Two years ago, we launched our first knitwear collection in collaboration with small family workshops in Lima, mostly using the glorious alpaca wool Peru is known for. Since then, we've been lucky to visit a handful of times and explore this country with so many landscapes and so many layers. In between photo shoots, meeting with our suppliers in-person, and working on new product developments, we found time to eat, wander, shop, eat more, and get to know some welcoming and talented Peruvians.
Special thanks to our friend Jess and photographers Nicole and Bran who introduced us to Pisco, Ceviche, and several of these fab spots. We are heading back for a long trip in November to shoot three campaigns. Do tell - what should we add to our list?
Where To Shop
Puna
Furniture, textiles, and home decor carefully curated by a local interior designer and artists - you won't leave without something from this gorg store
El Closet de Mi Hermana
Clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and home decor crafted by local Peruvian designers
Escvdo
The coolest hand loomed and artful knits dedicated to the brand's Peruvian heritage (call ahead to visit their showroom)
Dedalo
It's on every travel list for good reason - a massive store in an old house with rooms and rooms of locally made products
Ayni
Contemporary knitwear that will stand out in your closer
What To Do
El Malecon Clifftop Walkway
A morning walk along this pretty path takes you from Miraflores to Barranco (our favorite neighborhood to wander) with views of the ocean
Museo Amano
A textile lover's dream
Mate
The Mario Testino museum is dedicated to Peruvian artists
Where To Stay
Hotel B
A white stucco mansion first built as a summer home in 1914 and beautifully restored into a boutique hotel with a fun rooftop bar. Truly a home away from home, and a block from ocean views
Where To Eat
Merito
The only place you HAVE to visit on this list: dark and simple interiors, incredible cocktails, food to remember forever
Demo Merito
Merito's little sister - for morning coffee and to-die-for pastries
Pan Sal Aire
We went here twice on our last trip for the best carrots we've ever eaten, only marginally surpassed by their chocolate chip cookies
Isolina
Traditional dishes and a great vibe, you must try the pisco sour here
Matria
Just delish
Mayta
The cocktails! Like nothing we've had before - true works of art
Pescados Capitales
The ultimate seafood spot with ceviche you'll write home about
Central
The legendary restaurant is worth it, every morsel of food tells a story and it's a thrill of a meal
El Cacaotal
Love, love this cute spot for a pour over coffee and a chocolate tasting room upstairs
Troppo
For a ceviche break, this pizza spot was so good
Further Out
Arequipa
An up-and-coming destination, this whitewashed stone city sits in the shadow of three volcanoes and has yet to be discovered by tourists. Visit their local markets to shop for hand knit, chunky, wool socks. Grab a scoop of queso helado. Stay at the gorgeous Cirq Hotel. Venture out to the salt flats for a day trip you'll never forget - alpaca and flamingo sightings included.
Awamaki
Our charity partner, who we donate a portion of knit sales to, offers sustainable, cultural tourism trips in the Sacred Valley and with the artisans in its Quechua communities. You can join them on village visits for weaving lessons, language classes, and respectful, community-led educational experiences that benefit Andean women entrepreneurs.