What to Bring From Peru

If you are looking for souvenirs from Peru that will add a touch of Andean style to your home, look no further than these items.

Retablos are colorful wooden boxes that represent religious, historical or everyday Peruvian events. They often have two levels: the upper level symbolizes heaven and sacred Andean animals while the lower lever depicts life on earth.

Alpaca Clothing

The first thing every Peruvian traveler will want to grab is some alpaca clothing. This soft, warm material is a staple of the country's culture and can be found in everything from sweaters to hats to scarves. Llama motif sweaters are a popular choice, but you can also opt for the more luxurious vicuna or alpaca varieties. The Peruvian textile industry is a massive one that makes up a large portion of the country's economy, so buying local and supporting the craftspeople you meet is a great way to help keep this tradition alive.

You can find plenty of local clothing shops in the cities and towns of Peru. Some are larger and more tourist-oriented, but others are smaller and run by local families. These shops tend to be more authentic and will likely have better quality products. You can also find a good selection of Peruvian art at local galleries. Prints of women in traditional dress and the unrivaled landscape of Machu Picchu are popular choices.

For those with musical tastes, it's worth picking up a traditional Peruvian instrument. The country has a variety of beautiful, Andean-inspired music, including folk, opera, and classical. You can bring home a wooden flute or panpipe made of eleven graduated reed tubes called a zampona, or beat a bombo drum or strum a ten string charango.

Of course, no trip to Peru is complete without a few delicious treats and snacks. You can buy some of the country's best and most unique sweets in local markets. Coca leaves are the most famous and a natural remedy for altitude sickness, but you can also pick up some chicha morada candy or alfajores (a cornstarch-based cookie sandwich with dulce de leche filling).

For those who like to travel around Peru by car, there is an opportunity to get a rental car in all popular locations in Peru: at the main railway stations, in the city center, at the nearest airports. Tariffs may vary depending on various factors: the duration of the rental, the class of the car, the place where the car was received. For example, in Lima Airport you can rent a compact class car from 18 euros per day, and in Cusco Airport from 17 euros per day.

Textiles

Peruvians are renowned throughout the world for their weaving skills, and their products make great gifts or keepsakes for family and friends back home. Whether it’s a poncho or a shawl, a sweater or a blanket, or even a hat, there are plenty of options to choose from. Almost every market has weaving on display, so you can get a sense of the different styles and designs that are available.

Another popular choice is a chullo hat. These are woven with alpaca wool or with wool from other animals, and they are very eye-catching. The hats have a unique style that has become a symbol of Peru and Andean fashion internationally. They are also incredibly warm and soft, making them a great option for colder climates.

Those who love to listen to music will want to bring a musical instrument with them when traveling to Peru. The country has a vibrant music scene with Andean, Spanish and African influences. If you have room in your suitcase, you can purchase a traditional wooden flute or a panpipe made of eleven graduated reed tubes known as a zampona. You can also beat a bombo drum or strum a ten string charango, among other instruments.

If you’re looking for a souvenir that will remind you of your trip to Peru, a friendship bracelet is the way to go. These bracelets are super affordable and don’t take up much space in your suitcase. They also look really cute and can be worn with any outfit. They’re a great gift for a friend or a family member who is also a traveler. You can find these bracelets in many markets and shops around the country.

Paintings

As with any trip, a visit to Peru is not complete without picking up a few souvenirs for friends and family back home. With markets brimming with beautifully crafted goods in eye-catching colors and motifs, there’s something to suit every taste.

Llama motif sweaters, super-soft baby alpaca scarves, and hats are all classic choices for Peruvian woolly souvenirs. Alternatively, you can go all out and upgrade to vicuna wool for a true luxury. With their incredibly soft texture, these items will be the coziest addition to any wardrobe.

Paintings are another popular souvenir from Peru, from detailed religious paintings of the Virgin Mary and local saints to simple but lovely scenes of Andean women and landscapes. There’s also plenty of ethereal, brightly colored paintings in animal motifs that will brighten up any home.

You can find these in almost all markets, but the Peru Hop team recommends checking out the stalls at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco to see the best selection of Peruvian artwork. They’re a great way to remember your time in this stunning country.

Lightweight, sweat-resistant clothes are a must if you’re traveling to the Amazon rainforest. You’ll be on the move most of the day and it’s easy to overheat when you’re dressed in cotton clothing, so opt for synthetics instead. We also recommend packing a rain jacket and waterproof boots for any trekking you plan on doing. It’s not uncommon to be caught in the rain during December-April, so it’s best to be prepared rather than get soaked and chilled on your first trek of the trip.

Pink Sea Salt

Whether you’re a foodie or not, every cook will love the addition of Peruvian pink sea salt to their spice cabinet. This unique salt is hand harvested from the Sacred Valley in the town of Maras and is believed to have been a natural cure for many diseases. It’s worth a visit to this historic site just to see the incredible process for yourself.

The people of Peru are incredibly proud of their heritage and culture. This is reflected in their textiles, which are a major part of Peruvian identity. They’re cozy, breathable, and colorful, making them an excellent souvenir to bring home.

Peruvian chocolate is making a name for itself on the world stage. It has become known for its superior quality, with some brands even winning awards in the USA and Europe. If you haven’t tried Peruvian chocolate, it’s definitely something to add to your bucket list.

Friendship bracelets make a great souvenir, as they’re affordable and take up very little space in your suitcase. You’ll often see backpackers wearing a wrist full of these as a reminder of their journeys. They’re also a fun way to show off your travel experiences when you’re back at home.

Musically inclined travelers may wish to bring a Peruvian musical instrument as a reminder of their trip. This music is beautiful to listen to and has a mixture of Spanish, Andean, and African influences. Whether you want to learn to play a wooden flute, a panpipe made of eleven graduated reed tubes called a zampona, beat a bombo drum, or strum a ten string charango, there is an instrument for everyone in Peru.

Friendship Bracelets

Peru is famous for its pink and blue opal gemstones. They make for beautiful bracelets that can be worn everyday, or used to remember a special trip. Plus, they take up very little space in a suitcase and are super affordable! This is a great souvenir for friends, and you can find them in most places throughout the country. Haggling is a big piece of Latin American culture, so don’t be afraid to try and negotiate prices at the larger local markets.

The weather in Cusco varies from very warm to very cold, so be sure to pack plenty of layers. Lightweight, sweat-resistant tops and pants are also a good idea, since you’ll likely be moving around a lot while traveling. If you plan on doing any hiking, a comfortable backpack like the Osprey Daylite is ideal, as it has plenty of space for all of your gear and a water bladder pouch.

A raincoat and waterproof shoes are also important. It can rain quite a bit in the mountains, and even in Cusco, especially during the months of December to April. The best waterproof shoes to bring for this are a pair of hiking boots, such as the Columbia Moab 2 GTX.

A good, high-quality pair of wool socks is also a must. They’ll keep your feet warm and cozy on chilly mountain treks and at night. Make sure to bring a few pairs of these!