If you are planning a trip to Peru, choosing the perfect souvenir is probably one of the most exciting moments. Peru offers a wide variety of handicrafts, traditional products and unique items that capture the essence of its culture, history and biodiversity. Peru has a lot to offer for those wanting to take a piece of its magic home with them. In this article, we will tell you about the most outstanding options so you know what to buy in Peru and what souvenirs you can’t miss.
What to Buy in Peru?
Traveling to Peru is a unique experience, but one of the most important things during your
trip may be taking home a piece of its culture in the form of a souvenir. Having so many options available, it can be difficult to decide what to buy. Below, we tell you about some of the most representative and exclusive souvenirs you can find in this country full of history and tradition.
List of things you could take as souvenirs from Peru:
- Alpaca (clothing and accessories)
- Alpaca wool blankets and textiles
- Traditional Andean pottery
- Silver jewelry (especially made in Pisac)
- Handcrafted beer
- Wooden handicrafts
- Wool hats and ponchos
- Wooden or stone masks
- Wooden handicrafts
- Wool hats and ponchos
- Wooden or stone masks and figurines
- Fabrics and carpets from the Cusco region
- Peruvian folk art paintings and pictures
- Tetra Pak of high quality Peruvian coffee
- Chullo (traditional Andean hat)
- Pipes and clay figurines
- Handmade ceramic tableware
- Handmade travel backpacks
- Handmade leather bags
- Vases and ceramic utensils from Nazca
- Essential oils and Andean herb products
- Traditional skirts and dresses from the Puno region
- Traditional musical instruments such as zampoñas and quenas
- Cocoa butter and handmade chocolate
- Hand-embroidered cushions and tablecloths
- Peruvian olive oil from the Ica region
What Not to Buy in Peru: Key Restrictions You Should Know
While shopping in Peru is exciting, you should know that not all souvenirs can be taken home due to legal restrictions. For example, coca leaves and coca-based products like candies are illegal to export as they are controlled substances in many countries.
Additionally, souvenirs from the Amazon rainforest, such as taxidermied animals or items made from endangered species, are often prohibited due to wildlife protection laws. Always check the import regulations of your home country before buying these items to avoid any issues. By staying informed, you can ensure your souvenirs are both legal and responsible.
Peru’s Most Iconic Souvenirs to Take Home
Peru is a destination full of history, culture and natural beauty. Peru is not well known only for its gastronomy, beautiful landscapes and historical ancient ruins that captivate travelers, but also for its handicrafts and traditional products. If you are planning a trip to Peru this 2025 and want to take a piece of this wonderful country back home, here is a list of the most emblematic souvenirs you can buy with any restriction. These souvenirs are not only an excellent way to remember your visit, but also to support the local economy and the artisan communities in Peru that preserve ancient traditions.
1)Alpaca: Fabrics
Alpaca is the number 2 of the finest and softest fibers in the world, being the number one fiber of Vicuña. Peru is known to be one of the largest producers of this material. Alpaca fabrics range from blankets, scarves and gloves to high quality sweaters and jackets. Alpaca is not only luxurious and warm, but also a symbol of Peruvian textile tradition. You can find alpaca products in local stores in Cusco, especially in Pisac and Chinchero, both located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also in Arequipa and Puno.
Tip: Be sure to buy authentic alpaca products, as sometimes they are sold mixed with acrylic or synthetic materials.
2)Pottery
Pottery in Peru is famous for its beautiful geometric designs and colors, many made by local artisans in the region of Cusco. Peruvian pottery is known for its artisanal production process that has been passed down from generation to generation. The pieces range from small ornaments to large vases and decorative figures, ideal for bringing a touch of Peruvian culture to your home.
Tip: If you want to take home a unique piece, look for the hand-painted ceramics, which reflect the traditional and authentic style of the artisans based on the history of the Incas.
3)Masks of Andean Culture
Traditional masks are highly symbolic in Peruvian culture. They are typically made of wood or clay and are used in traditional celebrations or festivities, such as dance festivals and ancestral rituals. Each mask has its own meaning and can represent deities, animals or mythological figures. Wearing an Andean mask is a way to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Andes Mountains.
Tip: Carnival or Andean village festival masks are a perfect choice for those looking for something truly unique.
4)Silver Jewelry
Peru is also best known for its mineral wealth, and silver is one of the most worked precious metals by the country’s artisans. Silver jewelry, especially from the Sacred Valley in Cusco, is an excellent choice for those looking for an elegant and meaningful souvenir. The pieces are usually adorned with precious or semi-precious stones, such as turquoise, and many of them are inspired by symbols and motifs of Andean culture.
Tip: When buying silver jewelry, verify that they are certified as authentic to avoid low-quality products.
5)Textile Art of the Andes
Peruvian textiles, such as shawls, blankets and rugs, are famous for their colorful geometric patterns that reflect the Andean cosmovision of different cultures in Peru. These products are handmade by local weavers using traditional techniques dating back to pre-Columbian times. If you want to take home a souvenir that combines beauty and culture, textiles are a great option.
Tip: Opt for pieces that come from communities that still follow ancestral weaving practices, such as the villages of Chinchero or Pisac in Cusco.
6)Mate de Calabaza
The mate de calabaza is a traditional container used for drinking infusions or just souvinirs with some decorations of some important events in Inca times. These containers are made from dried gourds and are often decorated with engravings or hand-painted with indigenous motifs. If you are looking for an original souvenir with a deep cultural connection, the gourd mate is an excellent choice.
Tip: The gourd gourds from the Puno and Cusco region are especially known for their quality and unique style.
7)Toritos de Pukará
One of the most emblematic and traditional souvenirs of Peru are the famous Toritos de Pukara (ceramic statues of 2 bulls traditionally placed on the top of roofs for protection and good luck). These figures, made of ceramic, have a very special meaning in the Andean culture. They are known for their bright colors and intricate details, painted by hand. The tradition of the toritos comes from the Puno region of southern Peru, and they are a perfect gift for those looking for a souvenir that combines art, culture and meaning.
Tip: Toritos de pukará are usually offered in several versions, from small sizes ideal for souvenirs to larger versions for home decoration.
8)Maras Salt
This salt comes from the salt mines of the Sacred Valley, near Cusco, where it is extracted from pools that collect the salt water using ancestral methods. Famous for its mild flavor and its white and pink tones, it is an excellent souvenir for those visiting the salt mines in Maras. Besides being a unique and authentic product, the Maras salt can leave the country without problems, being a perfect gift that reflects the Peruvian tradition and the natural wealth of the region.
Tip: If you want to take a piece of this natural treasure home, be sure to buy the salt directly from locals in Maras village or traditional markets to obtain an authentic product and support the communities.
9)Muña Infusion
Muña plant is one of Peru’s natural jewels, especially appreciated for its fresh aroma and medicinal properties. Muña is an Andean plant that grows high in the Andes and is used in various infusions and traditional treatments sush as altitude sickness or smack problmes. Its refreshing flavor and digestive benefits have made it a highly sought after product by tourists.
Muña tea is practical and easy to carry, ideal for those who want to take a piece of Peruvian nature with them. You can find them in local markets or natural products stores. In addition, it is a perfect souvenir that can be easily transported out of the country
Tip: You can find Muña in Cusco or Puno region in Peru
10)Painting
Another of the best souvenirs you can consider taking from Peru are its paintings. This country is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, as well as iconic scenes of its great cities. You’ll find a wide variety of works, from picturesque street views to majestic depictions of Machu Picchu. There are options for all tastes, and they make an excellent gift to decorate any space.
Tip: If you are looking for an authentic painting, purchase the artwork directly from local artists or traditional art galleries. This way, you will not only take home a special souvenir, but you will also be supporting local communities.
11)Coffee
Cusco has many coffee plantations on the edges of the jungle. As you go deeper into the area, you’ll see even more. The soil in this area is perfect for growing coffee, and if you decide to try a cup, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised. We recommend you bring a few bags of this delicious Peruvian brew. Peru is also home to the world’s most expensive coffee, which is digested and then excreted by the coati. Without a doubt, coffee is one of the best souvenirs to take back home.
Tip: Look for specialized stores or buy directly from local plantations to make sure it is 100% Peruvian, we recommend the san pedro market.
Conclusion: What to buy in Peru?
When visiting Peru, you have the opportunity to take home authentic souvenirs that represent the rich cultural heritage of the country. From pottery to alpaca textiles, each souvenir has a special history and meaning of the country. Products such as Peruvian coffee, the Peruvian pink salt or Muña tea bags offer unique flavors and aromas that will allow you to relive your experience in this wonderful country. In addition, by buying directly from local artisans, you not only take home a unique souvenir, but also support the local communities that preserve the traditions. Without a doubt, Peru offers a variety of souvenirs that will connect you with its history, its people and its culture.
