Cusco, Peru
Best places to shop in Cusco
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Cusco — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-08
1. Centro Artesanal Cusco
Photo: Heinekennb · CC BY 4.0 · source
The large covered craft market at the bottom of Avenida El Sol — alpaca, textiles, silver, ceramics and instruments, cheaper than the plaza shops.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 09:00–21:00Cost: Budget
2. San Pedro Market
Photo: Sasha India · CC BY 2.0 · source
The city's working market — produce, coca leaf, cheese, chocolate, juice counters and craft towards the back.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 06:00–18:00Cost: BudgetWatch out The market is heavily pickpocketed around the entrances. Carry nothing loose, and be aware that coca leaf cannot legally be carried out of Peru into most countries.
3. Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco
Photo: Jarek Tuszyński · CC BY 4.0 · source
The non-profit weaving centre on Avenida El Sol — hand-woven textiles with the weaver, community and technique named on every piece.
Where: LuxuryMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 07:30–20:30Cost: LuxuryTip: Expensive, and worth it: the weaving is genuine, naturally dyed, and the great majority of the price goes to the weaver.
4. San Blas artisan quarter
Photo: Alberto Capparelli · Pexels License · source
The steep cobbled quarter above the plaza — the Mendívil and Olave workshops, woodcarvers, silversmiths and painters.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–20:00Cost: Mid–LuxuryWatch out 'Baby alpaca' in the plaza shops is frequently acrylic or 'maybe alpaca' — a local joke. Genuine alpaca does not squeak when rubbed and does not shine under light.
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