9 Best Places to Shop in Arequipa, The Southern Andes and Lake Titicaca
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Arequipa has the widest selection of Peruvian crafts in the south. Alpaca and llama wool is woven into brightly patterned sweaters, ponchos, hats, scarves, and gloves, as well as wall hangings, blankets, and carpets. Look for chullos (woolen knitted caps with earflaps and ties), transported from the Lake Titicaca region. Ceramic toros (bulls), also from the Titicaca area, are a local favorite to hold flowers or money, and you can even see them sitting in the rafters of homes to bring good luck.
At the Plaza San Francisco, the cathedral steps are the site of a daily flea market that has delicate handmade jewelry. Across the street at the Fundo el Fierro, crafts vendors tout bargains on clothing, ceramics, jewelry, and knickknacks in a cobblestone courtyard; deals can be had until about 8 pm. Arequipa is also an excellent place to purchase inexpensive but well-constructed handmade guitars. Avenida Bolognesi has lines of such workshops. Behind the cathedral on the narrow Pasaje Catedral, boutiques sell jewelry and knickknacks made of Arequipa agate, and there are many clothing stores along Santa Catalina where you can find goods made from sheep's wool, alpaca, and vicuña.
In recent years several upscale shopping centers have popped up.
Andesgear
Arte Colonial
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Claustros de la Compañia
Kuna
With shops in Lima, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, this is one of the go-to destinations in Peru for alpaca scarves, gloves, socks, sweaters, and jackets.
Mallkini Alpaca Sanctuary
Mundo Alpaca
Patio del Ekeko
If you're looking for good-quality gifts and souvenirs, head to this shopping complex, which has a branch of alpaca store Kuna, Illaria silver, an artisanal foodstuff shop, and more.
Sol Alpaca
The Michell Group's Sol Alpaca has gone haute couture, constructing fine-quality knits and helping Peru make its mark on the international fashion scene.