Concatawi Market

Mercado Concatawi

Huancayo's legendary Sunday market, one of the largest and most colorful indigenous markets in the Andes, overflowing with traditional crafts, textiles, ceramics, and regional foods. It provides an unparalleled window into highland indigenous commerce and culture at its most vibrant.

Things to do

• Browse Textile Stalls — Examine hand-woven alpaca and wool textiles, from traditional aguayos (carrying cloths) to intricately patterned blankets dyed with natural pigments.
• Explore Ceramic Vendors — Discover handmade pottery including decorative vessels, ceremonial pieces, and functional cooking pots crafted using pre-Hispanic techniques.
• Visit Herb and Spice Section — Wander through stalls selling quinoa, freeze-dried potatoes (chuño), native herbs, and medicinal plants used in traditional highland remedies.
• Watch Artisans at Work — Observe weavers demonstrating traditional backstrap loom techniques and craftspeople shaping clay in real-time throughout the market.
• Shop for Regional Produce — Select from vibrant displays of native potatoes in dozens of varieties, corn, beans, and seasonal highland vegetables unavailable elsewhere.
• Photograph Vendors in Traditional Dress — Capture images of indigenous Quechua sellers wearing layered skirts (polleras), embroidered blouses, and distinctive bowler hats while respecting their preferences about photography.

Food to try

• Papa a la Huancaína — Boiled yellow potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from ají amarillo peppers, cheese, and evaporated milk, topped with hard-boiled eggs and black olives.
• Freshly Prepared Ceviche — Raw fish or seafood cured in lime juice with red onions and cilantro, available at market food stalls as a vibrant lunch option despite Huancayo's inland location.
• Humita — Sweet corn tamale made with fresh corn paste, cheese, and wrapped in corn husks, representing a traditional Andean preparation sold warm by market vendors.
• Choclo con Queso — Large kerneled corn served with fresh local cheese, a simple but essential pairing that showcases the quality of highland produce.
• Anticuchos — Grilled meat skewers marinated in cumin and ají peppers, cooked fresh at market stalls and eaten as a popular street food with potato and corn accompaniments.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Early Sunday Morning — The market reaches peak activity and diversity between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM; arriving later means reduced vendor selection and crowded conditions.
• Ask Permission Before Photographing — Many indigenous vendors prefer not to be photographed without consent; always politely request permission and be prepared to accept refusals gracefully.
• Bring Cash and Small Bills — The market operates primarily on cash transactions in Peruvian soles with limited card acceptance; vendors rarely have change for large denominations.
• Respect Sacred Objects and Textiles — Some woven items carry ceremonial or spiritual significance; avoid handling textiles without permission and never treat sacred designs as mere decorative souvenirs.