Cusco is a wonderful place for shopping...from textile products to jewelry and all kinds of handcrafts!
Local textile art is known worldwide for the quality of its fiber, like the valued
baby alpaca (wool from the first shear), and the colourful and fashionable designs of sweaters, ponchos, gloves, hats, scarves, vests, blankets, etc. Also keep in mind that prices here are far more affordable than what you will find in the international market.
Ceramics are also a very symbolic artwork in Cusco, particularly the
aribalos, a type of container that comes in various sizes and generally features Inca motifs or recreations of pre-inca 'huacos'. Ceramicas Seminario is one of the best places to buy unique ceramic artwork (see below).
Among the jewelry you will mostly find earings, bracelets, and necklaces in silver or gold, simulating designs of what was found in Inca tombs. Hallmarked silver jewelry is particularly admired for its unique designs and quality. Peruvian silversmiths are thought to be among the best in the world.
You can find all these products in the shops recommended below or in the handcraft markets (mercados artesanales) in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Carlos Chaquiras
Carlos Arrascue, also known as Carlos ‘Chaquiras’, was born near the northern city of Chiclayo. From his early days as an artisan jeweler he incorporated the use of the material his ancestors once worked with - crisocola (Andean turquoise), lapis lazuli and spondylus (a type of orange, purple and red sea shell from tropical waters) - crafting these treasures (all these are commonly known as ‘chaquiras’, thus his nickname) into original and exclusive necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. With more than 25 years in the business, Carlos Chaquiras’ company employs qualified artisans who fuse traditional and modern, using ancestral techniques with gold, silver and semi-precious stones, to create unique pieces of art. You also have the option to bring your own design to life.
Carlos Chaquiras has three stores in the area:
Main Square Store
Portal Comercio 107, Cusco
Triunfo Store
Calle Triunfo 375, Cusco
00 51 84 22-7470
Urubamba Store
Calle Berriozabal, Urubamba
00 51 84 20-1266
Open daily from 9am to 10.30pmVisa, Master Card, American Express, Diners
www.carloschaquiras.com
info@carloschaquiras.com
Peru Artcrafts
Peruartcrafts was created six years ago by young Peruvian businessmen who wanted to gather expressions of art, handicraft and textiles under one brand name or, as its slogan reads, ‘Peru under one roof’. They now have four stores – two in Lima and two in Cusco – that offer high-quality souvenirs and products, ranging from fine alpaca accessories and clothing, ceramics, home décor, music and a bookstore to jewelry made by the best artisans in Peru. In addition, they offer delivery to hotels and carefully prepare merchandise to be sent abroad (they get special rates through DHL).
Working directly with native communities in Peru, the Cusco store features works from various local communities, the first one being an exhibit of handcrafts made by members of the Misminay community, 40 km northwest of Cusco.
The staff at Peruartcrafts speak perfect English and, in case of special groups, staff who speaks Japanese, German and French.
Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
Plaza Nazarenas, Cusco
www.peruartcrafts.com
Open daily from 9 am to 9pm
Accepts all credit cards, traveler checks, soles, dollars or euros
La Casa de la Llama
With three stores - one in La Paz, Bolivia and two in Peru - La Casa de la Llama specializes in Llama-based products such as wool and lightweight, but resistant leather. This store promotes the importance of the llama fiber, which can produce the most soft, yet durable knitwear, created exclusively by local designers, who combine contemporary trends with Andean motifs. This is a great place to find items derived 100% from baby llama wool – hats, vests, sweaters, ponchos, scarves or bedspreads.
Calle Palacio 121, Cusco
00 51 84 24-0813
Open daily from 9am to 10pmVisa, Master Card, American Express, Diners
Pedazo de Arte
This little store, whose name means ‘piece of art’, is owned by the Japanese artist Miki Suzuki, who found inspiration in pre-Colombian art and has been selling his creations for over 15 years. Located one block away from the main square, this store offers a wide variety of souvenirs - something for every budget. Here you will find original handicrafts designed by Suzuki and handmade by Cusqueño artisans – from silver and gold jewelry to alpaca garments, rustic wind charms, Andean dolls, calendars with Andean designs in recycled paper, key holders, notebooks with leather covers, etc.
Plateros 334-B, Cusco
00 51 84 24-2967
Open daily from 9am to 9pm Visa and American Express
Seminario Ceramics
Since 1980, Seminario Ceramic Studio has dedicated itself to the discovery and development of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian Cultures. Pablo and Marilú Seminario live in the Sacred Valley where they sculpt the typical red clay of the area. Their house and workshop is located in Berriozabal Street, where several local artisans are part of their creation and production process. Some of them paint, some decorate, some prepare the clay and others build or finish the pieces. In his two stores (the main one in Urubamba is much larger) you will find beautifully designed lamps, kitchenware, vases and other objects with magical designs of Andean landscapes and corn fields, flying humanoid figures with crowned heads, and colorful starfish and sea creatures. All designs are a reminder of pre-Inca archaeological remains.
Workshop Gallery in Urubamba
Berriozabal 111, Urubamba
00 51 84 20-1002
Gallery in Cusco
Portal de Carnes 244, Main Square, Cusco
00 51 84 24-6093
Open from 9am to 9pm
