If you are a fan of craft shops, boutiques and markets, then shopping in Cusco is right up your alley. However, prices can vary greatly for the same item.
It all depends on where you look and how good your haggling skills are! For example, around the city center and Plaza de Armas, things tend to be more expensive. However, just two or three blocks around you can buy the same items much cheaper. Check out our guide and find a new place to buy your favorite things.
What to buy in Cusco?
Handicrafts are one of the best souvenirs you can take back from Cusco.
Most tourists buy clothes made of alpaca, since it is difficult to find this material in other parts of the world.
If the gift is for your wife or girlfriend, a good option is to buy silver jewelry.
Children usually prefer Cusco chocolate.
Another great option is to buy paintings or sculptures made in the famous San Blas neighborhood.
Where to shop in Cusco?
San Blas
San Blas, also known as the Artisan District, is a charming bohemian neighborhood just a couple of blocks from Plaza de Armas. Here you can find music workshops, jewelry, souvenirs and craft shops with handmade goods and textiles of excellent quality.
It is also the place to discover wonderful art galleries. The two most popular are owned by the Mendivil family, famous for their long-necked statues of angels and saints.
Food Markets
If there is one place you must visit in Cusco, it is the San Pedro Market. It is the largest in Cusco. Here you will find food, drinks, clothing, herbal remedies and everything else you can imagine.
The San Blas Market is a smaller version of San Pedro, and is worth a visit if you are in the San Blas area.
Craft Markets
There are many craft markets in Cusco. The largest is the Centro Artesanal Cusco (on the corner of Avenida del Sol and Calle Tullumayo)
Other options are:
San Blas Art Market: (Plaza San Blas) Saturdays from 9am to 6pm. Here you will find authentic Peruvian crafts, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs and if you are lucky, you will hear local musicians!
Artesanias Maky: (Carmen Alto 101, San Blas).
Taller Olave: (Plazoleta San Blas 651).
Galeria Latina Cusco: (Plazoleta de las Nazarenas 221).
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales: (Avenida del Sol 603) Dedicated to fair trade practices, this is a great place to check out authentic Peruvian handmade crafts.
Outside of Cusco, the towns of Pisac and Chinchero are also known for their markets and handmade goods.
Alpaca Wool
Alpaca wool is the most common material for sweaters, ponchos, scarves, and blankets, among other products. It is soft, warm, and unique to Peru.
However, many vendors may tell you that they are selling real alpaca wool, but this is not the case. It is almost impossible for a tourist to tell the difference. To make your shopping in Cusco easy, here are some places that sell real alpaca wool:
Alpaca’s Best: (Portal Confituria).
Recuerdos de la Alpaca Andina: (Palacio 135).
Sol Alpaca: (Santa Catalina Ancha 379).
Kuna: (Portal de Panes 111).
Tesoros de Alpaca: (Heladeros 172).
The streets of Portal de Panes in Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Ancha also have several good options
Shopping Centers
There is actually only one shopping center in the city, Real Plaza, located about 15 minutes by car from the center. You can easily take a taxi but remember, don’t accept the first price the drivers give you. Haggle!
Real Plaza: (Collasuyo 2964) the only real shopping center in Cusco.
Centro Comercial Paraíso: (Calle Nueva) here you will find electronics, toys, second-hand clothing and shoes.
Sotomayor Shopping Center: (Marqués 233) great for jewelry, clothing, and sunglasses.
Bookstores
SBS Bookstore: (Avenida del Sol 864) there isn't a huge selection of books in Cusco, but if you're looking for something specific, your best bet would be this store. They have the largest variety of books in English, including sections on travel, cooking, language, culture, fiction, nonfiction, and business books.
Librería Génesis: (Santa Catalina Ancha 307) here are novels; photography and cooking books; and texts in other languages.
Librería San Blas Plaza: (Plaza San Blas) you'll find all kinds of books but especially those about the history of Peru, Cusco, and the Incas.
Jerusalem: (Heladeros 143) this is the largest book exchange in Cusco, where you can exchange 2 of your books to get another. Great for travelers who prefer to exchange books rather than buy new ones to take with them.
Hiking or Walking Gear
A wide range of outdoor gear is available around Machu Picchu and other hiking areas near Cusco. Here are a few that offer the best quality:
The North Face: at all three addresses (Portal Comercio 195; Plazoleta Espinar 188; Real Plaza Mall-Collasuyo 2964), is a well-known brand that offers reliable, high-quality gear.
Tattoo Adventure Gear: (Calle del Medio 130) has a great selection of shoes, backpacks, and gear.
Cordillera: (Garcilaso 210) similar options to Tattoo.
Rockford Outdoor Experience: (Portal Carrizo) another reputable retailer.
Electronics
Calle Ayacucho: (intersects Avenida del Sol) on this street you will find many stores that offer televisions, computers, phones, and all kinds of accessories.
Radio Shack: (corner of Ayacucho and Avenida del Sol).
Centro Comercial Paraíso: (Calle Nueva) here you will find cheaper options, but perhaps of lower quality.
Clothing
You can find many stores on the streets surrounding the San Pedro market: Calle Nueva, Tecte, Pera and surrounding areas. Find cheap clothes, shoes and everything you can imagine! If you were unlucky, try these options:
Real Plaza: (Collasuyo 2964) the only shopping center in Cusco.
Topitop: (Heladores 111) youth/women's clothing.
Hilo: (Carmen Alto 260) women's clothing.
ALDO: (Portal de Panes) women's shoes.
BATA: (Marques 220) women's footwear.
Jetset: (Marques 279) shoes: running, casual and formal.
Enjoy your stay in the Inca capital and don't forget to check out these options for shopping in Cusco.
Pisac Craft Market
The Pisac Craft Market is one of the oldest and most renowned craft centres in Cusco.
It is located in the town of Pisac, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The market is open every day, although on Sundays the number of stands and people increases.
Most of the merchants are local people who produce their own crafts. It is also possible to buy local products such as potatoes, corn, quinoa and more.
In addition to the craft market, you can visit the famous archaeological site of Pisac. The landscapes consist of rivers, mountains, fields and more.
What will you find at the Pisac Craft Market – Textiles, ceramics, backpacks, jewellery, musical instruments, painting, polo shirts, souvenirs, potatoes, quinoa, corn, fruits, meats, vegetables, etc.
Where is it located? – Plaza de Armas de Pisac S/N, Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Chinchero Market
The Chinchero market is one of the most famous in the Sacred Valley. It combines different food products, crafts, as well as a cultural immersion into the lifestyle of the inhabitants.
The market grows in stands and attendance on Sundays. Some inhabitants accept barter as a means of payment.
Chinchero is famous for its textile centers. The inhabitants weave their own products and explain the process of making each garment.
Near the market, you can visit the archaeological site of Chinchero, which was the palace of the Inca Túpac Yupanqui.
What will you find at the Chinchero market? – Textiles, shoes, backpacks, ceramics, chullos, hats, shawls, souvenirs, herbs, fruits, meats, potatoes, quinoa, menus and more.
Where is it located? – Explanada mercado de Chinchero S/N, Valle Sagrado de los Incas.
The Ollantaytambo Craft Market
The craft market offers various souvenirs for tourists who have just finished touring the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.
This small craft market is located right at the entrance to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site. It consists of a few dozen stands where souvenirs from the trip to the Inca fortress are offered.
Near the craft market, you can also find restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels.
From Ollantaytambo you can take the trains that leave for Machu Picchu every day.
What will you find at the Ollantaytambo craft market? – Textiles, backpacks, jewelry, ceramics, chullos, souvenirs, etc.
Where is it located? – Esplanade in front of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The Aguas Calientes Craft Market
The craft market in the town of Aguas Calientes is one of the most famous in Cusco due to its proximity to Machu Picchu.
It has various craft products as well as the sale of the necessary utensils for the visit to Machu Picchu: sunscreen, rain ponchos, hats, water, snacks, etc.
The market is open every day of the year from 7 in the morning until 9 at night. Most tourists buy their products after visiting Machu Picchu and before returning to Cusco.
The train station is located within the market. Therefore, it is a necessary transit point during the trip to Machu Picchu.
What will you find at the Aguas Calientes Craft Market? – Rain ponchos, sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, textiles, alpaca clothing, jewelry, paintings, musical instruments, polo shirts, souvenirs and more.
Where is it located? – Las Orquídeas neighborhood, next to the Aguas Calientes train station, Cusco.
