San Pedro Market: what to eat, what to buy and typical prices
If you visit Cusco, you will almost certainly hear about San Pedro Market. Many travelers want to try local food and buy authentic souvenirs but don’t know where to start. In this guide, you’ll discover what to eat, what to buy, typical prices, and practical tips to enjoy the market like a local.
🏛️ What is San Pedro Market in Cusco?
San Pedro Market is the most famous traditional market in Cusco and one of the favorite spots for travelers looking for affordable Peruvian food, fresh juices, exotic fruits, and local handicrafts.
It was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel in the 19th century and today it offers a perfect mix of cultural experience, local gastronomy, and budget shopping.
Here you can find:
- 🍍 Tropical fruits from the Amazon
- 🥤 Fresh juices prepared on the spot
- 🍲 Traditional Cusco dishes
- 🧶 Alpaca textiles and handicrafts
- 🌿 Andean medicinal herbs
📍 Location: about 10 minutes walking from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
🍽️ What to Eat at San Pedro Market
🥤 Giant Fresh Juices
One of the most popular areas is the juice aisle.
Common flavors include:
- Strawberry with milk
- Papaya
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Lucuma
Average price: S/ 5 – S/ 8 (USD $1.30 – $2)
The glasses are usually very large, so many travelers share one.
🍳 Traditional Cusco Breakfast
Many visitors arrive early to have breakfast.
Common options:
- Bread with avocado
- Bread with eggs
- Tamales
- Hot quinoa drink
- Peruvian coffee
Average price: S/ 6 – S/ 12 (USD $1.5 – $3)
🍛 Traditional Peruvian Meals
If you visit around lunchtime, you will find the daily menu, which is very affordable.
Popular dishes include:
- Chicken soup (Caldo de gallina)
- Stewed chicken
- Lomo saltado
- Corn with cheese
Full menu price: S/ 10 – S/ 18 (USD $2.7 – $5)
🛒 What to Buy at San Pedro Market
🧶 Handicrafts and Souvenirs
It is one of the cheapest places in Cusco to buy souvenirs.
Popular products:
- Alpaca scarves
- Chullos (traditional Andean hats)
- Woven bags
- Andean tablecloths
Approximate prices:
- Chullo: S/ 15 – S/ 35
- Alpaca scarf: S/ 30 – S/ 80
💡 You can usually negotiate the price a little.
🍫 Peruvian Chocolate and Coffee
Cusco markets also sell products from the Amazon region.
Very popular with tourists:
- Artisan chocolate
- Organic Peruvian coffee
- Pure cacao
Average prices:
- Artisan chocolate: S/ 15 – S/ 25
- Local coffee: S/ 20 – S/ 40
🍍 Exotic Fruits from Peru
The market is a perfect place to try fruits that are difficult to find in other countries.
Some examples:
- Cherimoya
- Granadilla
- Prickly pear (tuna)
- Golden berry (aguaymanto)
Price: S/ 1 – S/ 5 per fruit
📊 Quick Facts for Visitors
| Factor | Information |
|---|---|
| 💰 Average food price | S/ 6 – S/ 18 |
| 🟢 Difficulty to visit | Very easy |
| ⏱️ Recommended visit time | 45 – 90 minutes |
| 🌅 Best time to visit | 7:00 am – 11:00 am |
| ☀️ Best time of year | All year round |
🎒 Pro Tips for Tourists
Arrive early
- The best food and juice stalls open around 6:30 am.
Bring cash
- Many vendors do not accept credit cards.
Recommended bills:
- S/10
- S/20
Avoid peak hours
- Between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm the market gets very crowded.
Be careful with altitude sickness
- Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level.
Tips:
- Drink coca tea
- Avoid heavy meals on your first day
- Stay hydrated
Ask before taking photos
- Some vendors prefer that you ask for permission first.
⭐ Is San Pedro Market Worth Visiting?
Yes. It is one of the best places in Cusco to:
- Eat cheap and authentic food
- Experience local Cusco life
- Buy affordable souvenirs
- Try unique fruits and fresh juices
Many travelers consider visiting San Pedro Market one of the most authentic experiences in Cusco.
