Mercado San Juan de Dios

Welcome, curious traveler, to the awe inspiring Mercado Libertad, colloquially and affectionately known to locals as Mercado San Juan de Dios, pronounced Mehr-kah-doh Sahn Hwan deh Dee-ohs. You are standing before an absolute…

We have stepped onto the ground floor, immediately greeted by the brilliant, almost blinding array of colors radiating from the fresh produce section. As an analytical observer, notice how the vendors arrange their fruits and…

Continuing our exploration of the ground floor, we now cross into a section that provides a stark, visceral contrast to the sweetness of the fruit stands. We have entered the carniceria, the butchers district. …

Before we ascend to the culinary heavens of the second floor, we must traverse the artisanal heart of the ground level. We are now surrounded by the rich, intoxicating aroma of tanned leather. …

We have now ascended to the second floor, and the atmosphere has shifted dramatically. If the ground floor was a visual and tactile experience, the second floor is entirely ruled by the olfactory and gustatory senses. …

Of all the culinary wonders housed on the second floor, none command more reverence than the stalls serving Birria, pronounced bee-ree-ah. We are standing before the bubbling cauldrons of the region's most iconic dish. …

Having satisfied our theoretical appetites on the culinary level, let us ascend the final staircase to the third floor. Prepare yourself for a drastic shift in ambiance. …

As we make our way toward the exit, descending the sweeping staircases designed by Alejandro Zohn, let us take a moment to reflect on the immense sociological weight of the Mercado San Juan de Dios. We have journeyed through…