Cusco Handicrafts

Gate-area shop in CUZ with alpaca-heavy souvenirs

Cusco Handicrafts sits airside at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, after security and before most boarding gates. It’s the predictable last stop for alpaca scarves, woven textiles, and small gifts when you realize you skipped the San Pedro Market. Stock skews touristy but it’s still mostly Peru-made items rather than generic imports.

Pricing runs higher than in central Cusco: expect to pay roughly 30–60% more than street stalls for similar alpaca hats, gloves, and small bags. In soles, that means a beanie that’s S/25 in town might hit S/40 here. Payment is straightforward: cards and soles are fine, and they often accept US dollars but with a weak rate.

Browse for handwoven table runners, small Andean artwork, and magnet-style trinkets that actually show specific Cusco sites like Sacsayhuamán or Plaza de Armas. Quality on “baby alpaca” labels is hit-or-miss compared to specialty shops in the city center. Treat the fiber tags as marketing and judge by feel and weight instead of the sign.

Staff usually speak at least basic English and Spanish, and receipts clearly list items for customs if you’re heading onward to the US, Canada, or Europe. Stock turns over fairly quickly, so you’re more likely to see current designs than dusty pieces that have sat for years.

Tip: if you still have under S/50 in cash, this is an easy place to burn it on smaller textiles or keychains rather than carrying coins onto a long-haul flight.