Search on the regions of the country
TimetableThere's no time for shopping, especially in the most touristy cities. Handicraft stores are numerous and often open until late in the evening. Craft markets also stay open until around 8pm.
Budget & TipsIt's time to compare! And don't hesitate to bargain or buy in groups. It's easier for retailers to offer discounts on multiple purchases. Another argument is to indicate that you intend to pay in cash. You won't be able to pay by card in markets, but you will be able to pay by card in classic craft stores. Take into account the quality of the product, which can vary greatly from place to place. In stores run by associations or producers, prices are harder to negotiate, but the quality is quite different.
SalesSales are held several times a year, usually in mid-January and mid-August. However, the products you come to Peru to buy are rarely affected, except perhaps the finest alpaca or vicuña clothing from brands such as Anntarah or Kuna, which can also be found in airports and shopping malls.
What's very localEach region has its own techniques and certain art objects or traditional ways of weaving. If you like something, don't hesitate too much, because even if everything looks the same, you may not find exactly the same product elsewhere. In Lima and Cusco, large craft markets bring together products from different regions. Markets are still the most popular places to shop, as are some of the more elegant boutiques. A number of small designer boutiques are also emerging, reinventing and blending traditional techniques with contemporary fashions. Peru remains a very creative country, with some magnificent one-off pieces, and you'll have to choose between silver jewelry, alpaca or vicuña hats, sweaters or coats, altarpieces, shipibo jungle fabrics and musical instruments. Make room in your suitcases.
Tourist trapsEverything is baby alpaca. Touch, learn and recognize. Even here, what's very inexpensive is rarely quality. You'll gradually get the hang of it, and be able to distinguish mass-produced items from the very best.