So! You’re visiting Peru, and on the hunt to bring back some momentos, some great souveniers either for yourself or for a loved one back home (maybe even just for the office).
But what do you get? You’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice if you arrive unprepared, or maybe you want to send a loved one this list so they can choose their own souvenier in advance. Sit back, relax, and get ready to have your Peruvian souvenier options laid out in front of you.
Sure, there are plenty of things to fall in love with while in Peru, and bringing back that perfect gift for your loved ones is a very important thing to consider. There are a options for every kind of buyer, and of course, every kind of receiver! Below are a few of our favorites:
1. Pucara Bulls
The Pucara bulls are a traditional symbol of luck and love. They are typically placed on the roof of a house in order to protect the home and welcome in luck, love, fertility, or money. They make a fantastic gift for recently married couples or just those who are usually down on their luck.
As an added bonus, you have the option to paint your own in an art class for the ultimate personalised gift from Peru. Each color bull means something different, so it’s a great opportunity to give a subtly personlised gift to a loved one. (Horses are also available).
2. Pisco
Pisco is the national drink of Peru, and it’s a good one! Share a little bit of the culture with friends back home, or just bring it back for your personal bar.
This gift works particularly well if you pair it with a pisco sour-making masterclass, so you can really share the national drink of Peru with your loved ones- maybe even throwing a Peru themed dinner party on your return- the perfect opportunity to get a group together and reguile with your travel tales.
3. Silver & Gold Trinkets and Souveniers
Silver and gold are extremely cheap in Peru, so use your trip as an opportunity to give someone a special Peruvian gift without the special price tag. There are plenty of ornaments and trinkets, as well as plenty of jewelry to choose from.
When it comes to jewlery, you can find just about every style, from decorative incan style collars to timeless cufflinks, making silver and gold the ideal souveniers for just about anyone visiting Peru.
4. Peruvian Wall Hangings & Textiles
You might be aware that Peru is famous for its textiles. You can find decorative and traditional wall hagings, as well as more modern takes on traditional pieces. For the alpaca lover in your life, you can find furry wall hangings that use alpaca wool. Yes, they are extremely soft!
5. Ponchos & Jumpers
Would a list of souveniers in Peru truly be complete without mentioning ponchos? Ponchos are a must on the list of traditional gifts from Peru, and jumpers are a little more of an “every day” alternative if you want the jumper to be practical. Whether they’re for children in your life, for you to snuggle in at home, or for those who are big fans of The Emperor’s New Groove (or Encanto) a poncho (or jumper) is a fantastic and unique gift for anyone in your life- including yourself.
Remember there are many different styles of poncho, from a travelers cloth to high end alpaca shawls- so don’t rule them out as a Peruvian souvenier just yet!
6. Peruvian Alpacas and other Plush Toys
Not the real ones of course, but toy alpacas (and guinea pigs) can be found in many souvenir shops throughout Peru and they make a great gift for lovers of the furry friends. And who doesn’t love them? A plush alpaca is an instant win for any souvenier hunter.
7. Alpaca Wool Textiles
Of course, alpacas are a very popular part of Peruvian culture, and you would be hard pressed to find yourself not purchasing an alpaca souvenir. A practical version of this might be an alpaca sweater, a hat, or gloves and a scarf. There are plenty of different styles to choose from, and all kinds of sizes.
You can buy blended jumpers from most of the markets, or splash out and head to an alpaca clothing store to get something really special (and actually real alpaca). We reccommend Kuna!
Our top tip? Handwash, or the wool might stretch!
8. Maras Salt
If you are visiting Maras salt pans on your trip to the Sacred Valley (and why wouldn’t you be? It’s a great trip), then some Maras salt should be at the top of your list. It’s cheap, its convenient, and it’s a unique and practical souvenir. You can also get salt infused with different flavors while visiting.
If you are visiting Maras salt pans, buy your salt on the site, as it is more expensive in the stores in Cusco.
9. Paintings
If you’ve already visited Cusco then you may have already encountered the “painting guys” wandering around the main square asking if you want to buy a painting.
You can buy one from one of these guys, but we recommend heading to Cuesta San Blas and stopping in one of the small galleries around that area and buying directly from the artists. That way, you can support local artisans and get something incredibly unique and beautiful for your home or as a souvenier for a loved one. What could be better?
Which Peruvian souvenier should you buy to commemorate your time in this beautiful country? Or which souvenier captures the Peru that you experienced, to bring back to your loved ones? The choice is a deeply personal one, but you have some fantastic options laid out here. Happy Shopping!
Don’t forget to contact us to help plan your dream trip to Peru!
