Shopping
Shopping in Lima is a very rewarding experience, with a vast
selection of both local and international goods on offer; alpaca
wool garments are a prized souvenir from Lima. The most popular
shopping areas are Miraflores and Lima Centro, and most shops are
open Monday through Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and from 3pm
to 8pm. There is no tourist rebate on the 18% sales tax charged in
Peru.
Alpaca sweaters, ponchos, rugs, coats and blankets are available
from Alpaca III in Miraflores. Other handicrafts, including woven
items and ceramics, can be found at markets in the main squares of
Miraflores and Barranco, in the shops on Avenida Ricardo Palma, and
in Centro Comercial El Suche. There's a good selection of silver
jewellery and antique stores on Avenida La Paz in Miraflores, while
La Casa Azul on Alfonso Ugarte specializes in colonial furniture
and religious art.
There are a number of markets and malls to browse for bargains
in Lima. The Feria Artesanal (Artisans' Market) has a great
selection of local handicrafts, and Mercado Central and the
Río Rímac flower market are also worth visiting. The
Jockey Plaza Shopping Center in Surco and the Larco Mar mall in
Miraflores offer a vast array of high-end shops, restaurants,
cinemas and entertainment. Good supermarkets in Lima include Metro,
in Lima Centro, and the Vivanda supermarket chain.