Lima

When looking for Peruvian souvenirs head to the lively Mercado Indio in the heart of Miraflores. Here, you will find a wide mix of small shops packed with just about anything you could ever wish for. Alpaca knits, colourful ponchos, handmade bags, jewellery, ceramics, musical instruments and many other knick-knacks to remind you of your trip to Peru. Just remember to take your time and browse before shopping and make the most of your haggling skills.

While in Peru, you will find a handful of shops and vendors devoted to selling one of the country's best treasures, the alpaca fleece. However, its quality and authenticity may vary dramatically depending on where you shop. So, don't be fooled by knock-offs and be willing to spend a few extra soles when acquiring genuine garments. Here are a few stores specialising in selling high-quality wool clothing items: Sol Alpaca Larcomar Shopping Centre Open daily from 10am to 10pm All Alpaca Avenida José Larco 1005, Miraflores Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:30am–8pm, Sun 10:30am–6:30pm +51 1 2428051 Kuna Avenida José Larco 671, Miraflores Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 10am–7pm +51 1 4471623

When in the Barranco area make sure to stop by this lovely art gallery/gift shop to check out their colourful and original collection of home decor, clothing and jewellery as well as traditional and contemporary art all made by local designers. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, it's a great place to browse leisurely. Plus, they have a charming courtyard café and on Wednesdays, pizza and live music spice up the night.

Local vendors and independent artists came together and created La Feria, a colourful outdoor market in the Barranco district that offers an eclectic array of clothing items and arts and crafts, together with food stalls and good music in a friendly and laid-back atmosphere.

Librería El Virrey is an independent bookshop offering an impressive array of Peruvian titles as well as a decent selection of books in English, travel guides, and children's books. A local treasure in the Miraflores district with a Starbucks next door and a resident cat to keep you company while you browse for a good read.

A private home featuring rooms filled with one-of-a-kind Peruvian artworks carefully curated by a friendly and knowledgeable British expat. Las Pallas is not your typical mass-produced souvenir shop, only original artisan handicrafts are found here. A true hidden gem in the Barranco district.

In the heart of San Isidro, Real Plaza is retail therapy done right. One of the most complete malls in Lima offers a variety of shops that will satisfy all your shopping desires. Plus, a gorgeous terrace with plenty of restaurants.

Vinilos is the place that music fans and collectors flock to when hunting for both vintage and contemporary records. Wooden crates categorised into different music genres showcase their impressive selection of vinyls, all kept in good condition and sold at great prices.

For the largest selection of Peruvian chocolates, pay a visit to El Cacaotal, the place where chocolate lovers have no trouble satisfying their sweet tooth cravings. More than just a chocolate wonderland, this shop aims to provide a true immersion into the world of this sweet delight. Here, you can learn not only about the roots of each chocolate bar and the manufacturing process but also about the artisans behind them. Great place to stock up on treats for friends back home.

Tucked away in the Gamarra Market – and actually unknown to some locals – is a peculiar area guaranteed to give you a bizarre, yet curious shopping experience. The Mercado de Brujas or Witches' Market specialises in traditional folk remedies as well as ritual items. It doesn't matter what kind of illness may be afflicting you, you are most likely to find an indigenous medicine to cure it. And as for the ingredients, expect something out of a Disney's witch potion. Frog juice, snake fat, monkey skulls, and dried llama fetus are just some of the main products here.