One of the things travelers tell us most often is: "I want my money to actually reach people here." It's a great intention, but it's not always obvious how to make it happen — Cusco runs on tourism, and not everything that looks "local" really is. Here are some practical ideas.
1. Buy directly from the maker
At markets like San Pedro or at craft fairs, you can often buy directly from the person who wove, carved, or prepared what you're buying. A good sign: if the person can tell you how they made it, how long it took, or exactly what material it's made of — they're likely the actual maker, not just a reseller.
- Ask with genuine curiosity, not like an interrogation: "did you weave this?", "where's the wool from?"
- Real artisans usually love talking about their craft.
2. Be cautious with "100% authentic" shops right next to busy tourist sites
It's not an absolute rule, but shops right next to the most-visited attractions tend to pay high rents, which sometimes means a smaller share of what you pay reaches the actual artisan. Cooperatives and markets a bit further from the main tourist circuit tend to distribute earnings more fairly.
3. Bargain, respectfully
Bargaining is part of market culture in Peru, but there's a difference between negotiating respectfully and pressuring someone to sell below what their work is worth. If the first price already feels fair for the work it represents, consider just paying it.
4. Prefer neighborhood markets, not just the tourist circuit
Markets like San Blas, or food and fruit stalls on streets less traveled by tourists, tend to have more honest prices because they don't rely solely on occasional tourists — they have a steady local customer base that keeps them grounded.
5. Ask your guide
Our guides are from Cusco, and many personally know local artisans and merchants. If you're interested in buying something specific during the tour (textiles, instruments, pottery), ask them — they can point you toward trustworthy businesses instead of leaving it to chance.
One last thing
Supporting local commerce doesn't always mean looking for the lowest price — sometimes it means exactly the opposite: paying fairly for work well done, instead of chasing the cheapest deal from a supply chain you know nothing about.
Want to experience real local commerce during your visit? Book your Free Walking Tour here and ask your guide along the way.
