Where are the best markets in Lima?

Hi Cam,
I believe "El Hueco", in downtown Lima is the place to buy all the pirated stuff. However, be extra cautious if you go there since I think it's not too safe. Also, not sure if true or not but I read that taking pirated stuff (music, DVDs) from Peru is illegal and if customs finds them on your way out of the country your stuff will be seized and you'll be heavily fined.

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<hr> I am looking for the best markets that sell all that cool and cheap "fake" brand name clothes<hr></blockquote>

Without doubt that place is: GAMARRA

Polvos Azules is the traditional market. Even has porno video games. Near the Justice Ministry so the area is secure. In decades of travel I've never been searched leaving Peru. BUT they have drug sniffing dogs that are pretty good.. so don't get any ideas along that line. Also.. if you buy at any of the Lima hostels... and in quantity... cops will know within minutes.

I was searched on arrival in Amsterdam; every single passenger was checked by a sniffer dog and questioned as to their business in Peru. I had my hand luggage gone through, was asked about Christmas gifts I was carrying, and the man unzipped my CD case and flipped through it. Luckily, the few discs that he actually looked at were genuine. I don't know what he would have done if he had seen the pirated DVDs I had in there; they were clearly looking for drugs principally, but the DVDs are not strictly legal either, so perhaps he would have taken them off me. I was so tired after the journey and had a further connection to make, so I was pretty relieved when he let me through.

As to buying the DVDs, I'd recommend Polvos Azules. Taxi drivers all know it and there is generally a line of them waiting outside so you can go directly to and from if you're a bit concerned about safety, but really it's fine. There are loads of different stalls, and you can generally ask the vendors to put your chosen DVD on for a few minutes to show you the quality, which can vary. If you're not satisfied, go elsewhere.

Other places for Pirated CDs.

Thanks for all the info everyone. Looks like there are plenty of options for finding what I need.

I am not 100% certain, but I am fairly sure that you would not get in any trouble for bringing back pirated music, movies or software. It certainly is highly illegal to sell or distribute, so if you had a large quantity then they might get suspicious, but generally speaking posession of such things are not a problem.

Also, I am assuming I will find lots of markets to buy the standard peruvian/andean clothes (like alpaca/llama sweaters, scarfs, etc) and other handicrafts throughout miraflores? Or is there a specific market to get better deals on these things?

Thanks again,
Cam.

The mall in front of Santo Domingo Church, in Plaza Santo Domingo, and Av. La Marina handcraft markets.

For handicrafts the Miraflores markets... and stores.. are expensive. Anahi mentions the La Marina markets. Those are very good. Found on the 1100 block of Ave. La Marina. Take a micro from Miraflores that says Ave. La Marina. They are just past the bridge near the Hospital Military. A whole warren of small stalls. Cheaper than Miraflores.

Can you get Photoshop at any of these markets in English? Are they virus free?