13 Things You Can Only Buy In Peru

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.

Dried sweetcorn

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.

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.

Chullo hat

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Peruvian spices

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

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.

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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