Comprising more than 700 different stalls, this lively, mainly Mapuche and sometimes disagreeably fragrant produce market fills several blocks south along Avenida Aníbal Pinto and Avenida Barros Arana from the Terminal de Buses Rurales south to the EFE railroad station.
In July 2001, members of the indigenous Asociación de Productores de Verduras Nuke Mapu protested their possible eviction from the market, resisting what they claimed were the mayor’s plans to remodel the entire area to their detriment, but the project has proceeded as the vendors relocated temporarily along Avenida Balmaceda. Under construction, the new market on Aníbal Pinto is now a roofed pedestrian area that, in its early stages, looks pretty handsome.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, the Feria Libre Aníbal Pinto has cheap eateries and assorted Mapuche crafts. Hours are roughly 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.