Each Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, fruits, vegetables, and grains share the stage with ceramics, jewelry, and woolens on the central plaza and spill over into the side streets. Sellers set up shop about 8 am on market days and start packing up at about 3 PM. The market is not so different from many others you'll see around Peru, only larger. Go on Sunday if your schedule permits; you'll have a chance to take in the 11 am Quechua Mass at the Iglesia San Pedro Apóstolo and watch the elaborate costumed procession led by the mayor, who carries his varayoc, a ceremonial staff, out of the church afterward. Sunday afternoon sees bands and beer tents—this is small-town Peru at its best.
Reviewed by jwinhsv from Alabama on 3/31/09
Likely the best native market experience I've had in my extensive travels through Latin America. It's an amazing conglomeration of goods marketed exclusively to tourists, along with the locals doing their daily shopping for food and other necessities. Great bargains on unique merchandise!
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