You can even shop in the company of llamas!
In my opinion, the local markets are a must-see. They are a feast for the eyes and offer plenty of options if you are searching for some local culture, gifts, or souvenirs. On a lazy Saturday afternoon, I checked out the Mercado San Pedro. This was also the day prior to Mother's Day, so there were lots of pop-up stands outside the market selling gifts and baked goods for the holiday.
Once inside, I knew that this place was the real deal. There were tourists as well as locals walking about.
The market is a huge open warehouse type of building. Vendors selling similar items are grouped together, so it's almost like there is a clothes department, floral shop, produce area, meat mart, etc.
At least one-quarter of the space inside the market was a food court of sorts. I was kind of surprised how many tourists I saw eating the food here. Don't get me wrong. I am sure that it was delicious. But I just hope they didn't get sick afterward. (I have stressed this before and I will stress this again: You can never be too safe when eating in a so-called third world country.)
One of the must-try's when in Peru is Inca Kola. It is a local soda pop that is as much a part of Peruvian culture as pisco. It has an almost neon yellow color and is said to taste like bubblegum. I had yet to try it, so I figured this was the perfect place to do so.
I was unaware prior to drinking it exactly how much sugar is in this beverage. The sweetness of it was almost sickening, which was probably partially due to the fact that I in essence had given up drinking soda for about a year prior to this. It was so strong that I couldn't drink more than half of it. I did however save the glass bottle as a souvenir. (Side note: I paid 50 cents to use a restroom to dispose of the rest of my Inca Kola. Blasphemy, I know.)
One thing that you will quickly notice as you browse the tourist shops and markets is that they are so colorful. (Even Cusco's flag is rainbow colors!)
The most prominent items that you'll find are blankets, tapestries, miniature llamas, scarves, sweaters, and leggings. I also just so happened to buy all of these items except for a blanket and scarf. (Though looking back now, I wish I would have gotten a blanket.)
Side note: Be careful and knowledgeable when you bargain. Toward the beginning of my search for the above tapestry, unbeknownst to me one vendor was actually the daughter of the booth's owner and she did not realize what the price of this tapestry should be. She offered a price which I thought was high, so I countered with something lower. She consulted someone else and then was advised to call her mother. Turns out the price she offered was WAYYYYYY to low. (I could hear her mother over the phone.) If I would have just accepted her original offer, I would have walked away with an amazing deal.
In stark contrast was the Plaza Vea supermarket located at the Real Plaza mall. This store felt like a Super Walmart since it had grocery items as well as home goods, toys, clothing, and electronics.
Part of the fun of shopping in foreign countries is keeping an eye out for peculiar and fun items. Here are a few gems I found in Cusco. (However, they don't even compare to the gems I found in Lima. More on that in an upcoming post.)
Once inside, I knew that this place was the real deal. There were tourists as well as locals walking about.
This picture totally captures the diversity of the people inside the market.
The market is a huge open warehouse type of building. Vendors selling similar items are grouped together, so it's almost like there is a clothes department, floral shop, produce area, meat mart, etc.
I will have one of everything, por favor.
The vendors were both men and women of all ages.
In typical Cusco fashion, children often come to work with their parents and then do their best to keep themselves occupied (pictured) or just nap on the floor (not pictured.)
The meat department should come with a warning sign. So caution: DO NOT enlarge this picture unless you have a strong stomach!!!
At least one-quarter of the space inside the market was a food court of sorts. I was kind of surprised how many tourists I saw eating the food here. Don't get me wrong. I am sure that it was delicious. But I just hope they didn't get sick afterward. (I have stressed this before and I will stress this again: You can never be too safe when eating in a so-called third world country.)
One of the must-try's when in Peru is Inca Kola. It is a local soda pop that is as much a part of Peruvian culture as pisco. It has an almost neon yellow color and is said to taste like bubblegum. I had yet to try it, so I figured this was the perfect place to do so.
I was unaware prior to drinking it exactly how much sugar is in this beverage. The sweetness of it was almost sickening, which was probably partially due to the fact that I in essence had given up drinking soda for about a year prior to this. It was so strong that I couldn't drink more than half of it. I did however save the glass bottle as a souvenir. (Side note: I paid 50 cents to use a restroom to dispose of the rest of my Inca Kola. Blasphemy, I know.)
Mmmmm. (Not really.)
One thing that you will quickly notice as you browse the tourist shops and markets is that they are so colorful. (Even Cusco's flag is rainbow colors!)
The most prominent items that you'll find are blankets, tapestries, miniature llamas, scarves, sweaters, and leggings. I also just so happened to buy all of these items except for a blanket and scarf. (Though looking back now, I wish I would have gotten a blanket.)
Llama magnet for less than 50 cents.
I call these my Peru pants. Bargained to get these for around $7.
Only the tourists wear these sweaters. But after being here a week, you can't but help the urge to get one.
Or two. They were around $10 each.
This tapestry was a big splurge. Since it was made of real alpaca fur and natural dyes (or so I was told), it was much more expensive than those made of synthetic materials. After a lot of time searching around, I ended buying this for around $40 (if I am remembering correctly), which appears to be a good price.
Side note: Be careful and knowledgeable when you bargain. Toward the beginning of my search for the above tapestry, unbeknownst to me one vendor was actually the daughter of the booth's owner and she did not realize what the price of this tapestry should be. She offered a price which I thought was high, so I countered with something lower. She consulted someone else and then was advised to call her mother. Turns out the price she offered was WAYYYYYY to low. (I could hear her mother over the phone.) If I would have just accepted her original offer, I would have walked away with an amazing deal.
If after all of that you still find yourself missing "traditional" stores and want to blow your money, then shopping at Real Plaza mall is the way to go. It is very much like a traditional American mall, with a food court, waiter-service restaurants, movie theater, and store after store of clothes, shoes, eye wear, and fitness apparel. If you'd like to see exactly which stores are located here, click this link:
When I travel abroad, I always like to go to grocery stores to see how they are different and similar to those in the US. Cusco's grocery stores were hit or miss. One that was near my home was a definite miss. The shelves were half-empty and it looked like a tornado rolled through the "home goods" section. (I am not even exaggerating.) I wanted to buy a few things, but I was too unsure about this place to do it.
Part of the fun of shopping in foreign countries is keeping an eye out for peculiar and fun items. Here are a few gems I found in Cusco. (However, they don't even compare to the gems I found in Lima. More on that in an upcoming post.)
Breakfast of Peruvian Japanimation champions.
Chizitos and their mouse mascot, not to be confused with Cheetos and their cheetah mascot.
Are these an American product? If so, why have I never seen this awesomeness before?!
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