Machu Picchu Artisan Market: Best Souvenirs, Hours & Insider Tips

Where is the market located?

The Machu Picchu Pueblo Artisan Market sits on Alameda de los Artesanos, directly opposite the train terminal in Aguas Calientes. You literally walk through it the moment you step off the train, which makes it the most convenient shopping stop before or after your visit to the citadel. Entry is free — you only pay for what you buy.

Opening hours

The market operates every day of the year, generally from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Individual stalls set their own schedule, but you will always find plenty open during the day. Mornings are calmer for browsing; late afternoons get busier as travelers return from Machu Picchu.

What can you buy?

The Machu Picchu market offers one of the widest selections of Andean crafts in the region:

• Andean textiles: blankets, ponchos, scarves, chullos, and gloves made from alpaca, vicuña, and sheep wool.
• Handcrafted figurines: llamas, alpacas, pumas, condors, and traditional Pukara bulls.
• Silver jewelry with pre-Columbian and Inca-inspired designs.
• Musical instruments: quenas (flutes), panpipes (zampoñas), and small drums.
• Stone carvings made from local serpentine stone, including chakanas (Andean crosses).
• Regional food products: Peruvian coffee, cacao, and chocolate from the high jungle.

Tips for shopping at the market

• Bargain respectfully: negotiating prices is common in Peruvian markets, but always value the artisan's work. A friendly discount is realistic; aggressive haggling is not.
• Check for authenticity: ask about the origin and the material. Real alpaca feels soft, warm, and lightweight — not scratchy or synthetic. Look for the "handmade" label when available.
• Choose unique pieces: musical instruments like quenas, serpentine carvings, and hand-woven textiles are far more distinctive than mass-produced keychains.
• Bring cash (soles): most stalls prefer soles, though some accept credit cards. Small bills make bargaining easier.

Prices: what to expect

Because products are transported by train, prices at the Machu Picchu Artisan Market are usually slightly higher than at Cusco's San Pedro Market or the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley. If you are on a tight budget, do most of your souvenir shopping in Cusco or Pisac. Save the Machu Picchu market for that one special piece you couldn't find elsewhere — or as a last stop before your train back.

Why buying here matters

The artisans behind these stalls come from local farming communities in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Puno. Buying directly from them supports traditional craft techniques that have been passed down for generations and helps sustain families in the region. Every textile and carving carries a real story behind it.