Mercado San Camilo (San Camillo Market), Arequipa

The San Camilo Market is more than a shopping space; it is a piece of living history and one of the city’s most dynamic cultural landmarks. Founded officially in 1881 on the grounds of a former Camillian church, the market developed as the city’s first organized food supply centre after centuries of improvised trade in the Plaza Mayor. In 1938, a new metal infrastructure was added, attributed by many to Gustave Eiffel, the renowned French engineer. This gave the market its distinctive style, combining functional design with historical resonance. Today, it is recognized as a Monumental Historical Heritage site of Arequipa and as Cultural Patrimony of the Nation of Peru.

Spread across a vast hall, the San Camilo Market has operated for over 140 years and remains the largest and most popular marketplace in the city. Its central location, only a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, makes it a daily meeting point for both locals and visitors. The market preserves a unique link to the past, still bearing sculptures of San Camilo, San Pedro, and the Lord of Forgiveness that reflect its religious origins.

Inside, the atmosphere is vibrant and diverse, filled with stalls offering fresh produce, traditional dishes, household goods, and handicrafts. Visitors can taste Arequipa’s famous stuffed rocotos, sample ceviche, or try the traditional bread, all while discovering the city’s culinary identity. Beyond food, the market offers handmade crafts, tools, and everyday essentials, making it both a cultural and practical space.

For tourists, San Camilo Market is more than a place to shop-it is a window into Arequipa’s daily life, where centuries of tradition blend with modern commerce. Exploring its aisles is to step into a living museum of flavors, crafts, and history, all under the iconic roof of one of the city’s most enduring landmarks.