If you’re returning home from Cusco and want to bring home a little memento to commemorate your trip, this is the article for you.
In this article, we’ll share some top Cusco souvenirs ideas to remind you of your wonderful trip to Cusco, and take back a little history and culture of Peru to share with friends and family back home.
10 Best Cusco Souvenirs To Take Home
Alpaca items
The first souvenir you can make is an Alpaca item. These souvenirs come in various shapes, such as woolen gloves, hats, and sweaters, all made from Alpaca, quite soft fur. The price itself varies depending on the quality and complexity of the model.
Artwork
Cusco is famous for its alpaca fleece textiles and for its diverse range of local painters’ artwork. This is evidenced by the many paintings for sale on the side of the road, each with its meaning.
There is no need to worry about the hassle of bringing the paintings home because almost all sellers roll up their paintings and put them in a tube for easy transport.
Pisco
If you’re a liquor enthusiast, Pisco is an excellent option to bring back home. This drink is made from grapes fermented in the coastal regions of Peru. Keep in mind that this drink has a relatively high alcohol content.
Before deciding to buy Pisco, there are four types you need to know.
- Aromatico: Derived from Torontel, Albila, Muscat, or Italian grape varieties.
- Mosto Verde: Derived from unripe green grapes
- Acholado: Derived from a blend of different grapes
- Puro: Derived from a single type of pisco grape, such as Mollar, Common Black, or Quebranta.
Coffee
Don’t worry if you don’t like alcoholic beverages. You can also buy coffee to take home. This Peruvian coffee has hints of nuts, chocolate, and possibly citrus. The body level is medium. There are many types of coffee to choose from, but two have been awarded, namely Quechua and Tunki.
Those of you with a larger budget can buy Coati Coffee. One kilo costs $1400.
Chocolate
Who would have thought that Peru would also be one of the biggest chocolate makers in the world? Therefore, there is a wide selection of chocolates that you can take home with you. One of the best chocolates is Cacaosuyo, which has won many international awards. Other options include Tribat Craft, Nina Fine, Shattel, Bakay, and Domenico.
Peruvian Pink Salt
Peruvian pink salt can be a unique choice for souvenirs. It comes from an ancient ocean trapped underground and fed by a 10,000-foot spring in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
This salt is mainly used for cooking your favorite foods. Just take a pinch, and the flavor of your food will be more prominent than usual. It can also be added to cocktails. Usually, this salt is used for Bloody Mary or Margarita recipes.
Jewelry
Cusco also has distinctive jewelry that many tourists seek out. The most sought-after jewelry is the Chakana or Inca Cross. Its design has a meaning, which is the three levels of existence in the Inca religious beliefs, such as Hana Pacha (the world where the gods live), Kay Pacha (the world where humans live), and Urin Pacha (the world of the ancestors who have left us all).
Chullo Hats
Hat lovers must buy a chullo. This knit hat has ear flaps and a strap under the chin. Many designs include plain pop culture cartoons and intricate designs with beads and tassels.
Musical Instruments
Another unique Cusco souvenir option is musical instruments. Some traditional instruments often used as souvenirs are the charango, zamponas, or quena. All of these are items that can be displayed at home if you don’t play music. However, for those who can play, these options open up opportunities for you to learn Andean music at home.
Ceramics
You can choose ceramics from Peru as souvenirs. There are many kinds, such as plates, statues, and vessels. In each shop, you’ll see various designs that prove the local artisans have amazing creative ideas.
5 Best Cusco Souvenirs Markets – Where To Buy The Best Souvenirs in Cusco
San Pedro Market
San Pedro Market is often touted as the best place in Cusco to get authentic souvenirs. In addition to catering to tourists, the market is also where locals shop. It offers various goods, from fresh produce to household items and handicrafts.
Located in the center of Cusco, the market is a sensory experience full of vibrant sights, sounds, and smells. The friendly vendors may offer local food samples, including traditional cuy (Guinea Pig) dishes, a local delicacy.
San Blas Market
San Blas Market, located in Cusco’s famous artisan neighborhood, is one of the oldest markets in the city, offering a wide variety of products, including vegetables, meat, grains, plants, and traditional dishes.
Located on Pumapaccha, Chihuampata Avenue, the market has around 150 stalls grouped by section, such as groceries, meat, and juices. It also hosts weekend fairs selling plants and handicrafts.
The market operates daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. During these hours, many tourists come to buy souvenirs.
Centro Artesanal Textil
The Handicraft Center Cusco, located at the busy intersection of Avenida El Sol and Avenida Tullumayo, is the largest craft market in Cusco. It covers 4,800 square meters and has 350 stores.
Visitors can explore various Andean crafts, including jewelry, textiles, and pottery, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. The center also features live art areas, a gastronomic section, and art galleries, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Additional amenities like ATMs and traditional Andean music enhance the shopping environment.
Pisac Market
Located in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, Pisac Market is a vibrant hub of art, food, and tradition. The market is filled with colorful stalls offering a variety of handcrafted goods, from woven textiles and ponchos to carved wooden figurines and pottery.
Many items are made by local artisans using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Whether seeking a unique souvenir or simply wishing to admire the craftsmanship, Pisac Market is an ideal place to immerse yourself in Andean culture and history.
Ollantaytambo Market
The craft market in Ollantaytambo is a well-known and easily accessible market located at the entrance of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site. It offers a variety of crafts made by residents and artisans from high Andean communities who bring their handmade products to sell. This market offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase traditional items while supporting the local artisans and experiencing the region’s rich culture.
Discover the perfect Cusco souvenirs to cherish forever! From intricate textiles to stunning silver jewelry, our collection captures the heart of the Inca Empire. Support local artisans while creating lasting memories. Ready to explore more of Cusco? Check out our tours today!
