Artesanias Las Pallas
Artesanias Las Pallas
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Specialized in select traditional folk art:Weavings,pottery,masks,hand painted frames and trys,baskets,charms,amulets.Also carved gourds,retablos,appliques and much more.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.

Top ways to experience Artesanias Las Pallas and nearby attractions

Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
226 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
48
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
3

Duxburygal
Massachusetts217 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
As a shopping expert, it’s my opinion that the best shopping in Peru is in Cusco around and near the Plaza de Armas. It's an attractive, leisurely walk around the large square with endless shops (some high end) and plenty of cafes and restaurants in between.

In Lima, there are numerous markets with identical, mass-produced merchandise. However, there are a few gems, as well. The best is Las Pallas, a small craft shop in the Barranco neighborhood that has been run for over two decades by an English woman. It carries the best traditional, hand-made art that I saw in Lima and the owner is very knowledgeable. Another nearby shop in the same neighborhood, Indigo, has more modern crafts and will be disappointing to anyone looking for classical Peruvian designs. Dadelo, a shop in Miraflores, carries contemporary (but not traditional) Peruvian designs and was also disappointing for that reason.

As for the ubiquitous markets in Lima, skip them all except the Indian market in Miraflores, which carries the best merchandise and selection. In addition, Raices Peru on La Paz in Miraflores carries a nice selection of handmade retablos that are signed by the artists.

For women's Alpaca clothing, be prepared for a search to find the right combination of size and style since much of of what is sold are ponchos and capes; the jacket and sweater sizes tend to be very small. Many shops do not carry larger sizes, even appearing condescending when asked for large and extra large women’s clothing. Beware because some sales people will try to convince you that a too small size is perfectly fine!

All Alpaca on La Paz in Miraflores in Lima and Ethnic Peru on Plaza de Armas in Cusco have more interesting designs. There is also a shop, Anntarah, at the airport in Lima (with branches in other areas of Peru) that had more interesting styles and a better variety of sizes. Kuna and Sol are ubiquitous chains in most hotels and carry a good selection of scarves and other items.
Written December 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gabachoviejo
Knoxville, TN281 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Since you are going to buy something in Peru, come here when you first arrive to give yourself a short course on the variety and prices of Peruvian folk art. Since I saw this shop after two weeks in Cusco, I expected to see a premium Lima price for Andean folk art. The prices I saw were not out of line with Cusco or Puno prices. The difference is that at Las Pallas you will see a greater variety of folk art than you will see in Cusco shops and unique works which do not fit the pattern of - folk art tourists like to buy. Amongst a number of retablos (the wooden boxes containing Peruvian scenes) which, at a quick glance, looked similar in design and price to many I had seen in Cusco, was one which had a far different look than any other that I have seen. There are a number of types of folk art and works which I did not see in Cusco or Puno. Some of them may not be your cup of tea, but they are not made from a kit.

Mari Solari, the owner of the shop, is from Wales, but in almost 50 years in Peru has acquired an encyclopedic knowledge of Peruvian folk culture which she graciously shared with us, and we were not big ticket buyers. Make sure to look at her private, not for sale, folk art collection, looking at them makes you feel like you have been invited to step behind the tourist ropes at a palace. If I could redo my first day in Peru, I would go to the Larco Museum and come here.
Written February 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christopher K
Miami, FL66 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
We spent a full day here shopping and looking at all the locally made arts and crafts. i love the alpaca sweaters, and colorful creches that we bought. Everything was well made and reasonably priced. Since I look so American I received different pricing on items than my wife who is latina did. They saw me coming a raised all prices by 25-50%. This is where getting a local guide will help and pay for itself. We liked this place so much we stopped on our last day to load up on souveniers for our families. One large colorful creche I bought for like 4 US dollars in Lima, I saw in Home goods for $125.
Written January 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Josie B
Charlottetown, Canada11 contributions
Apr 2015 • Business
My partner and I went to this store about two weeks ago, while doing some of our last gift shopping in Lima, before flying out the next day. I had heard good things so we went. While there were some lovely items for sale, the shop seemed to be entirely directed at expats with way too much money and no desire to interact with local people.
The british woman whom I assumed owned the place was unfriendly and condescending, and the locked door that customers had to be buzzed into made the place feel unwelcoming.
Also her products were very expensive. As an example a small carved gourd which you can buy in Cochas for less than S/10 or other tourist markets in Lima for less than S/20 were selling at her place for S/70!!
My advice: Support local people and shop elsewhere.
Written May 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Clea66
Denver2 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
This is a "must do" stop in Lima for shopping, or just to see a traditional Barranco house. The house is beautifully decorated with very unusual folk art and handicraft. You will find quality pottery from Chulucanas, masks, diverse themed and sized retablos (creches,) weavings, and many other ideas for gifts and decoration. The prices are competitive with other quality stores in Lima. My husband and I have been to Lima many times and we always stop at Las Pallas when in Barranco, to pick up gifts or chat to the owner. She is very knowledgeable and helpful.
Written March 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cantilevered
home53 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
During our recent visit to Lima we visited Mari Solari and her Las Pallas gallery. Mari is a wonderful and generous hostess...a British expat ..she has been in business for more than 30 years and has combed the countryside to accumulate her wealth of treasures of weavings, pottery, frames, baskets, trays, charms and amulets. Hers is a personal love affair with the country and she delights in showing guests around her home where the traditional folk art is attractively displayed. Even if you don't make one purchase..it is worth meeting Mari and hearing her story. If you don't like the art...you can enjoy the beautiful flowers that adorn her courtyard!!
Written October 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mario C
Frisco, CO167 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
It is a fact that everywhere you look in Peru you find handicrafts. Most of it cheap and not representative of the extraordinary abilities Peruvian artisans have. Only at Mari Solari's Las Pallas you will find the best of the best from artisans working in all corners of Peru. This is fact today just like it was a fact 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 years ago. Impeccable quality, authenticity and above all the love and passion Mari has for what she sells and collects . This is what you will find at Las Pallas. A true labor of love and respect for the master artisans and craftmen/women of Peru. Every one of the pieces at her shop are paid for before they go on display. There are no consignment pieces at her gallery. This is rare exception and not the rule in the art world. My wife and I many years ago started a collection of folkloric and popular art. Mari from the beginning guided us in the right direction, educated us and continues to be instrumental in making sense of what we should collect. Never have we felt any pressure to purchase. Las Pallas may have business hours but her home and her heart are open 24/7. There is always time for a cafecito and storytelling which is another art form that is fast disappearing but alive and well at Mari's home.

Mario Corvetto
Written September 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DWATSONDC
Washington DC, DC3 contributions
Nov 2012 • Solo
I don't now that I have much to add to the glowing reviews, but if you are looking for traditional crafts, this is it. I'm generally on the lookout for interesting folk art/crafts when I travel and I can't say I've ever found a more satisfying place to shop than Las Pallas. I've been three times in the last year and I always walk away happy. Very happy. The prices vary, but I like the vintage items, which tend to be more expensive. That said, you get what you pay for. The people are friendly and helpful and the presentation of the wares can be breathtaking. Also, take advantage of the location to walk around Barranco and enjoy the architecture, beautiful plants everywhere and the other galleries, like Lucia de la Puente.
Written November 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JordanS8
Sarasota, FL1,548 contributions
Apr 2016
A fine selection of souvenirs as well as local arts and crafts. You can spend a lot or a little and there is something to suit every taste. We purchase handmade painted wood place mats for our new table and they will be admired by all visitors to our home. Of course, that didn't stop my wife from buying a blouse and some necklaces, but what is money for, right?
Written April 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Macaraca48
Honolulu, HI36 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
The finest collection of traditional and contemporary handicrafts and folkart available for purchase. The owner is a well-known expert who has known many of the artisans and their families for many years. Best to visit here before traveling to Cusco or other destinations to see what genuine quality and fair prices are...you will see that most of what is sold to tourists elsewhere is of poor quality and overpriced vs value. If you have time, check here first and return to buy the finest examples by top artisans.
Written September 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 110
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Artesanias Las Pallas - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Artesanias Las Pallas


Restaurants near Artesanias Las Pallas: View all restaurants near Artesanias Las Pallas on Tripadvisor

Artesanias Las Pallas Information

Excellent Reviews

172

Very Good Reviews

48

Artesanias Las Pallas Photos

88