Indian Market (Mercado Indio) Petit Thouars Lima
A vibrant, maze-like market in Miraflores offering a vast array of Peruvian handicrafts, souvenirs, and textiles at negotiable prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Indian Market (Mercado Indio) Petit Thouars Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, maze-like market in Miraflores offering a vast array of Peruvian handicrafts, souvenirs, and textiles at negotiable prices.
"Great place for souvenirs with good prices! Everyone selling there is really good at what they do."
🎯 Bargain for the Best Price
Don't accept the first price. Haggle politely, especially when paying cash.
🚶♀️ Go During the Week
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpaca Goods
Various stalls
Find soft alpaca sweaters, scarves, hats, and toys. Quality varies, so inspect items carefully.
Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Throughout the market
Explore colorful textiles, pottery, jewelry, and unique regional crafts. Perfect for gifts!
Red String Bracelets
Stall 68
Symbolic bracelets for luck and protection, often found at affordable prices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bargain Like a Pro
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain for the Best Price
Don't accept the first price. Haggle politely, especially when paying cash.
🚶♀️ Go During the Week
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
💰 Cash is King
Prices are often lower when paying with Peruvian Soles (cash).
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Main Area
The market is large and maze-like; explore surrounding areas for more unique finds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain for the Best Price
Don't accept the first price. Haggle politely, especially when paying cash.
🚶♀️ Go During the Week
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
💰 Cash is King
Prices are often lower when paying with Peruvian Soles (cash).
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Main Area
The market is large and maze-like; explore surrounding areas for more unique finds.
🧐 Inspect Quality
Check the quality of items, especially alpaca goods and silver, before purchasing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Indian Market for its vast selection of colorful souvenirs and handicrafts at generally good prices. Many appreciate the opportunity to bargain and the friendly nature of most vendors, though some find the sales pressure a bit much. It's a bustling, maze-like destination perfect for finding mementos.
"Lots of options... Many of the same things are sold at various stores within the market. Most things are reasonably priced . Some of them very wildly depending on the vendor. There are a lot of colors and beautiful garments . There are a lot of mementos and souvenirs that one can find. Do your due diligence asking for the price from several vendors to get a feel for how much something should cost, especially if you're traveling and don't know what to expect. Great market."
C Johnson
"Tourist attraction, plenty of local items to buy. Polite people offer a variety of products in low prices willing to bargain in order to sell. In some cases offer some small items for free additional to what you have purchased"
Dimitris Logothetis
"Great place for souvenirs with good prices! Everyone selling there is really good at what they do. Some of them do pressure us and make us uncomfortable to buy. However, most were kind and just doing their job. Everyone was very kind. You’ll try and finish a purchase but some of them will try and ask you to buy more things.
This area is very big like a maze and there also other markets around the area. I recommend this to everyone coming to buy souvenirs!
Souvenirs to shop for include: shot glasses, pisco drink, alpaca toys, magnets, key chains, ponchos, beanies, 🧢 hats, figurines, jewelry like rings and bracelets, scarves, t shirts, purses 👛 , bags, paintings 🖼️ , pens 🖊️, and basically Alpaca 🦙 everything."
Mariela Caldera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Indian Market (Mercado Indio) is located on Avenida Petit Thouars in Miraflores. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing app. Public buses also serve the area, but taxis are often more convenient for tourists.
The main Indian Market is in Miraflores, specifically on Avenida Petit Thouars. There are other markets like Mercado Central in downtown Lima, which is less touristy.
Walking is a great way to explore Miraflores. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available for longer distances or if you're carrying purchases.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Indian Market is generally free. It's an open-air market with numerous stalls.
The market is typically open daily, but hours can vary by vendor. It's best to visit during daylight hours, and many stalls are open on weekends.
The market is generally safe, but like any busy place, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of souvenirs, including alpaca clothing, textiles, pottery, jewelry, magnets, keychains, ponchos, and more.
Yes, prices are definitely negotiable! Vendors expect you to bargain, especially if you're buying multiple items or paying with cash.
The Indian Market in Miraflores is known for good prices, especially if you bargain. Other options include Mercado Central (less touristy) or Mercado Inka on La Marina street. +1
Some vendors may accept credit cards, but prices can be higher. Paying with cash (Peruvian Soles) is generally recommended for better deals.
The quality of alpaca products can vary significantly. Inspect items carefully for softness, weave, and any imperfections before purchasing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While primarily a souvenir market, you might find some vendors selling snacks or drinks. For a wider food selection, consider nearby markets like Mercado de Surquillo or street food stalls in Miraflores.
Miraflores has a vast culinary scene with many restaurants, cafes, and street food options. You can find everything from traditional Peruvian dishes to international cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the products and the market atmosphere. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors.
Look for vibrant displays of textiles, colorful handicrafts, and the bustling activity of shoppers and vendors. The sheer variety of items makes for great visual content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place to let kids pick out their own small souvenirs. However, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, which might make navigating with strollers challenging. Tips for families:
* Visit on a weekday to avoid the busiest times.
* Set a budget for each child beforehand.
* Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas.
* Look for smaller, lighter items that are easy to pack.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget tips:
* Always negotiate prices, especially when paying cash.
* Compare prices across multiple stalls before buying.
* Focus on smaller items that are easier to transport and less expensive.
* Consider visiting the less crowded, potentially cheaper, second branch mentioned by some TikTok users.
🎁 Gift Shoppers
The variety ensures you can find something for everyone on your list. Gift-buying advice:
* Start your shopping early to avoid last-minute rushes.
* Consider buying multiples of smaller items like keychains or magnets for group gifts.
* Don't hesitate to ask vendors if they have gift wrapping options, though this is uncommon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market Maze
Pro-tip: If you find something you like, note the stall number or a distinctive landmark. This will help you find it again if you decide to return or if you want to compare prices with another vendor. Remember that many vendors speak some English, making communication easier for tourists.
When you're done shopping, you might find yourself laden with bags. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Miraflores to help you get back to your accommodation comfortably.
The Art of Bargaining
Key strategies include paying in cash (Peruvian Soles), buying multiple items from the same vendor, and being prepared to walk away if the price isn't right. Many vendors are keen to make a sale and may lower their price if they see you're serious.
Don't be shy! Even if your Spanish is limited, a smile and some basic numbers can go a long way. Many vendors are accustomed to interacting with tourists and will do their best to communicate.
Authenticity vs. Souvenirs
If you're looking for truly 'legitimate' or unique artisanal pieces, it might require more in-depth research or visiting specialized artisan cooperatives.
When purchasing items like silver jewelry, exercise caution and buy from reputable vendors. While many offer quality products, it's wise to be discerning.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit