One of the best ways to remember your once-in-a-lifetime trip is to bring home some of these authentic gifts and souvenirs from Peru. This country is a veritable paradise for lovers of traditional artisan crafts, and you’re sure to find the perfect conversation piece or personal memento for your home. Hand-woven textiles are another essential purchase, and you’re sure to find unique pieces that are both functional and beautiful at craft markets across the country. Other popular gifts and souvenirs from Peru include edible goods made from distinct local ingredients and culinary traditions. Whatever your interests are, you’re sure to find something you love in the following list of the best authentic gifts and souvenirs from Peru.
1. Traditional Andean Textiles
The textile tradition of the Andes spans the entire history of civilization in the region and the passed-down textile traditions act as an important link between the past and the present. Traditional Andean textiles like tablecloths and tapestries are the material items most emblematic of Peruvian culture and are a wonderful way to remember the people of Peru and your experiences traveling in this country.
2. Sal de Maras
The salt pools of Maras, located in Cusco’s Sacred Valley region, were originally constructed by the ancient Wari people to capture water bubbling up to the surface from a subterranean salt lake. This briny discharge is left to evaporate, resulting in a high-quality sea salt chock full of healthy minerals and perfect for a variety of uses, from gourmet cooking to mineral baths. Visits to these salt pools are popular with tourists, and you can buy this special salt for bargain rates on-site. The pink variety of Maras salt is especially treasured for its vibrant, savory flavor.
3. Local Liquor
Those who love a good tipple will discover a wealth of options to bring home from Peru. Most visitors to the country will have a chance to try pisco, a strong grape brandy and Peru’s national liquor. Other popular options include rum, coca-infused liqueurs, and exotic regional drinks like chuchuhuasi. Why not bring something interesting back for the home bar?
4. Alpaca Clothing
Not only is the alpaca one of the most recognizable native animals of the Andes, their fur is also highly-prized all over the world for its soft texture and warmth. No visitor to Peru should leave without a hat, sweater or scarf made from alpaca wool. Keep an eye out for “baby alpaca,” the name for products made from the animal’s first shearing, reputed to be especially soft and delicate.
5. Toro de Pucará
These ornate ceramic bulls originate in the town of Pucará in the Puno region, but can be found all over Peru. They are often placed on roofs as a symbol of good luck, and are said to bring prosperity and happiness to new families. A colorful Pucará bull makes a lovely gift or household decoration for a young couple.
6. Retablos
Retablos are decorative altarpieces from the Ayacucho region which supposedly originated when priests were evangelizing in the countryside and needed an easy way to teach stories from the gospel. This has morphed over time into a particularly elaborate form of popular artwork, depicting not only religious scenes but also important local and national history. Retablos Ayacuchanos make great decorative mementos to put on your shelf at home.
7. Kero Cups
Originally used for the ritual drinking of chicha (sacred corn beer), kero cups were used by the Tiwanaku culture and were later adopted by the Incas. These ceremonial cups with distinctive flared tops were a frequent target of Spanish attempts to destroy “pagan” artifacts, but they’ve managed to survive to this day. Kero cups make great additions to a home bar, either as drinking vessels or decorations.
8. Andean Cross Jewelry or Clothing
The chakana, also known as the Andean cross or Incan cross, is an important symbol which is believed to represent the different planes of existence in Inca cosmology. This image has been found at many archaeological sites across the country dating back thousands of years and has been adopted as a sort of unofficial insignia of Andean peoples. The chakana has become a popular symbol for jewelry such as necklaces and earrings as well as appearing often in textile designs and clothing.
9. Chullo Hat
There is no garment more definitively Andean than the chullo, a warm traditional hat made from alpaca, llama or sheep’s wool. These iconic caps come with straps which can be tied underneath the chin for added warmth, and they’ve been used by local people to combat the frigid highland weather for thousands of years. Chullos are usually dyed with various colors and decorated using traditional motifs like the chakana (Andean cross) or outlines of llamas–so you can sport some beautiful and colorful designs while keeping warm.
10. Gold, Silver or Copper
Peru and neighboring Bolivia once produced nearly the whole world’s supply of silver, and mining still plays an important role in both of these countries’ economies. Peru is a great place to pick up any products made from gold, silver or copper and at very low prices. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for, whether you’re interested in jewelry, metalware dining sets, art or something else.
11. Musical Instruments
Peru’s musical heritage is immensely important to the country, and this tradition is just as diverse and interesting as other aspects of its culture. Part of what makes Peruvian music so distinctive is the repertoire of unique instruments found in the country. These range from wooden flutes in the highland regions to the famous cajón percussion box of coastal música criolla. Any music lover or performer is certain to cherish one of these idiosyncratic instruments.
12. Huayruro Bead Jewelry
Huayruro is the Aymara name for the bright red and black seed of the Ormosia coccinea plant which grows throughout all of South America. These seeds have been used by native peoples as good luck charms to ward off evil for thousands of years. Nowadays, you can find jewelry and amulets made from Huayruro in nearly every crafts market in Peru.
13. Huamanga Stone Carvings/Ceramics
The carving of Peruvian white translucent alabaster stones dates back to colonial times, when artists in Ayacucho resorted to using the rock for sculptures because of a dearth of marble and porcelain in the region. Small figurines made from this rock are known as Huamanga stones, and they are one of the most recognizable traditional exports of the Ayacucho region (the local name for the city of Ayacucho is, in fact, Huamanga). These ornate carvings, which often depict religious figures, folk symbols or national heroes, can be found in artisan markets and stores across Peru and make great decorative pieces for any home.
14. Andean Grains
As one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth, Peru is home to a large variety of diverse plant life which contributes to its unique cuisine. Among these local products, many nutritious grains are beginning to gain popularity for their health benefits and purported curative properties. Quinoa, maca and kiwicha are just some of the names of local products which are making waves in foreign health food stores. Grab some for a discount right at the source!
15. Shipibo Art
Of all the various traditional art styles produced by indigenous peoples in Peru, the textiles produced by the Shipibo-Conibo people of the Peruvian Amazon may be the most unique and visually striking. Their intricate geometric shapes and patterns are said to be inspired by ayahuasca visions, an important traditional medicine in this jungle culture. Shipibo textiles such as tapestries or handbags are widely sought-after and would make excellent souvenirs for visitors to the selva.
These are just a few of our favorite gifts and souvenirs from Peru, but the options here for shoppers are practically endless. Take our advice and pack an extra bag on your trip–you’re going to need the extra room!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Kaelne Koorn
