Mercado El Cardonal is one of the largest markets in Valparaíso, on Uruguay street near the city's bus station. Indoor and outdoor stalls sell fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, cheese, nuts and dried fruit, along with groceries and household goods. The building dates to the mid-1800s and was rebuilt in 1912 after an earthquake. Come for a morning of shopping, then climb to the upper floor for a sandwich at one of the small lunch counters serving classic Chilean sandwiches.
A market rebuilt after an earthquake
The market dates to the mid-1800s. An earthquake destroyed the original building, and it was rebuilt in 1912.
The design echoes the European influences found across the city. It is one of the largest markets in Valparaíso.
What is sold inside and outside
Indoor and outdoor stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, and the piles of produce are a large part of the visit. Fresh seafood from the Pacific, cheese including goat cheese, nuts and dried fruit fill the aisles. You will also find groceries and goods for the home.
Prices are often similar from one stall to the next, so look closely at the quality of the items before you buy. Cats move between the crates, which is part of the everyday scene.
Lunch on the upper floor
Upstairs, small family-run lunch counters serve classic Chilean sandwiches. The barros luco is a beef and cheese sandwich named after a former president. The barros jarpo is made with ham and cheese.
The completo is a hot dog topped with tomato, avocado and sauerkraut. The completo italiano is a hot dog with tomato, avocado and mayonnaise. Ask the price of a dish before you sit down, as some upstairs restaurants push tourists toward expensive meals.
Getting there and paying
The market is at Uruguay 125, between Brazil, Rawson, Yungay and Uruguay streets. It is close to the bus station used for trips to the Casablanca wine region.
The market accepts debit cards, credit cards and NFC mobile payments. There is a restroom, and a wheelchair accessible parking lot is available.
FAQ
Can you pay by card at Mercado El Cardonal?
Yes. The market accepts debit cards, credit cards and NFC mobile payments.
Is there a restroom at the market?
Yes, the market has a restroom.
Is there wheelchair access?
A wheelchair accessible parking lot is available at the market.
What should I eat at Mercado El Cardonal?
The upstairs lunch counters serve barros luco, barros jarpo, completo and completo italiano.
