San Pedro market, herbs are sold whose natural healing properties for various diseases are widely used by the people of Cusco. This was the way the Incas healed themselves many years ago. One of the most famous plants is the coca leaf, which is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E and has blood pressure regulating properties. This leaf was considered sacred by the Incas.
Cusco Photo Gallery
More Peru Highlights
Machu Picchu: Facts, travel information and highlights
Once you have submitted this form, we'll send you a brief questionnaire to gather your requirements. From there, we'll work closely with you to design the best itinerary for your vacations.
We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies.
Your Cookie Settings
We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Read about how we use cookies.
Cookie Categories
Essential
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy.
Analytics
These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are.
.jpg "Cusco Main Square")
