Pisac Market

Location
Pisac, Peru

Shopping

By Christopher Minster

The Pisac market is a must-see for those visiting the Cuzco region. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, the streets fill to overflowing with artisans selling their goods and tourists of every stripe buying them. Even if you must go to Pisac on another, non-market day, you'll find a lot of the same stuff for sale in little shops around town. Sunday is the best day to visit by far, as there is also a smaller market for locals. Villagers from miles around pack up their llamas and donkeys in the wee hours of the morning in order to arrive and set up stalls where they sell vegetables and other produce to one another. Often, the preferred method of commerce is direct trade, as opposed to buying and selling, a tradition that goes back to before the Inca.

Even if you're not a shopper, the market is worth a visit. It's a great place to take photos and people-watch. Many of the cafés around the market have second-story balconies that have good views of visitors from around the world haggling and bargainig with locals.

Quality of the goods is a little sketchy. If you're looking to spend a lot of money on any one item, you're better off in a fine gallery in Cuzco or Lima. But prices are low, and the market is a great place to buy memorable souvenirs for friends back home. Most of the goods sold at the Pisac market are textiles, jewelry, carved gourds, ceramics, felt hats, antiques (buyer beware!!) and sweaters, to name just a little bit of what is available.

Bargaining is standard practice in the Pisac market. There are no price tags. You pay the price you agree to with the seller. Some tips: Never make the first offer. Wait until the seller starts with a price. Don't be afraid to walk away from a price you don't like; many of the stalls have similar things for sale. Don't worry, chances are you'll see the same thing farther on. Another good tip is to buy a lot of things at the same stall, even if they're not of the same type (for example, gourds, sweaters, tapestries, etc.). Vendors will often discount prices for those buying in bulk. Be aware of your location; stalls tucked into back regions of the market far away from where the tour buses form Cuzco disgorge their passengers will often have better prices than stalls nearer the bus stops and on strategic corners.

The Pisac market ends around five o'clock when the last of the tour buses goes back to Cuzco. If you're staying in town, the end of the day is also a good time to look for bargains. Some of the sellers may be a little more willing to make a deal rather than pack their goods for next time.

Most of all, remember that the vendors are doing their jobs. They're trying to make an honest buck or two when they begin negotiating. Don't be offended. If a price is too high, move on. Shopping at markets like the one in Pisac can be a lot of fun if you lighten up and allow yourself to wheel and deal in a friendly way.

Getting There: Buses leave from Cuzco and take about an hour to get there. Many Peru and Cuzco tours will offer visits to the Pisac market.