Cusco’s Artisan Markets: Where to Find Authentic Souvenirs

Bringing home a piece of Peru is one of the highlights of any trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Beyond the breathtaking ruins and Andean landscapes, the region is alive with vibrant artisan traditions—weaving, ceramics, silverwork, and more—that have been passed down for centuries.

Cusco’s artisan markets are the best places to find authentic souvenirs, support local communities, and take home something that tells a story. Whether it’s a handwoven alpaca scarf, a piece of jewelry inspired by Inca symbols, or hand-painted ceramics, each item reflects the cultural richness of the Andes.

Here are the most important artisan markets in Cusco that every traveler should explore.

San Pedro Market: A Colorful Introduction

Located just a short walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market is a feast for the senses. While famous for its food stalls and local produce, the market also has sections dedicated to handcrafted goods.

You’ll find woolen hats, gloves, and scarves made from alpaca and sheep’s wool.
Artisans sell hand-embroidered textiles, small carvings, and painted gourds.
Prices are generally affordable, making it a great place for casual souvenirs.

Tip: While San Pedro is lively and authentic, travelers looking for the highest-quality artisan work may want to explore specialized markets in addition to this one.

San Blas: Cusco’s Bohemian Quarter

If you want to discover Cusco’s artistic heart, head uphill to the charming neighborhood of San Blas. Its cobblestone streets and colonial balconies house studios and galleries of some of Cusco’s most renowned artists.

Textiles: You’ll find master weavers selling traditional Andean fabrics dyed with natural plants.
Paintings: Art from the famous Cusco School and modern Andean interpretations.
Wood carvings and religious imagery, continuing centuries-old traditions.

San Blas is not only a place to shop—it’s an opportunity to meet artists in their workshops, watch demonstrations, and understand the cultural meaning behind each creation.

Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco

For travelers seeking authenticity and cultural preservation, the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales is a must-visit. This non-profit organization works directly with communities across the Andes to keep weaving traditions alive.

Every piece is handmade, using ancestral techniques and natural dyes.
Proceeds go directly to support indigenous weavers and their families.
Demonstrations show how alpaca and llama fibers are spun, dyed, and woven into intricate designs.

This is the best place to purchase high-quality textiles with guaranteed authenticity and cultural value.

Pisac Market: A Sacred Valley Experience

Just an hour from Cusco, the Pisac Market is one of the most famous artisan fairs in Peru. Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, it offers a mix of crafts, textiles, and local products.

Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest, with dozens of stalls filling the main square.
Visitors can find alpaca sweaters, ponchos, silver jewelry, and ceramics.
The market is also known for its lively atmosphere, traditional music, and food stalls.

Pisac combines shopping with cultural immersion, as the town itself is surrounded by impressive Inca ruins that are well worth visiting.

Chinchero Market: Tradition in the Highlands

Another excellent stop in the Sacred Valley is Chinchero, known as the “birthplace of the rainbow.” This highland village offers a more authentic and less commercial market experience.

Local women in traditional attire sell handwoven textiles.
You can participate in weaving demonstrations that reveal the symbolism behind Andean patterns.
The market also includes agricultural products and medicinal herbs used in the Andes.

Chinchero provides a more intimate connection with the communities that preserve ancient crafts.

Tips for Shopping at Artisan Markets

Bring cash: Most vendors do not accept credit cards.
Negotiate respectfully: Bargaining is common but should be done politely, keeping in mind the value of handmade work.
Check authenticity: Real alpaca feels soft and warm, while synthetic blends are cheaper but less durable.
Support local artisans: Buying directly from community cooperatives ensures your purchase has a positive impact.

More Than Souvenirs: A Cultural Connection

Shopping in Cusco’s artisan markets is more than just collecting mementos—it’s a way to support living traditions and connect with the Andean spirit. Each piece carries the dedication of an artisan, the symbolism of ancient cultures, and the creativity of modern Cusco.

For travelers, these markets offer the chance to bring home not just objects, but stories and memories that keep the magic of Peru alive long after the journey ends.

After exploring Cusco’s artisan markets and discovering the richness of Andean craftsmanship, you’ll want a place to relax and continue immersing yourself in Peruvian culture. The Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel, located in Machu Picchu Pueblo, offers boutique comfort, authentic hospitality, and the perfect setting to complete your journey through the Andes.

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5