13 Things You Can Only Buy in Peru

Mia Spingola
Mia Spingola | © Culture Trip
Brandon Dupre

Peru has the best, most unique souvenirs in the world, but because there are so many different things to choose from and so many markets to visit, buying them can be a daunting task. We’ve simplified your shopping experience with this list of the most interesting Peruvian souvenirs you’ll only find in Peru.

Textiles

No trip to Peru is complete without a textile to bring home. Peruvian textiles are beautiful works of art and living pieces of history. With so many textile communities to visit, you’re sure to find a truly unique piece.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Dried sweetcorn

Peru is the land of potatoes and corn. While corn is eaten everywhere, it is also used in many drinks like chicha morada and chicha de jora, the later being an alcoholic version originating from the Incas who frequently used it in ceremonies.

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Friendship bracelets

Bracelets, bracelets and more bracelets is what you’ll find wherever you go in Peru and they’re the perfect gift for friends and family.

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Ponchos and alpaca clothing

Traditional Andean clothing like ponchos are fun items to bring back home with you. They look cool, are made by hand, and will always remind you of the people of the Andes and their great traditions.

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Chullo hat

The ear-flapped beanies are part of any traditional Andean outfit and help a lot when fighting those cold Andean nights.

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Handmade artwork and postcards

Andean artwork is very unique and has a distinct history within Cusco and Peru, often depicting the confluence of Catholic and Andean traditions. It will be unlike anything you find at home.

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Natural dyed string

If you truly get into Peruvian textile-making, you should come back with your own textile-making kit of colorful, natural string. And, if you want to learn how to make textiles on your own, there are plenty of classes and tours you can take to see how Peruvian women work. They might even give you some pointers.

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Peruvian woven rugs

If you end up loving Peruvian textiles, take your obsession to the next level with a Peruvian rug. It may be a bit heavy to carry around, but once you see it on your living room floor the hassle will have been worth it.

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Painted wooden bowls

You’ll find Incan museums all over Peru displaying their main artifact—clay bowls. Poetry and other clay designs are staples of Incan culture and were used as a way to tell the stories and histories of their people. Bring a piece of their history home with you in the form of a wooden bowl to remember your time in Peru.

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Alpaca dolls

The loveably, fluffy alpaca can be found all over the Andean region of Peru. While you won’t be able to bring one home with you, you can do the next best thing—buy an alpaca doll made with real alpaca fur to remind you of the furry creatures.

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Peruvian spices

Peruvians are internationally known for their food, so why not bring home some of the ingredients that make their cuisine so delicious?

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Scarves

Complete your Andean wardrobe with a scarf made out of real alpaca fibers—better yet, take it a step further and buy one that uses baby alpaca fur.

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Cacao

Peru is home to some of the best chocaolate in the world. No matter what city you find yourself in, you’ll encounter some delicious Peruvian chocolate that you’ll like too much not to bring back home.

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