Peru: Pisac or Chinchero Sunday market ?
 

After Ollantaytambo and MP we still have 4 nights/3 full days in Cusco. One day trip would be on Sunday, either to Pisac market + ruins or Chinchero market. How do you compare these two markets on a Sunday day ? If We had time we would do both but the other 2 full days are Saturday and Monday.

Pisac best largest Inkan market in the known universe

on Sundays puts Chinchero to shame.

We stayed in Pisac one night and went to the market on a weekday. WHile I gather it doesn't compare to the market on a Sunday, there were LOTS of vendors and not too many tourists actually. It was an easy way to get the sense of the market without the crowds. I guess it depends upon how into markets u may be. OTOH the ruins in Pisac are great. Check them out if u go there.

I'd try for both if I could, but if I had to chose one I'd do Pisac to combine it with a walk down from the ruins and the mayor's procession (you'll need to ask around to find the correct time). The Sunday market with the locals produce section is the spot for photos. Chinchero probably has more authentic hand made items than Pisac (which is mostly the same mass produced stuff you will find in Aguas Calientes), but I did find a few local weavers in Pisac. They were the ones with no table!

If you stop by Chinchero chances are there will be a few vendors no matter when you go, I bought some great hand knitted chullos and cedar frames there on an offday.

ok thanks ! ruins are the added value to Pisac.

It is perfectly possible to do both Chinchero and Pisac markets (and ruins) in one day. We did both on a Sunday by hiring a car and driver in Cusco for the (quite long)day. Both markets are colurful and full of photo opps but I would say that Chinchero is the more "authentic" of the two. try to schedule Chinchero near sunset, the light is magical there at taht time of day. Also do not mis the inside of the church at Chinchero,

A few photos:

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...8980/tpod.html

Not to confuse you even more, but try to add Ollantaytambo. Gorgeous little town, small authentic market, nice impressive ruins right at the town. I found Pisac to be the largest of markets, but the others are quaint and shouldn't be discounted. I also found that even though Sundays are the big market days, you will find vendors open every day. Since you have a couple of days, use Sunday for Pisac and the ruins, use the other day for Ollantaytambo and Chinchenero. (Although they are all in the same area.) I was pleasantly surprise at the scenery at Ollantaytambo and Chincenero. There is a town there were everybody stops to eat, for some reason the name escapes me, but the restaurants and outdoor seating were excellent!

crellston, your pictures are gorgeous!

thanks again ! I will try to do both.
Ollantaytambo is already at the beginning of the itinerary before MP, then we have these 4 nights/3 days in Cusco.

Urubamba is the restaurant stop for the tour busses.

But there are also some good restaurants in Ollantaytambo, which is worth a separate trip.

Enjoy your trip. If you have time in Cusco before visiting the markets you might visit the Center for Traditional Textiles, especially if you plan to purchase an authentic weaving. They are fair trade prices, when you purchase direct just pay the asking price. Maybe ask if they throw in a belt.

http://www.textilescusco.org/

Chinchero is much more of a genuine market. It would be my choice over Pisac, but it depends on what you are looking for.