Mercado Central de Lima
The Mercado Central Gran Mariscal Ramon Castilla is a marketplace with roughly 2000 stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, and handcrafted goods spread throughout the central Lima area. Inside, narrow aisles are filled with colorful displays and constant activity as shoppers and vendors move between the closely arranged stalls.
This marketplace was founded in 1851 and has evolved over more than 170 years while maintaining its traditional character. What began as a smaller space has grown into one of the largest and most visited markets in the city.
This marketplace is where neighbors gather daily to buy fresh food and connect with vendors they have known for years. The interactions between shoppers and sellers reflect the strong sense of community that shapes life in this part of Lima.
The marketplace sits in a central location in Lima and is easy to reach by public transportation, car, or on foot. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the displays are freshest and the crowds are smaller.
Many vendors have worked here for decades, with some children now selling goods alongside their parents. This continuity creates a special sense of tradition and multigenerational family presence.
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