Mercado Artesanal Aguas Calientes
Discover vibrant Peruvian crafts, from alpaca wool to silver jewelry, at this bustling market in Aguas Calientes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, vendors ready
Mercado Artesanal Aguas Calientes
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, vendors ready
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant Peruvian crafts, from alpaca wool to silver jewelry, at this bustling market in Aguas Calientes.
🤝 Polite Haggling
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely. It's part of the experience and expected by vendors! :moneywithwings:
🦙 Quality Alpaca Goods
Look for genuine alpaca wool items. Feel the softness and check for labels indicating authenticity. 🧵
Quick Facts
Type
Building
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpaca Wool Clothing
Various stalls
Cozy scarves, hats, and sweaters made from soft, warm alpaca wool. Perfect for chilly mountain evenings.
Handcrafted Jewelry
Jewelry vendors
Intricate silver and gold pieces, often featuring traditional Andean designs and gemstones.
Vibrant Textiles and Paintings
Artisan stalls
Colorful woven textiles, tapestries, and paintings depicting local scenes and Incan motifs.
Carved Wooden Crafts
Woodcarving stalls
Detailed sculptures, masks, and decorative items carved from local wood.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Souvenir Hunting in Aguas Calientes
Navigating the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Polite Haggling
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely. It's part of the experience and expected by vendors! :moneywithwings:
🦙 Quality Alpaca Goods
Look for genuine alpaca wool items. Feel the softness and check for labels indicating authenticity. 🧵
💰 Cash is King
Most vendors prefer cash, so have plenty of Peruvian Soles on hand. :money_bag:
📸 Capture the Colors
The market is incredibly photogenic! Take your time to capture the vibrant crafts and bustling scenes. :camerawithflash:
Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes - Cheap tour
Hey, Me and my girlfriend (pregnant in 6 months by then) will go to Machu Picchu in late December. We have already booked train tickets and will stay in the Machu Picchu city - Aguas Calientes, since we thought we tought it would be cheaper to go to the area and we could go…
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Polite Haggling
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely. It's part of the experience and expected by vendors! :moneywithwings:
🦙 Quality Alpaca Goods
Look for genuine alpaca wool items. Feel the softness and check for labels indicating authenticity. 🧵
💰 Cash is King
Most vendors prefer cash, so have plenty of Peruvian Soles on hand. :money_bag:
📸 Capture the Colors
The market is incredibly photogenic! Take your time to capture the vibrant crafts and bustling scenes. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore Every Stall
Wander through the entire market; unique finds are often tucked away in less obvious spots. 🚶
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mercado Artesanal a vibrant and essential stop in Aguas Calientes for authentic souvenirs, from alpaca goods to intricate jewelry. While some find the prices a bit high, the opportunity to haggle and find unique, handcrafted items is a major draw. It's a lively place to soak in local culture and find treasures to remember your trip.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercado Artesanal is conveniently located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. It's easily accessible on foot from most hotels and the train station. Simply follow the main paths through town; you can't miss its vibrant displays.
Yes, Aguas Calientes is a small, walkable town. The Mercado Artesanal is a central point, making it easy to find your way around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercado Artesanal is completely free. You can wander through the stalls and browse without any admission fee.
The market generally operates daily from morning until early evening, typically around 8 AM to 7 PM. Hours can vary slightly depending on the season and vendor.
It's best to bring cash (Peruvian Soles) as most vendors primarily accept cash payments. Some may accept cards, but it's not guaranteed.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Crafts
You'll find a wide array of authentic Peruvian crafts, including alpaca wool clothing (scarves, sweaters), handmade jewelry, intricate wood carvings, colorful textiles, paintings, musical instruments, and traditional masks.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected at the Mercado Artesanal. Approach it politely and respectfully to get the best prices.
The quality varies, but many vendors offer high-quality, handmade items. Look for genuine alpaca wool and well-crafted pieces.
Take your time to explore all the stalls. Sometimes the most unique treasures are found in less prominent shops.
Travelers often rave about the soft alpaca wool items and the intricate silver jewelry. Many also appreciate the vibrant, hand-painted textiles.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the crafts. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of them or their stalls.
Late morning can offer good light and a lively atmosphere. The afternoon might be less crowded, allowing for more focused shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit