The Mercado Artesanal de Huancayo is a market devoted to handicrafts, located on Av. Giráldez in Huancayo, the city in the Junín region of central Peru. It is also known as the Artisan Market Huancayo or the Crafts Market, and it brings together the work of local makers from the Mantaro Valley under one roof.
What you will find
The market is organised around traditional Andean crafts. Visitors can look over:
- Textiles and weavings, made in the traditions of the Andes
- Ceramics, produced by local artisans
- Silverwork, another craft associated with the region
Because the pieces come directly from artisans of the Mantaro Valley, the market suits anyone looking for souvenirs that carry a sense of place rather than mass-produced goods.
What kind of visit it makes
This is a shopping and browsing stop, best suited to a relaxed hour or two. It is a natural choice for travellers who want to take something home from Huancayo, and for those interested in how regional craft is made and sold. Pieces are worth comparing before buying, as the range of weaving, pottery and silver varies from stall to stall.
Huancayo itself is a practical base for exploring the Mantaro Valley, and the market gives a concentrated look at the valley's craft traditions before you head out to see them in the surrounding area.