Shopping in Lima
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Mercado del Indios
This enormous market is the best place to browse through handicrafts from all over Peru. Prices are varied so shop carefully.
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Wayo Whilar
The shop of a longtime Peruvian surfer who sells his own line of hand-shaped boards.
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La Mar
A cevichería done Gastón Acurio-style: La Mar is a polished cement patio bursting with VIPs (note the security guards outside) that serves 10 types of ceviche and almost as many varieties of tiraditos. Can’t make up your mind? Try the degustación, with five different kinds. There are grills, rice dishes and soups, but it’s the ceviche that is tops. Cocktails here include Lima’s best coca-leaf sour.
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Caseta el Viajero Kiosk
If you’re in downtown, the top spot for maps is the Caseta el Viajero Kiosk, a cluttered stand facing Plaza San Martín that is run by the congenial Federico Quispe. He also has smaller maps devoted to individual neighborhoods.
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La Casa de la Mujer Artesana Manuela Ramos
La Casa de la Mujer Artesana Manuela Ramos, at cuadra 15 of Av Brasil, is a crafts cooperative whose proceeds support women’s economic development programs.
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Vivanda
There are many supermarkets loaded with both local and imported food, drink, toiletries and medicines. One of the best is Vivanda, which rivals any North American mall hangout.
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CompuPalace
You’ll find rechargeable and lithium batteries, as well as computer parts, supplies and replacements at CompuPalace, a block-long electronics arcade.
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LarcoMar
A well-to-do outdoor mall wedged into the clifftop beneath the Parque Salazar, full of high-end clothing shops, trendy discotheques and a wide range of eateries.
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Mercado Indio
The best place to find everything from pre-Columbian–style clay pottery to alpaca rugs to knock-offs of Cuzco School canvases. Prices vary; shop around.
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Flower Market
Located where Tacna crosses the Río Rímac, this morning market is a kaleidoscopic scene of beautiful flowers at bargain prices.
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Metro
In Central Lima, the best supermarket is the block-long Metro in downtown, which also stocks prepared foods.
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Vivanda
Lima’s top supermarket has luscious arrays of meats, cheeses, vegetables, baked goods, prepared foods and even a cafe.
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El Virrey
The San Isidro branch is a bibliophile’s dream, with a vintage book room stocked with thousands of rare editions.
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Jockey Plaza
A huge, relentlessly upscale mall bursting with department stores, boutiques, movie theaters and a food court.
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Mercado Central
From fresh fish to blue jeans, you can buy almost anything at this crowded market close to the Barrio Chino.
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Agua y Tierra
A tidy shop that specializes in crafts from the Shipibo, Aguaruna and Asháninka cultures from the Amazon.
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Wong
A massive supermarket built around the courtyard of a vintage home; look for the baroque-style staircase.
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Tattoo Adventure Gear
Tattoo Adventure Gear sells quality trekking gear as well as brand-name backpacks and day packs.
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Taller de Fotografía Profesional
One of the best photo shops in the city, with processing, camera repairs and sales.
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Dédalo
A vintage casona houses this contemporary crafts store with a lovely cafe.
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Camino Real
A large mall in San Isidro with a smaller, less ostentatious collection of shops.
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Centro Comercial el Suche
A shady passageway with a jumble of handicrafts, antiques and jewelry stores.
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KSA Tomada
Great selection of books. Plus a cafe, free wi-fi and comfy couches.
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La Casa de la Alpaca
La Casa de la Alpaca has a good range of quality alpaca products.
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