Our Favorite Fair Trade Boutiques in Cusco

It is nearly impossible to leave the city of Cusco without a suitcase full of textiles, bracelets, bags, and other beautiful artisan made products. But with the hundreds of shops and marketplaces in the ancient city, it can be hard to know where your souvenirs are coming from, what they are made of, and who really made them. That is why we have compiled this list of boutiques where you can buy unique, artisan-made products that have been responsibly sourced.

1. L’Atelier

This gorgeous coffee shop/boutique is in the heart of the San Blas neighborhood of Cusco. They sell a variety of products, including handcrafted ceramics, artisan textiles, unique graphic tees and even 100% Peruvian sourced coffee. If you wonder a bit farther down Calle Carmen Alto you will run into the L’Atelier concept store, which sells a unique collection of vintage clothing, handbags, jewelry, and stationary. With their beautiful decor and idyllic locations, both stores are great for souvenirs or even just for window shopping.

Before you leave, don’t forget to take a photo in their iconic window seat overlooking the terracotta roofs of San Blaas. You’ll leave your friends wondering whether you’re in Cusco or on an Italian get-away.

@lateliercafeconcept

2. Isa Luna

About five minutes from L’Atelier in the San Blas neighborhood, is the Isa Luna concept store. Searching for the perfect gift for mom? This is the spot. Isa Luna offers a sophisticated mix of fine jewelry, alpaca clothing, home decor goodies, and the widest range of Awamaki baby products of any of the boutiques in Cusco. They boast a beautiful and unique collection of pastel painted ceramic Pucara Bulls, which serve as symbols of the rich Incan culture that still lives on in Peru.

The store is brought together with an elaborate chandelier made from tree branches, strewn with an eclectic mix of various light bulbs. Come for the artisan goods, stay for the home decor inspiration.

@isalunacusco

3. Cocoliso

Peruvian textiles are known for their bright colors and extravagant designs, but sometimes you just need some earth tones to cleanse your palette. Enter: Cocoliso. Another coffee shop meets boutique, Cocoliso is about a five minute walk from the Plaza de Armas and is surrounded by a variety of other upscale artisan shops. After walking through the picturesque archway, you will find the main boutique on the right and the cafe to the left.

Their boutique is full of fair trade, ethically made products that come in a variety of calming earth tones that are sure to win over any visitor. Their luxurious chunky knit alpaca sweaters and scarfs will make you wish it were winter year-round, and their selection of Awamaki woven pillow cases will have you ready for some home decor therapy.

@e.cocoliso

4. Mestiza

While Mestiza is the smallest of the four boutiques, their products do not disappoint. This mini boutique located on Carmen Alto is set amidst a number of trendy shops that go against the grain of the usual tourist-filled shops you will find just a few blocks over. They carry a small stock of incredibly soft, hand knit alpaca sweaters in a variety of contemporary styles. In addition, you’ll find a number of handbags with intricately woven textiles and a collection of fine jewelry, that includes necklaces and earrings with detailed beading work. After a trip to Mestiza, you’ll be redesigning your wardrobe.

@mestizacusco

About Awamaki

Awamaki is a nonprofit fair trade social enterprise dedicated to connecting Andean artisan weavers with global markets. We collaborate with women artisans to support their efforts towards educational and financial independence by co-creating beautifully handcrafted knit and woven accessories using hertiage techniques.