Best Souvenirs to Buy in Cusco: Authentic Treasures from the Andes

ºWhen visiting Cusco, one of the most rewarding experiences is exploring the city’s vibrant markets and artisan shops in search of the best souvenirs to buy in Cusco. Whether you’re traveling to Machu Picchu, wandering through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, or enjoying the cobbled streets of the historic center, Cusco offers a wide variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and cultural products that reflect Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

This complete guide will walk you through the most meaningful, high quality souvenirs you can find in Cusco, from baby alpaca wool clothing to Peruvian chocolate and unique Andean instruments.

Baby Alpaca Wool Products

One of the best souvenirs to buy in Cusco is undoubtedly a piece made from baby alpaca wool. Softer and warmer than regular alpaca wool, baby alpaca is considered a luxury fiber.

What to Look For:

• Scarves, shawls, ponchos, and gloves

• Alpaca sweaters or capes

• Items labeled “100% baby alpaca” for authenticity

These items combine fashion and function, and are perfect for keeping warm in the Andean highlands or as a stylish reminder of your Peruvian adventure.

Where to Buy:

• San Blas Market

• Boutique shops near the Plaza de Armas

• Alpaca specialty stores like Kuna or Sol Alpaca

Traditional Andean Textiles

Peru is renowned for its vibrant and intricate designs in textiles that have been passed down for generations. Buying a handwoven textile is a beautiful way to bring home a piece of Peruvian culture.

Popular Items:

• Table runners and wall hangings

• Woven handbags and pillow covers

• Colorful belts (fajas) and blankets

These items are made using natural dyes and traditional techniques, making each piece unique.

Where to Buy:

• San Pedro Market

  

• Textile cooperatives in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

• Awanacancha textile center on the road to Pisac

Peruvian Chocolate

Another excellent item to buy in Cusco is Peruvian chocolate. Grown in the lush Amazon region and crafted by local chocolatiers, Peruvian chocolate is rich, smooth, and delicious.

What You’ll Find:

• Organic dark chocolate bars

• Cacao nibs and cocoa tea

• Chocolate infused with Andean flavors like quinoa or coca

Where to Buy:

• ChocoMuseo (offers tours and workshops too)

• El Cacaotal (Peruvian chocolate tasting experiences)

• Local artisan shops in Cusco

Alpaca Clothing and Accessories

Beyond baby alpaca, Cusco also offers beautiful alpaca clothing that is stylish and affordable. Many items are a blend of alpaca and synthetic fibers, making them durable and warm.

Options Include:

• Beanies, scarves, and gloves

• Cozy sweaters and capes

• Children’s wear with playful Andean designs

Tip: Always check the label for the fiber content. “Baby alpaca” is more premium than “alpaca blend.”

Peruvian Ceramics and Pottery

Handmade ceramics are another top item among the best souvenirs to buy in Cusco. These pieces often depict traditional Andean designs, Inca iconography, or vibrant representations of daily life.

Must-Haves:

• Painted vases and figurines

• Decorative plates and bowls

• Miniature bulls (toritos de Pucará) for good luck

Where to Find:

• Artisan stalls in San Blas Market

• Workshops in nearby towns like Pisac and Chinchero

Musical Instruments: Traditional Andean Music

For music lovers, there’s nothing like the sound of traditional Andean music. Instruments make great gifts and conversation pieces.

Most Popular Instruments:

• Pan flutes (zampoñas)

• Quenas (Andean flutes)

• Charangos (small stringed instruments)

Many stalls in Cusco allow you to test the instruments or see a demonstration.

Pisco and Pisco Sour Kits

If you’re a fan of cocktails, Pisco Sour—Peru’s national drink—is a fun and flavorful item to take home.

What You Can Buy:

• Bottles of premium pisco

• Ready-made Pisco Sour kits

• Accessories like branded glasses or cocktail shakers

Be sure to check customs regulations in your home country before purchasing alcohol.

Where to Buy:

• Supermarkets like Orion or Plaza Vea

• Artisanal liquor stores in the city center

Jewelry and Silverwork

Peru has a long tradition of silver craftsmanship. In Cusco, you’ll find jewelry that incorporates traditional motifs with modern styles.

Look For:

• Earrings, rings, and pendants with Andean symbols

• Jewelry made with spondylus shell or semi-precious stones

• High-quality silver stamped “925”

Artisan Paintings and Retablos

Local artists in Cusco sell colorful paintings and religious retablos (portable altar pieces) that reflect Andean beliefs and the fusion of Catholic and indigenous traditions.

Great Finds:

• Oil paintings of Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley landscapes

• Mini retablos with detailed scenes of daily life

• Hand-painted wooden boxes

These pieces make wonderful gifts and give insight into the spiritual and artistic world of the Andes.

Herbal Remedies and Natural Products

Thanks to its geography and biodiversity, Peru is home to many healing herbs and natural products.

Products to Look For:

• Coca leaves and coca tea

• Maca powder for energy

• Herbal balms and essential oils

These make unique souvenirs for wellness lovers and support local communities.

Markets You Shouldn’t Miss

San Pedro Market

Located just a few blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market is a bustling destination filled with souvenirs, snacks, and fresh produce. The market offers something for everyone—from alpaca hats to local spices.

San Blas Market

This artisan-friendly district is home to local painters, potters, and textile weavers. You’ll find authentic, handcrafted goods in a more tranquil setting.

Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Cusco

• Bargain respectfully in markets, but know that high-quality items may have fixed prices.

• Ask for authenticity certificates when buying baby alpaca or silver products.

• Support local artisans and cooperatives to ensure fair trade.

• Wrap fragile items carefully if packing in luggage.

Conclusion: Bring Home a Piece of Peru

Whether you’re on a whirlwind trip to Machu Picchu, discovering the Sacred Valley of the Incas, or exploring colonial Cusco, the city’s markets and artisan shops are filled with opportunities to bring home a piece of the Andes. From luxurious baby alpaca wool garments and Peruvian chocolate to instruments, jewelry, and traditional crafts, the best souvenirs to buy in Cusco are as rich and diverse as the culture itself.

These keepsakes not only make wonderful gifts—they serve as lasting memories of your journey through one of the world’s most fascinating cultural landscapes.