What souvenirs do you recommend buying in Arequipa?
What souvenirs do you recommend buying in Arequipa? A complete guide to choosing the perfect gift
Arequipa not only captivates with its volcanoes and sillar architecture, but also with its art, textile traditions, and gastronomy. That’s why many travelers wonder what souvenirs to bring back from Arequipa, whether for themselves or as gifts.
In this guide, I’ll present the most recommended souvenirs, where to buy them, and how to choose authentic, high-quality products.
1. Alpaca and baby alpaca garments (the most sought-after souvenir)
Alpaca garments are one of the most representative gifts from southern Peru. They are warm, soft, and very durable.
What you can buy:
- Sweaters
- Scarves
- Gloves and hats
- Ponchos
- Blankets
How to recognize an authentic garment:
It’s soft and lightweight.
It doesn’t itch.
It keeps you warm without making you sweat.
Where to buy:
Shops in Santa Catalina
San Camilo Market (more affordable)
Yanahuara artisan galleries
2. Arequipa Coffee and Local Products
Arequipa boasts specialty coffees made with beans from the Valley of the Volcanoes and the highlands of Castilla.
Recommended Products:
- Specialty Coffee
- Artisanal Chocolates
- Arequipa Fig or Papaya Jams
- Manjar Blanco (a type of dulce de leche)
Where to Buy:
Local Coffee Shops in Yanahuara and the City Center
Gourmet Shops
3. Ceramics and Sillar Crafts
Perfect for those seeking truly unique decorative objects.
Popular souvenirs:
- Figures carved from sillar stone
- Decorative vases and plates
- Miniature sillar stone churches
Where to find them:
Sillar Route (Cerro Colorado)
Artisan shops in the city center
4. Handcrafted Andean Instruments
Arequipa produces beautiful handmade instruments.
Recommended:
- Quenas (Andean flutes)
- Zampoñas (panpipes)
- Small drums
Ideal for travelers who love Andean music and culture.
5. Traditional Arequipa Sweets
A delicious and easy souvenir to take home.
Don’t leave without trying or buying:
- Arequipa-style alfajores (dulce de leche sandwich cookies)
- Queso helado (frozen cheese) (it doesn’t travel, but try it!)
- Handcrafted toffees
- Traditional cookies
6. Soaps, Creams, and Natural Products
Arequipa is known for its products made with:
- Muñá (a type of herb)
- Aloe vera (a type of aloe vera)
- High Andean herbs
- Essential oils
Perfect for practical gifts.
7. Local Art and Watercolors from Arequipa
Many artists sell original paintings or prints of Misti volcano, the Santa Catalina Monastery, or Yanahuara.
Why it’s worth it:
They are unique pieces.
You directly support local artists.
8. Where to buy souvenirs in Arequipa? (recommended places)
San Camilo Market
Ideal for affordable prices and a wide variety of products.
Santa Catalina Street
Perfect for fine crafts, authentic alpaca, and local art.
Yanahuara Galleries
Good options for art, jewelry, and quality clothing.
Silver Jewelry
Arequipa is famous for its 950 silver and Andean designs.
9. Tips for Choosing Good Souvenirs
Ask if the garments are truly made of baby alpaca.
Compare prices between markets and shops.
Avoid impulse purchases in highly touristic areas.
Opt for handmade products.
10. Conclusion: Which Souvenirs Are Best?
It all depends on your style, but travelers’ favorites include:
- Baby alpaca clothing
- Ceramics made of sillar stone
- Coffee and chocolates
- Local art
Arequipa has souvenirs for all tastes and budgets. The most important thing is to choose something that represents the essence of this White City, its culture, and its warm hospitality.