Cusco's+San+Pedro+Market

=Cuzco's San Pedro Market=

Cuzco, Peru
The San Pedro Market in Cuzco is a huge market where the indigenous people of Peru sell their goods. It is open 7 days a week and covers an area of 3 blocks by 1 block that is about an eight minute walk away from the Plaza de Armas. The market is often referred to as “the heart of the city” because it really brings together many elements of Peruvian culture. The stands offer an assortment of goods from the Peruvian coast, the jungle and the Andes.

There are lots of great goods you can find at the market ranging from a delicious lunch, to strange exotic foods and handmade souvenirs. The most popular are the fresh-squeezed juices. They are so popular that there are tons of stands with locals selling the delicious juices made with their locally grown fruits. When deciding which stand to purchase the juice from, it is best to ask if they use bottled water in the drinks in order to avoid a disturbed stomach. Other delicacies of the San Pedro Market include Peruvian pastries, great bread, colorful dried corn, colorful potatoes, hard boiled quail eggs, coca leaves, and tons of tropical fruit and local vegetables. You can also find cuy, known as guinea pig to us in America, roasted and ready to eat.

If visiting the market for lunch, there are many stands that offer classic Peruvian meals. Some great ones to try are salchipapas which are fried sausages and potatoes, empanadas, and beef hearts (anticuchos in Spanish). There are also soup stalls that offer a mystery soup that could range from simple chicken noodle soup to frog soup. If you wish to try making your own meal, a simple but delicious sandwich can be made by pairing flat bread, soft Andean cheese, and olives. If you are feeling adventurous you can visit the frog lady who will prepare your frog for you on the spot.

Some have found very strange products being sold at the markets such as dead pickled snakes and soup served with jawbone. There is also “dragon blood” which is a sap from an Amazonian tree that helps to soothe joint pain and arthritis. Animal heads are also a common item seen displayed throughout the market next to buckets of cow snouts. Who knows the use Peruvians have for these, but if you ever need donkey head, you know where you can find it.

In addition there are lots of locals selling various hand made goods that make great souvenirs. Some popular items are woven goods such as ponchos, gloves, hats, or jumpers, which are similar to sweaters, all of which are woven from alpaca or llama fur. There are lots of various items which have the Peruvian touch that could make a great gift for loved ones back home, such as pachamama dolls.

The San Pedro Market is a great place to find great authentic Peruvian goods, all in one place for a cheap price, while supporting the Peruvian locals. It gives travelers the opportunity to talk with locals and test out their haggling skills. But be careful because stand owners often try to take advantage of “gringos,” so make sure you're getting a fair price. Don't be afraid to walk away, try a different stand, or haggle for the price you want to pay. A visit to the San Pedro Market gives a great cultural experience to those visiting Cuzco.

By: Hannah Jackson