This market is like every central market in Peru, but if you're from the west, it feels like you stepped right into an Indiana Jones movie. Fruit you've never seen before, all parts of any animal for sale, seafood beyond your dreams. The coffee is black as ink, and the postres out of this world. You mustn't miss this.

If you are like us, we think of markets in terms of the big and wonderful european food markets--incredible destinations in spectacular buildings/settings. In Lima, you need to "check that concept/thought at the door" and be prepared for something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. The markets are so much smaller and less formal. The structures are nothing special--not an architectural gem and fairly small. The vendors are more focused on the fruits and vegetables of the region--as well as the local seafood products. The displays in the stalls are more focused on selling products than on fancy eye catching displays. The whole market is less "formal" and very busy with customers actually buying goods instead of taking pictures. They have no tourist feel at all; however, they do put on a good show of the unusual (many of which we had never seen) products they have to offer. They are particularly proud of the 5,000 potatoes they grow in the country. We were able to taste a number of the fruits and vegetables--which was helpful when eating meals we had later on the tour. Actually, a number of them are really good! All in all, this is an interesting experience. For some, the lack of "western sanitation" will be more than a bit disturbing, but you get used to it. Whatever you do, however, do not drink any of the water (other than from a bottle) offered to you ANYWHERE in Peru or Ecuador. I made the mistake of using hotel water from the tap when brushing my teeth upon arrival in country an paid a price for the error! Once I switched to bottled water (the hotels give you 2 complimentary bottles a day) and the intestinal problems went away after I took a course of medications. Final note, just about everywhere you go, you will see "souvenirs" that are purported to be made by the locals. Be aware of the "made in China" knockoffs! If you see exactly the same "watercolor" painting (as well as many other trinkets) more than once, that's a real indicator of the situation!