Gamarra Market

The basics

While Gamarra is particularly known for its textile industry, and many people come here to shop for clothing, others are intrigued by its "witches market," where you can buy potions, candles, and folk remedies, such as frog smoothies. You can also get your fortune read by a soothsayer. Many tours to Gamarra focus on this aspect of the market, and most include transportation from hotels elsewhere in Lima.

Things to know before you go

• Gamarra is a must-do for shoppers who love clothes or bargain hunting.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and be prepared to spend a lot of time on your feet.

• Don’t be afraid to bargain a bit, especially if you want to buy multiple items from the same seller.

• Pickpocketing can be an issue in Gamarra. Keep your belongings close, especially your wallet, purse, and phone.

How to get there

Gamarra Market is situated in Lima's La Victoria neighborhood and is easy to reach from other parts of the city by taxi. If you’re coming from the Miraflores area, one of the more popular spots for accommodation, expect the journey to take around half an hour by car or 50 minutes by bus (with one change).

When to get there

Gamarra Market's shop hours vary, but most are open daily from morning until the evening. If you wish to avoid crowds, come earlier on a weekday, when most local residents are at work. The December–March summer season brings hot and humid weather, which can make shopping uncomfortable for some.

Shopping in Miraflores

Head to Miraflores, in the heart of the city, if you’re looking for souvenirs, or just want to browse slightly higher-end outlets. This neighborhood is where you’ll find many of Lima’s most visitor-friendly hotels, as well as all sorts of shops, from chain fashion outlets to department stores. For souvenirs, don’t miss the Inca Market, which has rows of stalls hawking everything from alpaca sweaters to miniature dioramas known as retablos.