Arequipa - Mercado San Camilo

So much fruit! So cheap and so good.

San Camilo is one of the biggest markets in Arequipa and is conveniently located downtown just four blocks from the Plaza De Armas. This amazing tin roof covered market spans an entire city block and stands as an epicenter of waves of shops reaching a radius of up to three or four blocks past the actual market itself. These blocks are made up of many ferias which are often no more than a narrow indoor hallway off the street cluttered with many small shops selling similar items. This is a cheap place to get snacks, clothes, copied DVDs and daily household items.

The market has some of the best prices for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, etc. There are also plenty of stands that sell various meats and fish but all of the locals I have spoken with would rather not buy these items at San Camilo. If you do, I suggest you get there early in the morning as there is no refrigeration so everything sits out all day. However, our 2nd day in Arequipa, Alex and I got Ceviche in San Camilo in the afternoon and it was delicious! It only cost us 5 soles ($2) and was enough for both of us. Later, our Arequipeñan friends told us we were crazy and daring to get Ceviche there. It may not be the best idea to get Ceviche there, but if you are ever in Arequipa, I highly suggest grabbing  some cheese and fruit at San Camilo.

Our vegetable lady (casera). A heavy bag of all the vegetables you could want costs about 12 soles ($5).

La triste mujera de pescado

Mi Casero de papas. This guy will dig deep in his sack and give you the biggest potatoes you've ever seen. They are the size of mangos. Verdad. 

Alex and I ate Ceviche at one of these food kiosks 

All the chicken heads, be quiet! Single ladies, make noise! 

Mi Casera de queso

Best. Palta. Around.

This is the spot for hojas de coca (coca leaves). See my post on coca leaves for more info.