Where and how to make a good souvenir shopping? What to buy in Peru is a common question asked by our customers. To simplify your research, Private Lima Tours with Sara points you to the top 4 souvenirs to choose in Peru.
1. Alpaca woolen sweaters and shawls
Alpaca is a South American Andean camelid that lives between 10,000 and 14,000 ft. It is recognized worldwide as one of the finest materials. Alpaca wool is seven times warmer than sheep’s wool. It comes in natural white, brown, gray, and black colors. Due to its softness, the wool sheared from the neck and underbelly of an alpaca is called “baby alpaca.” After vicuña wool (another Andean camelid), baby alpaca is highly valued for its softness and hypoallergenic properties. Baby alpaca wool is a big choice if you are considering what to buy in Peru.
Baby alpaca is expensive. Therefore, don’t trust any tourist shop or Indian market that sells “baby” alpaca products. They are mostly mixed with synthetic fibers and presents it as baby alpaca.
Where to buy
These two companies are the top producers and sellers of alpaca textiles. They own shops not only in Lima but also in Cusco and Arequipa. Additionally, they have a presence in the best hotels. In Lima, you can find their shops at the popular Larcomar Shopping Center in Miraflores.
2. Silver jewelry
Peru is the second-largest producer of silver in the world. Consequently, it has a rich tradition of silver handicrafts dating back to Pre-Inca times. The Incas used to refer to silver as “the tears of the moon.” A Peruvian sterling silver jewel always makes a great gift.
Where to buy
Ilaria is an internationally renowned brand known for producing top-quality handcrafted sterling silver jewelry in Peru. They have several shops in Lima, including one in the Larcomar Shopping Center in Miraflores. They are usually present in the best hotels. Ilaria also has shops in Cusco and Arequipa.
3. Pisco
Pisco is a national brandy that has been produced in Peru since the 16th century. It is a transparent grape distillate with a powerful taste and a slight fragrance. Pisco typically has an alcohol content of 42 degrees. It is also the main ingredient in the famous Peruvian national cocktail, the “Pisco Sour.”
Best brands
- Pisco BARSOL received 1 Gold award and 5 Silver Awards at the International CINVE Awards in Spain in 2018.
- La Caravedo Torontel was the winner of the Ultimate Beverage Challenge in New York in 2018.
Pisco BARSOL and La Caravedo Torontel are available for purchase at liquor stores in supermarkets such as Wong, Metro, Vivanda, and Plaza Vea.
4. Organic chocolate
The quality of Peruvian cacao has been acknowledged as one of the best in the world by the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. Peruvian chocolate obtained 28 golden, silver, and bronze medals in different categories at the International Chocolate Awards 2017 in the USA.
Best brands:
Shatell
Shatell received five golden medals at the International Chocolate Awards 2017. It has also been awarded as the Best Chocolate in the World, winning over 200 brands at the International Chocolate Awards in London.
Cacaosuyo
Cacaosuyo received golden and silver medals in London.
Where to buy
The best chocolate shop in Lima ran by an expert is El Cacaotal (Colina 111, Barranco). At El Cacaotal you can find a full assortment of chocolates.
We hope that this information may be useful to you. Finally we suggest you to check here our Full Day Private Lima Tours.