La Vega Central Market
Dávila Baeza 700, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan
Santiago’s principal market, La Vega CentralMarketis a chaotic, colorful snapshot of daily life in the Chilean capital. Housed in the salmon-colored Mercado Central and bustling with locals and travelers alike, La Vega is one of the most vibrant places in the city to pick up fresh, seasonal produce and try local cuisine.
The Basics
Traversed by hundreds of thousands of visitors every day, La Vega CentralMarketis a must-do for foodies; however, exploring the market on your own can be overwhelming and disorienting. Opt for a group or private tour guided by a local who can point out the best stalls. Many culinary biking and walking tours include stops at La Vega, and some cooking classes source produce from the vast market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Vega CentralMarketis massive. Join a tour to get the most out of your visit.
- Watch your valuables, and wear nonslip shoes, as the tiled floors are sometimes slippery.
- The market is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, although crowds, slippery floors, etc., can make it challenging to get around.
- Unlike in some other parts of South America, vendors in Chile generally don’t haggle over prices.
How to Get There
La Vega CentralMarketis located in Santiago’s Recoleta district, a short walk from the Patronato and Puente Cal y Canto metro stations. Access the market from the entrance on Calle Artesanos or Calle Antonia López de Bello.
When to Get There
La Vega CentralMarketis open every day, year-round. The market is most active in the morning—for the best selection, get there early. Some stalls close by mid-afternoon.
What to Sample at La Vega Central
The stock at La Vega varies depending on the season. Look forchirimoyas (custard apples),lúcumas (rich, nearly dry fruits that make excellent smoothies),bayas de maqui (berries that some consider a superfood), andtunas (prickly pears). Chileanpaltas (avocados) are also plentiful and delicious.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!