Machu Picchu Travel

Shopping in the Colca Canyon

Shopping in the Colca Canyon

When visiting the Colca Canyon, where the rich artisanal culture of the area blends with the natural beauty of the surroundings, discover the unique experience of shopping. Local marketplaces in the canyon-neighbor towns of Chivay, Yanque, and Maca provide an extensive selection of handcrafted Peruvian goods.

The markets are an ideal location to purchase genuine mementos and show support for local craftsmen, offering a wide range of items from jewelry, ceramics, and food items to traditional fabrics.

With its vivid hues and distinctive patterns that capture the Andean culture, textiles are particularly well-liked in the area. Local artisans use age-old methods that have been passed down from generation to generation to create handmade textiles.

In addition, a wide range of soft, warm, and superior alpaca products are available, including scarves, shawls, and sweaters. In case you are unable to shop at the canyon, Arequipa offers a plethora of craft and souvenir shops.

The markets provide a range of regional food items, including cheese, honey, fruits, and medicinal plants, in addition to handmade goods. The richness of Peruvian cuisine is reflected in these locally grown and made goods.

As you may know, Chivay is the closest village to Colca, so the Chivay Market  features an active market with a wide selection of handicrafts, textiles, pottery, souvenirs, and items made from alpaca wool. The market is a wonderful place to buy original presents and get a taste of the lively local culture.

The Macahua Market, which is situated in the town of Maca, provides comparable goods to the Chivay Market in terms of textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, and alpaca woolens. Though it's not as large as Chivay, its unique local charm makes it worthwhile to visit.

Handcrafted goods created by regional artists can be found in artisan stores located all across the Colca Valley. These stores frequently have a large assortment of goods, including jewelry, textiles, woodcarvings, pottery, and more. Keep an eye out for stores that directly assist the craftspeople and promote fair trade principles.

You may engage with people, discover their traditions and customs, and experience Peruvian hospitality by exploring the local markets, which is a cultural experience in and of itself. Whether your goal is to fully immerse yourself in the everyday life of the destination or to find mementos to bring home,  shopping in the Colca Canyon is an activity you can't miss during your visit.

On the other hand, you can find some locals selling their woven goods and artwork near the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Enjoy the handmade culture of these communities along with a privileged perspective of the canyon. Make sure to check out these little stalls before you depart.

Prepare to immerse yourself in an unforgettable and thrilling shopping adventure as you discover the intriguing Colca Canyon! We provide the most affordable Peruvian trip packages at Viagens Machu Picchu. Get in touch with one of our consultants to begin organizing your ideal getaway!