Many travelers return home with a suitcase full of unique items after their exciting adventure. Peru is one of the few destinations where you can find a variety of souvenirs. Whether for friends or family, there’s a gift that will astonish everyone. Therefore, for anyone planning an adventure there, we recommend saving some space in your luggage to bring them.
From colorful markets to specialty shops, shopping in Peru is a completely satisfying experience. From iconic places like Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley, you’ll find many establishments where you can buy items. Finally, the Machu Travel Peru team would like to share with you the best that this magnificent country has to offer. This approach allows you to come back with exciting, distinctive, and vibrant items on your next journey.
Discover the best Peruvian gifts to take home with you
- Clothing and accessories
- Decorations
- Products and Peruvian spirits
- Classic souvenirs
- Additional tips
Clothing and accessories
Culture is one of Peru’s emblems, and its expressions are no exception. Among the most notable are the local clothing and accessories, with their vibrant colors and unique designs. Likewise, its magnificent wool and weaving culture offer exceptional qualities you’ll want to take home. Below, we offer some of the best souvenirs to wear:
Alpaca clothing
Alpaca fiber is one of the finest and most exclusive in the world, according to many specialists. Peru, as one of the countries with the largest number of camelids in South America, is no exception. Peruvians take advantage of this resource to make beautiful alpaca garments. Their sophisticated designs and high-quality materials make them the best souvenirs from Peru.
Therefore, those planning to buy in Peru will find a wide range of options. However, our personal recommendation is to buy baby alpaca clothing, the finest fabric produced by this animal. Also, shop in specialized stores near the historic centers of the country’s main cities. Here you will find some of the most exclusive Alpaca Clothing Brands to delight you.
Chullo hat
The chullo is a traditional Andean hat with ear flaps that people tie under the chin. Today, there are many designs, but many people still prefer the classic style. Its bright colors and Andean look make it a great way to experience Peruvian culture. This hat also goes well with Peruvian clothing and is perfect for cold weather.
Peruvian Jewelry
Peruvian jewelry is more than just a souvenir; it reflects the country’s rich history and tradition. In the shops, you’ll discover stunning gold and silver items adorned with Inca motifs. One of the most popular pieces is the Chacana, which holds deep meaning, especially for the Inca people. Many artisans also create unique designs, so you’re sure to find the perfect piece to remember your trip.
Decorations
When selecting souvenirs, remember to consider home decorations. Whether it’s something for your wall or a useful item for your kitchen, there are many great options. Ceramics, sculptures, and works of art are some of the ones we can mention. However, below are some of the most popular items to add a touch of Peruvian culture to your home.
Textiles
As mentioned before, Peru has a strong textile tradition. Therefore, you’ll find many home items made with these beautiful fabrics. Pillows, rugs, tapestries, and cases are just a few examples. With their bright colors and intricate designs, they make some of the best Andean souvenirs.
Paintings
Peru is one of the most beautiful countries in South America, and one of the best ways to remember it is through photographs. However, memorializing it through magnificent, handmade paintings has no comparison. With diverse techniques and colors, this type of Peruvian art captures the best of its landscapes, places, and people. So, when you travel to its attractions, don’t hesitate to take the perfect piece for your living room.
Peruvian dolls
Famous Peruvian toys and dolls are a great choice for both home decor and for the little ones in your home. On your trip to Peru, you’ll see a wide variety of dolls that reflect local traditions and customs. Highlights include the famous cholitas, typical Peruvian women, and stuffed alpacas. Therefore, dare to bring beauty and affection to your loved ones from a highly diverse country; bring them Peruvian dolls!
Traditional instruments
Although many think about the musical instruments’ decorative value, you should also consider them. With multiple options, from classics like flutes to unique percussion instruments, you’ll find plenty of choices. We recommend visiting specialized stores for a better product guarantee. However, the San Pedro Market in Cusco is also an excellent alternative.
Other handmade arts
Each city in Peru has its own customs and traditions, and this is also true for handmade crafts. Some of the most popular ones are ekekos, retablos, and Pucará bulls. Each one has its own style and meaning, but all are with great detail and care. If you’re visiting different places in Peru, it’s a good idea to buy souvenirs in each city.
Peruvian Products
Many people recognize Peru as a must-see gastronomic destination. Chefs create a wide variety of dishes with top-quality products, many native to the country. Those passionate about cooking can take home some of Peru’s most well-known products at the end of their trip to Peru. Below, we share the best Peruvian products to take home after your trip.
Pisco
The Pisco Sour is one of the most traditional and popular cocktails in the andean country. Many famous expert tasters recognize the Peruvian Pisco for its quality and unique flavor. As the Peruvian wine, you’ll only find this emblem in Peru, so don’t miss the opportunity to bring it. A friend, family member, or loved one will be delighted to receive this delightful and memorable souvenir.
Coffee
When shopping in Peru, remember to bring coffee, one of the highest-quality products in the world. Peruvian farmers produce coffee over 1,189 meters above sea level, an ideal and privileged location. In many traditional markets, you can sample Peru’s great coffee diversity. Cusco has many specialty coffee shops; if you’re doing souvenir shopping, we recommend visiting the Misky shop.
Pink Maras Salt
Pink salt, or Sal de Maras, is a signature of Maras, a town with the largest salt mines in Peru. Pink salt is a must-have souvenir on your journey to the Sacred Valley in Cusco. This Peruvian product is excellent as a finishing touch for grills and meats. You can purchase it in any supermarket in Peru; however, we recommend buying it in the Imperial City.
Coca candies
Traditionally, coca is a product used for energy. Some alternative uses include chewing it for altitude sickness and relieving hunger and fatigue. Although international laws prohibit the export of coca, there are alternatives, the most notable being coca candy. This sweet treat will help you immerse yourself in andean customs and traditions.
Classic souvenirs
If you prefer more traditional souvenirs, Peru also has plenty of those. Here you’ll find many souvenir shops that reflect a bit of the rich local Andean culture. The main ones we can mention are magnets, keychains, T-shirts, playing cards, and other ornaments. There’s plenty to choose from, and while you may have an idea of what you want, the wide variety may change your mind.
Additional tips
Probably, this is your first time traveling to Peru, so it’s good to keep a few things in mind. Some small details could improve your shopping experience in the Andean country. Therefore, below are some tips every shopper should keep in mind. Remember that once in Peru, you will have many options and alternatives that you can enjoy, but don’t be scared.
- Bring some cash: Although many shops and merchants already accept card payments, some still don’t. Therefore, the best option is to exchange some bills for the local currency. You don’t need to know the exchange rate in depth, but it’s always good to check it in advance.
- You can bargain a little: The culture of bargaining is present in Peru and its beautiful cities. However, you should know when and how to do it. If you’re buying more than one item or just a casual street purchase, you can ask for a discount. However, if you go to a specialty store, you’re less likely to bargain.
- Take advantage of the time and place: Based on your own itinerary, we recommend planning when to shop. Although you’ll likely find countless shops on your trip, it’s not a bad idea to plan. For example, those visiting Machu Picchu could take advantage of the opportunity to purchase handicrafts from the local people.
- Quality over quantity: Sometimes, less is more when shopping in Peru. We recommend focusing on authentic, handmade items. We understand that it’s different when you’re in the store, so try to visit several locations to see a wide range of options.
“A PHOTOGRAPH IS A SOUVENIR OF A MEMORY, IT IS NOT A MOMENT. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE PHOTOGRAPH THAT BECOMES THE MOMENT, YOUR OWN MOMENT”
With a wide range of unique and unparalleled options, shopping in Peru is an experience like no other. The Machu Travel Peru team shared some of the best souvenirs to return to this cultural wonder on your next trip. These are just a few examples of what you can find; markets to visit in Lima and other cities have many kinds of souvenirs. We hope this blog has been helpful; for more information, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Peru has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
