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Published: 24-11-2021
Every Peruvian Street corner, has a plethora of unusual authentic Peruvian handicrafts on display and the amazing selection available, is a mind-blowing example of their ingenuity and talent. Peruvians are experts when it comes to fabricating traditional handicrafts and quintessentially Peruvian items. With so many markets to visit, handicraft stores to explore, street sellers and even young children selling their wares, all with their unique items from the 3 three different geographical regions of Peru; the coast, the jungle and the mountains all being represented, buying them can be a somewhat daunting task. We have tried to simplify your shopping experience with this list of the most interesting and authentic Peruvian souvenirs you can only find in Peru. Help the local Peruvian community and economy by buying authentic Peruvian souvenirs, as opposed to the sometimes imported and cheaper versions from neighbouring countries and take home the perfect Peruvian item, to remind you of this incredible country.
Weavings and textiles
Peruvian Textiles
If you find yourself turning into a weaving-lover on your visit to The Andes, buy a hand-made, colourful Peruvian rug or wall hanging. The immaculate imagery is woven into every fibre and often tells a folk tale from the community it came from, or the person who wove it.
Woman weaver in Chinchero
Beware, these immaculate textiles are somewhat heavy and you may even think about shipping them home, but once you see it in your lounge, decorating your walls or floors, it all becomes worthwhile.
A Peruvian musical Instrument
You can find a myriad of musical instruments from the region of Peru you are visiting. Whether that be a “charango” (small ukulele-type stringed instrument) or “zampoña” (panpipes) from The Andes, a bone whistle from the Amazon or a “cajon” (wooden box drum) from the coastal region.
Typical Andean Instruments
Each instrument has changed little throughout the centuries and are one of the best things to purchase if you are looking for an authentic Peruvian keepsake.
Friendship bracelets
Bracelets are never hard to find, anywhere you go in Peru and they’re the perfect gift for friends and family.
Friendship bracelets
Lightweight, colourful and cheap as chips. The perfect mini piece of woven artwork, to adorn anyone’s arm!
Poncho or Alpaca Jumper
Traditional Andean knitwear such as ponchos and sweaters are a quintessentially Peruvian.
Alpaca poncho, chullo and lamb!
There are an endless number of designs, are hand-made, warm and snuggly, and usually made of Alpaca (even when they are synthetic 😉 but you will probably be told they are baby alpaca, so make sure you learn the difference!) They will always remind you of those cold Cusqueñian nights in the Andes, when they possibly saved you from hypothermia!
“Chullo” hat
These wonderful beanies with long flapping ears (it gets cold in the Andean region and the extremities suffer!) form an important part of any Andean outfit.
Typical Andino man in his "chullo"
The maybe knit or woven, usually made from alpaca wool, but will be a life-saver on those cold winter nights, when you return home.
Alpaca Scarf
Complete your Andean wardrobe with an authentic alpaca scarf made from alpaca wool.
Alpacas in Scarfs!
This elegant accessory is multi- functional and will compliment any outfit, keep you warm, and if you buy the genuine, baby alpaca version, not itchy or scratchy.
Cacao
Peru is the home of sublime chocolate. There is even a local chocolate bar of the same name! (Sublime). The local cacao can be found in any market and can be sweet or bitter and is pure, organic chocolate.
Cacao Pod
Drink it, eat it inhale it, this incredible product of the “seja de selva” or eyebrow of the jungle, can be found midway between the jungle and the Andean region and is the perfect, delicious keepsake to savour once you return home.
Coffee
Locally produced, organic Peruvian coffee is some of the finest coffee in the world. Not as dark as the Colombian version, yet full of incredible aroma and taste, the Arabic grain that grows like wildfire, is also native to the “seja de selva” and is the perfect wake-me up on any given morning!
Tumi and coffee!
You can buy it ground or in bean form, the latter being the purest version as it is not mixed with other ingredients during processing.
Artwork
Andean paintings are unique and has a distinctive history in Cusco, often depicting the eclectic diversity of Catholic and Andean traditions.
Paintings in the Parque Kennedy
These original and unique art designs are not usually found outside of Peru and will offer some original decoration for your home when you return, while promoting the Artistic and creative movements of The Andes.
Naturally dyed Wool
You can buy naturally dyed wool using a myriad of plant and insect colours to produce clothing in colours only found in nature.
Naturally dyed yarns
If you want to learn how to knit, weave, crochet when you return home, there are plenty of classes and native communities to visit, where you may see how Peruvian women work these fibres. They might even give you some pointers or useful hints that have been passed down many generations, from the homeland.
Peruvian Herbs and spices
Peruvians are famous for their cuisine, partly due to the incredible array of natural herbs and spices available in the country.
Peruvian cuisine
Huacatay, coriander, cumin, palillo (turmeric), lemongrass, chinch, cloves and coriander are just some of these tasty additions to the signature dishes from Peru, so why not bring home some of the ingredients, to replicate this delectable cuisine and delight your friends and family, when you get home!
Mineral Salt
We have all heard about the health benefits of reducing the salt in our diets. However, if you are a semi salt addict, like myself, the better, more healthy option is the pink mineral salt of Maras, found in the sacred valley of the Incas.
Maras Salt pans
For thousands of years, local people have extracted the salt from the earth, providing a natural salt, much lower in sodium and much healthier than sea salt.
