5 Must-Buy Gifts and Souvenirs From Peru

If you are heading for a trip to Peru then make sure to leave some extra space in your suitcase/backpack to pack in all your souvenirs.

Peru is one of those countries that offer you loads of cheap shopping opportunities and the colorful markets full of handicraft items let you indulge your inner shopaholic without draining your wallet. Peru has some of the most exclusive souvenirs in the world and you’ll hardly be able to get anywhere without a vendor trying to sell you something lovely and unique.Keep reading on to see our list of the 5 must-buy items in Peru that can help simplify your shopping experience in this charming country.

1. Alpaca clothing

The hand-made Alpaca sweaters, ponchos, scarves, hats and blankets make for a splendid gift and there are loads of stores from where you can pick your items. Alpaca clothing is as warm and lightweight as cashmere and the best part is that they are hypoallergenic.[caption id="attachment_176725" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Photo by Amaraphotos.com[/caption]The Alpaca baby clothes are very soft totally safe for kids but make sure to look out for 100% baby alpaca items. Arequipa is the ideal place to do your alpaca shopping so while at Arequipa make sure to grab some of them. Buying the adorable alpaca dolls for your friends and colleagues can also be a good idea.

2. Backpacks and bags

[caption id="attachment_176736" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Photo by Amaraphotos.com[/caption]If you are wondering where to store all your goods, then it’s always a good idea to spend on backpacks. The markets in Peru have an extensive collection of backpacks, many of which are crafted out of traditional textiles. You can even find sturdy duffel bags in traditional patterns so pick up a few of them and your storage problem is all sorted.

3. Textiles and Chullo Hats

[caption id="attachment_176740" align="aligncenter" width="3028"] Photo by Amaraphotos.com[/caption]You won’t find any souvenir shop in Peru that does not sell colorful Peruvian textile products. The bright and bold fabrics which are available for sale in the local marketplaces can be used to make tablecloths, bed sheets, pillow covers, table runners etc. The Chullo hats are special Andean style hats which come with earflaps and a string. Crafted out of brightly coloured wool these inexpensive hats can be a superb gift item.

4. Pisco Sour

[caption id="attachment_176727" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Photo by Amaraphotos.com[/caption]The national drink of Peru which comes with 38%-48% alcohol is sure to impress your friends and peers. So make sure to stock a few bottles of this amazing drink and its easy to find 'sour mix' before heading back home.This fantastic drink topped with egg white can be a nice item to bring back from Peru. However, find out information about the duty allowances before stocking up the bottles.

5. Musical Instruments

[caption id="attachment_176741" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Photo by Uniaiga, Wikimedia[/caption]People who are musically inclined can bring home some of the typical Andean musical instruments. Some of the items to choose from include wooden flutes, zampona (a kind of pan pipe made out of reed tubes), ten-stringed charango, cajon, or a bombo drum.

Final Items...

[caption id="attachment_176744" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Photo by Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash.com[/caption]Before concluding it needs to be mentioned that there is no dearth of shopping items in Peru. If you are trying to find something on the cheaper side then make sure to stock up on Inca crosses, llama and alpaca keychains, coca candies or colourful friendship bracelets.And don't forget that Peruvian chocolate is among the best in the world and the same can be said about Peruvian coffee, so make sure to bring some home with you!