Catherine - Savvy Family TravelThe souvenirs from Peru you bring home carry layers of tradition and centuries-old techniques. On our family trip to Peru, shopping became part of how we experienced the country.
We bartered for textiles in Chinchera, carried salt straight from the Maras mines, spent a sticky afternoon at a chocolate workshop, and carefully chose gifts for cousins and friends.
This guide combines the best of what to buy in Peru, where to find it, and how to make smart choices.
Souvenirs from Peru
Textiles
If there’s one category of souvenirs from Peru that you’ll see everywhere, it’s textiles. Alpaca wool is especially prized: soft, warm, and durable. A few quick notes for while you shop:
- Baby alpaca doesn’t mean it came from a baby alpaca. It refers to the first shearing of an adult alpaca, producing ultra-soft fibers and sometimes also adult fibers that come from parts of their bodies that produce finer fibers.
- Synthetic blends are unfortunately everywhere, especially in tourist-heavy markets. They’re inexpensive but lack the warmth and softness.
Hats
The kids each picked out a chullo in Cusco (the ear-flap hat) and I chose a beanie when we were on the island of Taguile. The gray hat was obviously synthetic and you can find them for 15-20 soles (the seam is a big giveaway).
You will pay 40-70 soles for hats made from Alpaca fiber.
Fútbol Merchandise
One of our best memories from our time in Cusco was the energy at their Club Ciencianos soccer game vs. Bolivia. We picked up some merchandise the day before at a sports shop across the street from Luque Sport.
Now that we are home, my kids love having a piece of that game with them and soccer jerseys are all the rage when it comes to elementary school fashion right now.
Patterned Blanket
When we were at the Chinchero Weaving Center, it felt obligatory to make a purchase after they’ve patiently demonstrated the long process of cleaning alpaca fibers, dying them naturally, spinning them, and painstakingly weaving the patterns.
Handmade blankets and ponchos there cost upwards of 500 soles.
This is undoubtedly one of the most used souvenirs that came home with us though.
Crocheted Figurines
My kids’ absolute favorite finds were these Pokémon characters with iconic chullo hats. The figures were made by @crochetlandia_cusco. Reach out to her if you’d like to request one or find out where to find her during your time in Cusco.
Woven Bracelets
We brought several of these to bring home for my nieces and the kids’ friends. You can’t find more packable souvenirs from Peru!
Ponchos
Poncho prices range from 120 soles to 800 soles. I will say, when you find a color and pattern you like, pick it up! There’s no guarantee you’ll see it again on your journey through Peru.
In an effort to travel light and save bulky purchases for our final day in the country, I never found the blue poncho I’d fallen in love with 2 weeks earlier.
Fluffy Alpaca
You’ll see these fluffy friends all over the place and they make great souvenirs from Peru for kids!
Jewelry and Metal Work
Peru is one of the world’s largest silver producers, and its artisans have worked with silver for centuries. You’ll find jewelry that blends modern styles with ancient Inca symbolism.
Common motifs include:
- The Chakana (Inca cross): symbolizing balance and the three levels of existence (underworld, world of the living, and upper world) and so much more.
- Animals: llamas, condors, pumas, and snakes, each with its own mythological meaning.
- Swirls to represent water. (More commonly found along the coast)
Also, look for pieces made with semi-precious stones like chrysocolla (Peru’s turquoise) and Andean opal, which glow in soft greens and blues.
These wire art figures are designed to mimic the style of the famous Nazca lines.
Handcrafted Art and Ceramics
Some of the most distinctive souvenirs from Peru are decorative rather than wearable.
Retablo
Retablos are miniature altars, are bright dioramas that originated in Ayacucho. They usually depict religious scenes or everyday life — farmers in a field, dancers in a festival, or saints surrounded by flowers.
Pottery
At every market, you’ll find ceramic bowls and cups inspired by Nazca, Moche, or Inca designs, sometimes with geometric patterns or depictions of animals.
Toritos de Pucará
These bulls, commonly seen atop Peruvian homes are usually sold in pairs for protection and prosperity.
Nativity Scenes
On our tour of the Sacred Valley, our guide explained a tradition of adding onto their Christmas Nativity Scene each year to include more details or characters. We thought it would be a fun way to commemorate our trip by adding an alpaca to our own Nativity scene.
You can buy full sets as well which are widely available in markets.
Paintings
If you spend anytime in public squares, you’re bound to be accosted by someone with a binder saying “to look is free!” while showing you a series of paintings. I have to say, many were stunning.
Eventually we found some postcard sized paintings to send home in lieu of a formal postcard.
Musical Instruments
Music is woven into Andean culture, and instruments make perfect gifts.
Pan flutes (zampoñas), charangos (small 10-string guitars traditionally made from armadillo shell, though now mostly wood), and ocarinas are widely available.
Food & Drink Souvenirs
Edible souvenirs from Peru are crowd-pleasers and easy to share back home.
Pisco
Bring home a bottle or more to recreate this favorite Peruvian cocktail. Wrap your bottle(s) in multiple plastic bags and then burry them in sweaters in checked luggage.
Coffee
Peru’s beans are exceptional, especially from Cusco, Chanchamayo, and Puno. Buy roasted whole beans as souvenirs from Peru.
Chocolate
We spent an afternoon in Cusco at a chocolate workshop, where our kids learned about cocoa, ground nibs, and molded their own bars to take home.
Coca Products
Coca tea and candies are common, but check your home country’s import restrictions. Raw coca tea leaves are typically forbidden for import.
Salt from the Maras Salt Mines
Visiting the Maras salt mines was unforgettable so we were glad we bought little pouches of salt (white and pink) to enjoy at home.
Other Flavorful Souvenirs
More fun food finds include ají chili sauces, purple corn flour for making chicha morada, and quinoa products.
Unique & Quirky Souvenirs from Peru
Some of the most fun items are quirky like carved dolls, festival masks, hand-painted gourds, and coca-leaf pouches.
One thing I personally regret not tracking down while in Peru was a hardware set to bring home and recreate our kids’ favorite game during our visit; Sapo.
They sell a kit of all the Sapo brass hardware needed to recreate this fun pastime at home.
Souvenirs from Peru on a Budget
Keychains, Magnets, Bottle Toppers
Need to buy something in bulk or want to grab something on a budget, keychains, magnets, and bottle “hats” are widely available and ultra low cost.
As a collector of ornaments from my travels, I was keeping an eye out but didn’t find any. So instead bought a magnet that will be easy to convert to a hanging ornament for our Christmas tree.
Patches
We saw a lot of people have started plastering their backpacks with patches like these which is a great “wearable” souvenir option!
Souvenirs by Region
Each region has its own specialties when it comes to souvenirs from Peru:
- Cusco & Sacred Valley: Textiles and silver jewelry are at their best here. Pisac is especially famous for weaving.
- Lima: High-end boutiques, gourmet shops, and museum stores are ideal for those looking for guaranteed authenticity.
- Arequipa: Famous for sillar (volcanic stone) carvings and detailed embroidery.
- Ayacucho: Known for retablos and hand-carved stonework.
- Puno: Best for musical instruments and folkloric costumes
- Lake Titicaca: Taquile textiles are UNESCO-recognized; men there traditionally knit intricate hats like the ones below. The Uros people make reed crafts that are equally striking.
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Peru
- Pisac Market (Sacred Valley): Colorful and bustling, with endless stalls. (Shown below)
- San Pedro Market (Cusco): A blend of food and crafts, great for immersing yourself in local life and people watching.
- Inka Market (Miraflores, Lima): Convenient for one-stop shopping, especially before flying home.
- Taquile Island (Lake Titicaca): A living tradition of weaving, where textiles carry deep symbolism depending on style and color.
Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Peru
- Spotting real alpaca: Feel the fiber. Real alpaca is warm and soft, not plasticky. (Feel the inside as some market stall operators brush the outside of their wares to create the illusion of softness.)
- Haggling: Negotiations are expected at markets. Start lower and keep it friendly. Use the “convert” featured on your phone’s calculator to help with language barrier and keep better track of what you’re spending in your home currency.
- Carry small bills and coins. Showing the cash can speed up negotiations.
- Pack smart: Roll textiles, wrap ceramics in clothing, and double-bag liquids.
- Know your home country’s customs rules: Especially for coca products and alcohol.
Final Thoughts on Souvenirs from Peru
The souvenirs from Peru we brought home became stories. If you leave space in your suitcase, you’ll leave space for Peru to follow you home.
Pin this list of the best souvenirs from Peru for future trip planning:
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”