Shopping in Peru

Having savored the ancient and mysterious sights of Peru , you can think about what to bring from this wonderful country in memory of spent days. So, it's time for shopping, and Peru is a great place for it. In this small Latin American country there are not many large shopping centers with branded things, but here you can find unique pieces of decorative and applied art that read the traditions of ancient Inca culture.

What to buy in Peru?

Basically, all souvenirs are handmade, in bright and bold ornaments of which local craftspeople express themselves while earning their living. Let's see what is the pride of the Peruvians and what must be bought in Peru.

1. Woolen products. Do not be surprised when you are offered wool articles as a souvenir from a hot country. The fact is that alpaca has been a pet for millennia, and Peruvian alpaca wool products are considered the best in the world.
2. Knitted dolls of Cuzco. Dolls of Cuzco are a souvenir expressing the character of local residents. Knitted dolls are usually dressed in a national costume, and their faces are decorated with a smile, which is one of the national traits of Peruvians.
3. Textile paintings Arpiiras. Textile paintings by Arpairas tell of the difficult life situations of Peruvians, paintings are made by hand by women from the poor quarters of Lima . So, by purchasing this souvenir, you not only bring bright colors to your interior, but also help to earn someone for a living.
4. Calebas. Another interesting thing that you should pay attention to when shopping in Peru. In fact, it is a vessel, and its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is made of special types of pumpkin, which after the treatment is painted by masters, and some even dressed in leather cases or wool of alpaca, which gives a special charm to these products.

Best places to shop in Peru

Bazaar of San Pedro in Cusco

The largest market of Cusco is the San Pedro market, you can find almost everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and souvenirs. On its territory there is a gastronomic department with a small dining room where you can tasty and budget a snack. Prices here are average in the city, so be prepared for the numerous crowds of the people.

Larkomar Shopping Center in Lima

It is unlikely that the assortment of this shopping center will amaze the sophisticated shopaholics, but you can find the most necessary things here: clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, household appliances, children's and sports goods, foodstuffs, souvenirs. There is a recreation center on the territory, where a cinema, a cafe, a bowling alley, a theater and even a disco are located, underground parking has been built for the convenience of visitors.

Larkomar Shopping Center in Lima is notable for its interesting location: it is difficult to find immediately, because the building is not the usual high-rise building on the city street, but built in a rock.

Supermarkets in Peru

1. In Arequipa in the central square there is a small, but with an excellent assortment of Supermercado El Super. The prices here are slightly higher than the national average, but the store has a convenient location and the necessary goods can be bought in one place.
2. In the capital of the state - Lima - you can visit supermarket Supermercado Plaza Vea. This is a network store of modest size, there are no home appliances, furniture, etc., but drinks, food and some household goods are represented in a sufficient range.
3. A representative of the same network is located in the small town of Tacna. This supermarket has a huge range of not only food and beverages, but here you can find equipment, household goods and much more. The Supermercado Plaza Vea in Tacna has private parking. Prices are average, so in the evenings there are long queues.

To the tourist on a note

1. The schedule of the store depends on its location - so, in the provinces, supermarkets close earlier (around 6 pm), and in the capital are open, usually from 9.00 to 20-22.00 hours, there are shops and 24-hour service.
2. Do not be surprised if in the check of the supermarket you will see two prices (in dollars and in national currency). If you are calculated in dollars, you can be given a change in the salt at the bank rate.