Almost every day we are asked by our customers what can make good souvenirs and where to buy them. This is a question that can also be considered in advance before you come to Peru. Private Lima Tours with Sara suggests you here what to buy in Peru: souvenir shopping in Lima and Cusco.
Alpaca woolen sweaters, shawls and textiles
First of all note that the best (and most expensive) wool is the “baby alpaca”. Another fact is that, contrary to what most people think, this is not the wool from a baby alpaca. It is taken from the neck and the underbelly of adult alpacas. In addition, this extremely soft material is seven times warmer than the sheep´s. Incas considered it as valuable as gold, only the Inca Emperors where authorized to dress it.
Authentic baby alpaca wool is expensive. Therefore, be aware that in many tourist shops or Indian markets they sell alpaca with a mix of synthetic products pretending it to be baby alpaca.
Where to buy in Lima:
- KUNA in Larcomar Shopping Center, Miraflores. They also have a shop in Av. Larco 671, Miraflores. 100 % guaranteed baby alpaca.
Where to buy in Cusco:
- At the town of Chinchero where the local weavers teach you how they dye and weave their products.
- KUNA has also several shops in Cusco.
Silver jewelry
Peru is the second producer of silver in the world. We have a rich tradition of fine craftmen whose pieces make great gifts.
Where to buy in Lima:
- Ilaria in Larcomar Shopping Center. With 25 years in the market, Ilaria enjoys international apprecition. 100 % handmade in silver 925. They combine jewels with Peruvian semi-precious stones such as Peruvian turquoise as well as with Spondylus, a kind of bivalve mollusc from Ecuador. Pre-columbian civilizations already used Spondylus as ornamentation in their jewelry.
Where to buy in Cusco:
- Ilaria is also present in Cusco at the Monasterio Hotel and at the J.W. Marriott.
Food products
Pisco
This is a brandy with 42 degrees alcohol with which we prepare the famous Peruvian cocktail, Pisco Sour.
Best brands: Barsol and Portón.
Pink salt
This Andean pink salt originates from the salt mines of Maras, in Cusco. It does not undergo any refining process. Because of its rich amount of calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron, it´s excellent for health.
Organic coffee
Peru produces several brands of organic coffee of high quality. A gourmet brand winner of several worldwide awards is Tunki.
Organic chocolate
Peruvian organic chocolate keeps winning international acknowledgent for its quality. The best chocolate shop in Lima ran by an expert is El Cacaotal (Colina 128, Barranco) where you can find a full assortment of chocolates, such as Shattel. In October 2017, Shatell not only obtained five golden medals but was also acknowledged as The Best Chocolate of the World, winning over 200 brands at the International Chocolate Awards in London.
Hot sauce
There is a big assortment of hot sauces made of chili peppers. The Amazonian brand Madreselva is a very good choice.
You can buy these food products and similar ones either at Wong or Vivanda supermarkets.
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If you prefer to check all souvenirs in just one spot, you may consider a visit to Dédalo Arte y Artesanía. There you can not only view alpaca-made products but also jewelry, pottery and the best of Peruvian designer´s art work. Dédalo is a must for best quality shopping while in Lima. You can find them in Barranco (Paseo Sáenz Peña 295). Check reviews in TripAdvisor.