🎨 Where to Buy Cheap Handmade Crafts in Cusco Without Getting Scammed

🧵 1. Know What’s Truly Handmade… and What’s Not First things first: not everything that looks handmade actually is. Many of the souvenirs in tourist markets are mass-produced, sometimes even outside of Cusco.

✅ Authentic handmade items often have small imperfections, more natural colors, and artisans can usually explain how they made it.

🛍️ 2. San Pedro Market: Variety and Bargaining Just a few blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, the San Pedro Market is a popular and convenient place to shop. You'll find everything from textiles and carved items to instruments, bags, and fun gifts.

💡 Bargain respectfully — it’s common to get 10% to 30% off, especially if you’re buying multiple items.

🧶 3. Visit Artisan Cooperatives Look for shops that are part of artisan cooperatives or women’s weaving associations, like those in Chinchero or the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco.

While prices might be a bit higher, you’re getting 100% authentic handmade goods, and your money supports local communities directly.

🐑 4. Beware of Fake “Alpaca” Products Lots of products are labeled “100% baby alpaca,” but many are made from synthetic fibers or blends. If you see a scarf or sweater for 20 soles claiming to be baby alpaca—it probably isn’t.

🔍 Quick tip: real alpaca feels incredibly soft, not itchy, and doesn’t have the shiny look that acrylic often has.

🚶‍♂️ 5. Shop Outside the Tourist Zone Just a few blocks away from the main square, you’ll find more affordable and authentic shops. Try neighborhoods like Santiago, San Blas (go beyond the touristy part), or near the Wanchaq market, where prices drop and quality can rise.

💬 6. Ask Questions and Connect with Artisans Local artisans appreciate genuine interest. If you ask how something is made or what a design represents, you’re more likely to get a better price and access to unique, off-the-shelf pieces.

Plus, you'll take home a story—not just a souvenir.

🎁 Conclusion Buying crafts in Cusco isn’t just about getting a pretty item—it’s about supporting living culture and real people. With these tips, you’ll be able to shop smart, ethically, and without getting ripped off.