Every journey holds a new promise of happiness. Arriving in Cusco, a land waiting to be discovered, and settling into your cozy accommodation, you’ll feel the excitement of taking your first steps through the city’s streets. Cusco’s neighborhoods are among the most interesting in Peru: wandering through its narrow streets, without a set direction or rush, at any time of day or night is the most genuine and pleasurable way to get to know the legendary land of the Incas. Moreover, to adjust to the 3,399 meters above sea level, this is the best way to start your adventure in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
When you arrive in Cusco, the main recommendation is to acclimatize for a day or two. This will prepare you for the more challenging excursions you’re likely planning. During these days, you’ll discover many must-see activities in the surrounding area.
Remember that this is a historic city, a treasure that deserves to be enjoyed, savored, and experienced in its most minor details. Remember the mysteries and impressive facts surrounding the city, as it is one of the favorite locations of the History Channel, including the show Ancient Aliens. And it’s no coincidence: the most significant traces of extraterrestrial life are found in Cusco. So, take it easy; the famous excursions to Machu Picchu and the Andean snow-capped mountains will have their turn in your itinerary. But for now, consider your arrival and adaptation to this magical place.
Cusco is, in fact, an open-air museum. It’s also a playground. From the Plaza de Armas, whichever direction you choose – and please, explore on foot – will lead you to impressive and enigmatic places. With each step, you’ll begin to decipher this incredible puzzle. Every corner hides treasures and charms! The challenge has been set: find as many as you can!
In this blog, we’ll introduce you to Cusco’s potential in handicrafts, which, from now on, dear reader, we will refer to as “artesanías.” But we won’t talk about the more common items like t-shirts, which are of incredible quality, nor the beautiful backpacks, wallets, and bags you’ll find everywhere. Not even the Andean boots and shoes, which are delightful! We will talk about handicrafts that not everyone knows about, which often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of travel: valuable art pieces.
Trapicerias
The art of trapicería is one of the most beautiful in Cusco. It consists of a decorative panel depicting Peruvian landscapes and the daily life of rural inhabitants. This meticulous work is crafted with layers of wool: the sun, clouds, llamas, houses, people, the harvest, clothes on the line… It’s an art form that takes months to complete, and unfortunately, it is disappearing along with the old artisans who created it.
Today, it’s not easy to find a trapicería. However, on Calle Triunfo, an art gallery sells them in various sizes, each more beautiful than the last, though at a relatively high price. If you walk through Cusco’s artisan centers, you might be lucky enough to find one of these decorative panels for sale at a more affordable price! A tip: in Ollantaytambo, you also have a good chance of finding trapicerías. Good luck!

Quipu
The quipu is an art made from colored cords, usually of llama or alpaca wool, with knots representing the ancient system of record-keeping and communication used by the Incas and other Andean cultures. It was a newspaper that served the Emperor. Today, quipus are used as decorations to adorn the walls of homes, often featuring the months of the year, though they no longer convey news like they did in the past.
Be prepared: with so many goods on display in the streets of Cusco, you might wait to spot a quipu. Also, since it’s made of strings, it is often not prominently displayed. I recommend asking the vendor.

Peruvian Retablos
What a masterpiece of Andean culture the retablos are! Presented in various sizes and forms, this art is charming. They depict religious scenes, everyday life, and social critiques with artistic delicacy by Peruvian artisans in the form of paintings or altarpieces of all sizes.
It is one of Peru’s most expressive folk art forms, showcasing its history, traditions, and cultural uniqueness. Who wouldn’t want a home decoration full of art, beauty, and value? Prioritize the retablos sold at San Pedro Market or in the town of Pisac. However, if you want to purchase a larger one, you’ll only find those near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Duendes
One of the most intriguing curiosities in Peru, especially in Cusco, is the presence of goblins in almost every shop and market in the city. They represent a significant part of Andean mysticism. If you wish to acquire one, it’s worth reading the legends of the Peruvian Andes to identify the different species of goblins you can find in Cusco.
Stay alert: when you least expect it, you’ll come face to face with one, and they are very well made! Since it is said that goblins often choose their owners, I won’t give you many hints on where to find them, just one direction: many reside in the Caja Cusco – Centro Artesanal Cusco shops.
(Photo of goblins for sale in a store)

Llamas
Llamas brighten up the shops of Cusco in all sizes, colors, and styles; the city is filled with them for you to choose from! But take your time before acquiring one and browse before buying, or you might end up with a suitcase full of llamas! The black llama is the most sought-after by mystics and those who want to allude to the “black sheep” of the family. The llama made of alpaca is the softest to the touch and the most huggable, but the ceramic one is a charming addition to your home décor. Choose according to your taste!

Decorative Masks and Dolls
Masks are part of Cusco’s cultural tradition, and nearby regions like Paucartambo are known for their annual traditional festival. In addition to the colorful and well-made masks, you’ll also find dolls of Peru’s main folkloric characters. Opt for those sold at San Pedro Market or the Caja Cusco Artisan Center on Avenida El Sol. These are the best prices.

Andean Replicas
One of the wishes of visitors exploring Cusco’s numerous archaeological sites is to acquire replicas of Machu Picchu, an Incan portal, or one of their gods. Did you know you could take home a copy of the solar disk that the god Viracocha gave the Emperor, supposedly kept in the Temple of the Sun, the Qoricancha?
You will undoubtedly find hundreds of replicas for sale, most of which are at San Pedro Market.
In addition to these “artesanías,” there are other more affordable items you’ll likely want to acquire as gifts for family and friends. These include:
Chocolates
Peru is famous for its chocolates, thanks to the rich history of cacao in the region. Ancient civilizations considered chocolate a gift from the gods, and cacao seeds are still used in religious rituals. So, you’ll find this delight for sale in almost every corner of Cusco. Again, favor the prices of the large markets like San Pedro.
Coca Candies
Coca candies are so common in Cusco that they are sold in local pharmacies, although they generate much debate among tourists. Made from the coca leaf, the plant from which cocaine is derived, the candy is widely consumed in Andean countries, especially in Cusco, helping to combat the symptoms of the city’s high altitude.
Although they are common in the luggage of tourists returning from Andean countries, the sale of this product is prohibited in Brazil, as is any other derivative of the coca leaf, even if it is industrialized. According to Brazilian law, the use of coca is only authorized for therapeutic purposes after authorization from the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
Made from the same material from which cocaine is extracted, coca leaf candy cannot produce effects similar to the drug. “Even if a user consumes several candies, the amount of cocaine is minimal. Several coca leaves are required to produce the drug, which go through a chemical process to obtain the concentrated active ingredient,” explain specialists.
According to studies, the candy’s effect on the body can be similar to that experienced by those who chew coca leaves, such as increased oxygenation in the blood, which is why Andean people use the product to cope with high altitudes, where the air is thinner. Researchers also note that the candy may cause a slight euphoria and energy and may even improve physical performance, but nothing too significant.

Maras Salt
The famous cinematic salt flats you’ll have the opportunity to visit are responsible for producing a wide variety of salts, from the most common to smoked and herb-infused varieties. Don’t hesitate to buy some, but you’ll need to choose the ones in plastic containers, as the sellers will tell you that those packaged in sacks are not allowed on air transport.

Coffee
The quality of Peruvian coffee beans —produced in 11 of the country’s 24 regions (the administrative units of Peru)— is one of the leading export products and has attracted international buyers. In contrast, the number of coffee shops working with specialty coffee grows yearly.
Varieties of arabica (some ancient, like Typica) are cultivated in various provinces with extreme altitudes (reaching up to 2,400 meters), rich soils, and favorable climates. They are famous for their high sweetness.
For decades, Peru has invested in sustainable agricultural practices and responsible management of coffee plantations. It is currently the world’s largest exporter of organic coffee (Mexico is the second) and the top supplier of Fairtrade-certified coffee to the European Union.
The country is also the fifth-largest global producer of arabica, with 4.2 million sacks produced. In Peruvian cafés, which add charm to the city, espressos and filtered coffee capture customers’ attention equally. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy it in every possible way and savor its incomparable aroma.

Incense
Peru, particularly the city of Cusco, known for its mysticism, could not fail to offer its visitors a wide range of incense, from the most well-known to the most unusual and sacred. Palo Santo is the king. It’s the most famous incense in Peru due to its properties: a natural wonder with incomparable benefits. A spiritual treasure known as “holy wood” benefits the mind, body, and soul.
BENEFITS OF PALO SANTO:
- Deep energy cleansing: Palo Santo is known for its ability to purify spaces, driving away negative energies and promoting positivity.
- Stress and anxiety reduction: Palo Santo’s soft fragrance is a natural calming agent that helps relieve stress and anxiety.
- Improved sleep quality: Burning Palo Santo before bed can promote a more peaceful and restful sleep.
- Mood elevation: The unique aroma of Palo Santo can lift your spirits, bringing joy and well-being.
- Increased focus and concentration: Use Palo Santo to enhance focus and concentration during meditation or work activities.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Palo Santo contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit overall health.
- Spiritual connection: Many traditions use Palo Santo to connect with the divine and deepen spirituality.
- Eco-friendly and sustainable: Our Palo Santo is sustainably harvested, supporting forest preservation and the well-being of local communities.
Your trip to Cusco is your opportunity to experience Palo Santo and its incredible benefits. You’ll feel the purity and well-being it offers and the spirituality of this gift from nature.
Teas
This blog will summarize the two teas available at hotel receptions in Peru, mainly in the city of Cusco, due to the cold and high altitude.
- Muña tea: It has a flavor similar to mint but milder. It can help treat gastric issues, indigestion, colic, and bacterial diarrhea.
- Coca tea: A traditional tea of Peru, made with coca leaves and boiling water. It is a mild stimulant that can help relieve pain, thirst, hunger, and altitude sickness.


Pan chuta
Pan Chuta is a traditional, artisanal bread made with regional ingredients from Oropesa, near Cusco, Peru. It is part of the Andean culture and is known for its anise flavor and large, round shape. You can find it at several stands in the San Pedro Market.
Indeed, many “handicrafts” remain left out of this blog. Undoubtedly, you’ll find your own “treasures” throughout the city. Remember to tell us! Your trip is sure to be a success!

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