Monthly Newsletter - November 2008

At Latin America for Less, we want visitors to have the best experience possible, whether it be touring Machu Picchu or shopping in markets. Past clients have asked us for shopping tips in tourist markets, and as alpaca and vicuña products are some of the more sought after goods by visitors to Peru we have compiled some information about buying garments made from these lush fibers.

When traveling around South America, it is hard not feel tempted to pick up a souvenir or present for friends or family. There are so many products on sale; from handicrafts like sculptures and paintings to silver goods and woven tapestries. There is something for all visitors and prices accommodate most travelers’ budgets. If you don’t like the price asked for a good, try to haggle it down!

Alpaca and Vicuña: Fiber of the Incas

Fashionistas traveling to Peru often take advantage of their trip to pick up products made from the luxurious and soft hairs of the alpaca or vicuña. Never a wild animal, alpacas were raised by the Incas for its meat and fiber. In addition, unlike the llama, the alpaca was never used as a work animal. Peruvians are very proud of the fine quality of this animal and it is hard not to indulge in a purchase of such high quality at a bargain price. Unfortunately, often vendors will sell garments as being authentic alpaca wares when they are actually made from synthetic fibers.

Peru is also renowned for being the home to the vicuña, the animal that produces the finest fiber in the world. Just to emphasize the value of this material, a vicuña shawl starts out at US$1000. As the national animal of Peru, one can find the vicuña on the nation’s official seal and flag.

Alpaca Product Tips

Many synthetic products can appear to be as soft as the Alpaca ones, but they do not have the same top quality properties. Here is a list of useful tips and facts about alpaca that will be helpful to visitors:

• The best way to recognize a real alpaca fiber from synthetic material is by its touch. Real alpaca is cold to the touch; synthetic material will not have this sensation.
• An alpaca item will feel as if it has significant weight. Imitation feels lighter.
• When you play with the alpaca fiber it should bounce back.
• The average price for an alpaca sweater should be between US$80 AND US$180. Ponchos, shawls and products with intricate designs will be more expensive. A cheaper price should make you think twice about the product’s authenticity.
• The easiest and most worry-free way to buy an alpaca product is to go to a recognized ship. Respectable shops in tourist districts will verify the product’s authenticity, but this security often means visitors pay a premium.
• The best alpaca products come from baby alpaca. This comes from the sheerings of the animal in its first two years.
• As alpaca comes in 28 different natural colors, alpaca items are especially popular among people that suffer from allergies to various dyeing procedures.
• While you can buy these products with credit cards at stores, these retailers will often give a 10% discount for cash purchases.

Vicuña Product Tips

• Material from first years of two Vicuñas is needed to make a vicuña shawl.
• If in the market for Vicuña products, you will not have to be as worried about the product’s authenticity. All real products come with an authenticity certificate and products are not allowed to leave Peru without it.
• Any vicuña merchandise leaving Peru without proper certificates will be confiscated at customs. Buying vicuña products without certificates encourages the hunting of this endangered species, which is a crime in Peru.

Key Shopping Phrases

By
Cristina Daus

If you have any questions about this article or would like to know more about shopping opportunities in Cuzco, please contact write to her at cristina@peruforless.com.

Sources:
Awanacancha Center, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Peru
Alpaca Fiber News

PAST NEWSLETTERS:

• Newsletter October 2008
• Newsletter September 2008
• Newsletter August 2008
• Newsletter July 2008
• Newsletter June 2008
• Newsletter May 2008
• Newsletter April 2008
• Newsletter February 2008
• Newsletter January 2008