Absolutely – you will not be short of opportunities to visit a market while in Cusco. The most popular and easily accessible of the area’s traditional markets is at Pisaq in the Sacred Valley, and can be reached either on an organised tour, by local bus from Cusco (these are clearly marked and depart when full) or by hiring a taxi for the return trip at the going rate of around $20. Pisaq is a lively market that still plays a very important role within the local highland community, who travel to the market to trade goods each Sunday. The tourists who visit also offer a livelihood for traders and you will find a big selection of high-quality textiles and arts and crafts (as well as a large tourist presence). It is also possible to visit Pisaq market on a Tuesday or Thursday when it is less busy.
If you are there on a Sunday and want a more off-the-beaten-track market experience, I would recommend another Sacred Valley town, Chinchero. Here the morning produce market gives an illuminating snapshot of local life and is very colourful – a great experience.
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Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
Juliet Ellwood
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After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!
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