What you can take home from Peru: customs, coca, food and crafts

Buying souvenirs in Cusco is part of the trip, but some products sold freely in the markets can't leave Peru or can't enter your country. Coca leaves, seeds, certain foods, products from protected species or objects that look old can cause problems at the airport. This guide sums up the general rules so you can shop with peace of mind. Rules change and depend on each country, so always check your destination's official customs information before travelling.

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Coca leaves and products

In Peru, coca leaf is legal and part of Andean culture: it's chewed, drunk as tea and used in rituals. However, in most countries coca leaf is banned or controlled because it's the raw material for cocaine. That includes leaves, coca tea bags and, in many cases, coca sweets or chocolates. Even though they're sold at Cusco airport, don't pack them if you're travelling outside the Andean region. With sniffer dogs at checks, they can cause serious problems.

• Coca leaf in Cusco: tea, chewing, altitude sickness and whether you can take it home
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Archaeological and colonial objects

Original pre-Columbian and colonial objects are national cultural heritage and exporting them is prohibited. This includes ceramics, textiles, carved stones, metals, paintings and old sculptures. If you buy a reproduction that looks old, ask for an invoice or certificate stating it's modern. If in doubt, the Ministry of Culture can issue a document certifying that the piece isn't heritage.

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Protected species

• Vicuña: only fibre from controlled, certified shearing is legal. Genuine vicuña garments are very expensive; be wary of cheap ones.
• Skins, feathers, shells and bones of wild animals: trading and exporting them is prohibited.
• Dried butterflies and insects, armadillo shells: many old charangos used armadillo shells; today they're wooden. Avoid shell ones.
• Plants and orchids: can't be taken from the wild or exported without permits.

• Ethical shopping in Cusco: fair trade, cooperatives and weavers
• Andean instruments in Cusco: charango, quena, panpipes and how to buy them

Food

Each country has its own rules, but in general:

• Almost always banned: fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cured meats, fresh dairy, seeds and soil.
• Usually allowed: industrially packaged, sealed products such as chocolate, roasted coffee, packaged quinoa, Maras salt in packets, biscuits or sweets.
• Restricted: alcohol (pisco) within your destination's duty-free allowance, and only small containers in hand luggage.
• Corn and seeds: packaged toasted giant corn (cancha) is usually allowed; seeds for planting are not.

• Pisco in Cusco: types, pisco sour, tastings and how to choose a good bar
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Textiles and clothing

Alpaca, llama or sheep's wool garments, weavings and blankets can be taken without problems. If you carry many pieces, you may need to declare them if you exceed your country's allowance. Keep your receipts.

• Buying alpaca in Cusco: how to spot the real thing, prices and where to look

Pisco and liquids on the plane

Pisco is one of the favourite souvenirs. In hand luggage you can only carry liquids in small containers, so bottles must go in checked luggage, well wrapped in clothes. Some airport shops sell bottles you can take on board in a sealed bag, but if you have a connection, check the rules at the transit airport.

Shipping purchases by post or courier

If you buy more than fits in your suitcase, you can send parcels from Cusco by post or through international courier companies. Some large workshops arrange shipping themselves. Bear in mind that international shipments can take weeks, that your country may charge import duties on receipt, and that the same bans (coca, seeds, fresh food) apply to parcels. Always ask for a tracking number and keep invoices for the value declaration.

Declaring in your country

When you arrive home, declare any food or plant or animal products if asked. Failing to declare can mean fines, even if the product is allowed. If in doubt, declare: the worst that can happen is that it's confiscated.

Quick checklist

• No problem: textiles, alpaca clothing, modern ceramics, silver jewellery, modern paintings, wooden instruments, packaged chocolate and coffee.
• Be careful: pisco and alcohol, packaged food (depending on country), reproductions that look old.
• No: coca and its products, archaeological objects, protected species, fresh fruit, seeds, meat.

Before you go

eSIM for Peru

Land connected: install an Airalo data eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

Get online in Peru →

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).