Peruvian hat and Pisco: souvenirs from Peru

Before you do anything else, buy a Peruvian hat!

It's still the best known symbol of the country and you can't not buy one. The famous Peruvian hat has competition from other clothes made from famous materials, like ponchos and jumpers. Take a chilly friend back an alpaca wool blanket, and explore the different regions of Peru which each have their own, very different, patterns and colours.

Traditional objects and carnival masks

In every village you will find pretty ceramic or terracotta vases and containers. You can also buy a little ceramic statue of a man carrying everything he owns on his back, which is the symbol of the Quechua culture.

One of Peru's most famous festivals is carnival. The region of Puno (somewhere you must visit during a trip to Peru) is well known for its nickel carnival masks which represent burlesque characters. But you'll find these famous masks, which will make great presents for friends and colleagues, or pretty souvenirs for your house. almost everywhere in the country.

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Pisco and famous instruments: party like they do in the Andes

Buy what you need to make a Pisco Sour at home and offer your friends a Peruvian style drink once you get back home. A mix of Pisco, lemon juice, egg and sugar, there are a thousand ways of making this typically Andean cocktail and each region has its own way of preparing it...

Who has never heard of Pan's pipes? All you explorers on a trip to Peru can give musician friends one of these instruments which are typical of the Andes...or surprise them with another famous Peruvian instrument, the charango (a sort of lute), or one of the drums or the bell instruments called cascabeles which will make a great addition to your Pisco evening.