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Peru ShoppingBy Madelyn MillerSome people might walk a mile for a camel, but I have traveled the world in search of bargains. On a recent trip to Peru, China was knocked out of first place. Ask me my favorite place in the world to shop, and I don’t have to think for a second. The answer is a four letter word—Peru.
Each region has its own distinctive crafts, but if your time is limited, you’ll find that many cultures are well represented in Lima. There are a number of shops within an attractive courtyard at “1900” Belen 1030, just down from the Plaza San Martin. Two other areas to explore are at El Alamo, 5th block of La Paz, Miraflores, and El Suche, the 6th block of La Paz in Miraflores. It is so easy and convent to shop everywhere in Peru.. At the Sonesta Inca de Peru in Yucay, vendors are outside the restaurant at breakfast, lunch and until sundown. There prices match those at local markets and they are happy to let you take their picture in their colorful costumes.
There are vendors at every historic or scenic stop, and sometimes you actually get the best prices from them. I bought necklaces for $1, alpaca sweaters for $10, and a huge traditional woven orange tablecloth for $15. Some holiday shopping ideas for things under $5 include backpacks, wallets, small totes and suitcases, chess sets, masks, dolls and jewelry. Starving artists offer original art for as little as $5 for an original print. I have no wall space left, but had to buy two prints from one artist because his work was so good. I thought of it as a donation to his education. And if he grows up to be a Picasso, so much the better.
Visitors to the jungle may have the opportunity to purchase traditional handicrafts, including adornments (necklaces worn for tribal dances), utensils (baskets, food bowls, hunting bags), and weapons (bows, arrows, spears) EDIBLE GIFTSI found Mate de Coca tea, is like our aspirin, a cure-all for almost everything—and it tastes good to boot. Not only does it prevent and cure altitude sickness, it is also calming for an upset stomach and controls hunger. Get some for all your hypochondriac friends. The harvesting of Brazil-nuts is a major economy of the jungles and does not destroy its ecosystem. Fresh Brazil-nuts are fresher in flavor than processed nuts as they still contain many of their natural oils. Large bags of ready-shelled nuts can be bought very cheaply, either plain or a less-healthy sugar coating. UPSCALE ITEMS
ALPACA versus BABY ALPACA Alpaca products are well worth buying, as long as you are prepared to hand wash them with great care. Vendors will often tell you their goods are made from Alpaca “bebe.” This does not mean baby alpacas, but refers to the wool taken from the throat of the animal, where it is at its finest and softest. BEFORE YOU LEAVEDon’t forget to hang on the to tourist card which you fill out when you arrive in Peru. You’ll need to hand it in to immigration when you leave. And save $25 for paying the airport tax. HOW TO GET THERE
LanChile Peru is located on the central Western part of South America, immediately below the equator, the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Its climate should be tropical; however, the cold waters of the Humboldt current and the Andes Mountain Range, make Peru a country of incredible contrasts. BEST GUIDEBOOKInsight Guide to Peru FOR MORE INFORMATIONLANGUAGESpanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru. It is possible to communicate in English with people who provide tourist services. MONEYThe official currency of Peu is the Nuevo Sol. WHERE TO STAYThe Sonesta Posadas Del Inca are a collection of 6 city inns and country lodges throughout Peru. The properties are strategically located near the country’s renowned historic and archaeological sites, such as museums, temples, monuments and natural wonders like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley. Ranging in size from 28 to 137 rooms, each Sonesta Posada Del Inca offers an intimate experience in the style and tradition of true Peruvian hospitality. For reservations, call toll-free 1-800-SONESTA (766-3782). www.sonesta.com · Sonesta Posada Del Inca El Olivar Lima, (San Isidro, Lima) 137 rooms · Sonesta Posada Del Inca Miraflores (Lima), 28 rooms · Sonesta Posada Del Inca Cuzco, 53 rooms · Sonesta Posada Del Inca Yucay, 67 rooms · Sonesta Posada Del Inca Puno, 62 rooms · Sonesta Posada Del Inca Arequipa, 58 rooms IF YOU CAN’T GET TO PERUHere are some sites where you can order Peruvian handicrafts Handicrafts, home decor, and fine art direct from Peruvian artists: www.Novica.com Exquisite, Peruvian alpaca clothing: www.PeruvianConnection.com |
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In
Lima, as well as in many of the regional market places, the best quality and
value lies in handcrafted products. This particularly applies to gold,
silver and copper work and textiles. Colorful textiles such as alpaca
garments and woven tapestries are available in every market and every price
range.
The
hotel also has upscale stores with breathtaking silver jewelry and alpaca
clothing, but seeing those actually makes you more appreciative of the
vendor’s bargains
Many
tourist also take home reproductions of pre-Columbian ceramics with gourds
being a great favorite.
Artesanias
are the best place to find unique quality goods. There are also fashionable
stores in the commercial streets of Miraflores and San Isidro, but the
prices are high.