Shopping and Dining in Peru

Food in Peru reflects its geography, climate, and local traditions. Along the coast, fresh seafood is common, while in the Andes, meals tend to be heartier, often featuring potatoes, corn, and paired with slow-cooked meats. In the Amazon, ingredients vary based on what grows naturally in the rainforest, creating distinct regional dishes. Lunch is usually the main meal, with lighter breakfasts and dinners served later in the evening. Recipes are often passed down through families, preserving traditional cooking methods. Markets play a big role in everyday food, as well as shopping, culture. They’re where people buy ingredients, but also where they sit down for a quick, home-style meal at a food stall. It’s one of the easiest ways to try local dishes made by people who’ve been cooking them for years. These spaces are busy, informal, and full of character.

When it comes to shopping, Peru offers more than just souvenirs. In towns like Cusco, Puno, and many smaller villages, you’ll find handwoven textiles, natural dyes, pottery, and alpaca wool goods; often sold by the people who made them. In cities like Lima and Arequipa, there’s also a growing number of small shops and boutiques that sell high-quality Peruvian-made products, from silver jewelry to fair trade chocolate and organic coffee. Some focus on modern design, while others keep things traditional, but many support local artisans and use locally sourced materials. These everyday experiences -meals, markets, and local shops – often end up being some of the most memorable parts of a trip.