What are some items (food, liquer, toys, etc) that are prominent in the US but uncommon in Peru?

Question

I will be traveling to Cusco, Peru in ten days to volunteer at an orphanage. I will be staying with a host family and commuting through the city to get to my workplace on a day to day basis. Does anyone have any information on what types of items we have here in the US that they don't have access to in Peru?

Answer 1

If you're going to an orphanage, just take clothes, toys and sweets. In Peru we have plenty of everything, the problem is that not everyone has the money to buy those things.

Answer 2

Pens, pencils (including mechanical), and notepads/journals are always welcomed.

As far as toys are concerned, pretty much anything that seems appropriate to you would be appreciated. Little puzzles are nice, as are stuffed animals. If you go the stuffed animal route, try Beanie Babies as they are fairly small with lots of different animal figures at good prices. You can buy them "used" as long as they are in good condition. Even the small ones that McDonald's came out with can be found for really cheap prices (eBay) where sets come with about 27 figures, more than enough to go around. Really the toy part is up to you. Barbies or Bratz are fairly costly in Peru, but that could end up being expensive on your end, too.

OK, whenever I go to Peru I start to get cravings for US chocolates after a few months. Although I personally think some of the Peruvian chocolates I have had are incredible, sometimes I miss the comfort foods of home. Hershey's or Mars chocolates are pricey there compared with the cheap prices we can find them for in the US, so for most people it's considered a treat to have a Hershey's bar. The last time I went back I actually filled my carry-on backpack with Snickers, Milky Way, York Peppermint Patties, Hershey's Kisses, etc. Once I got there I stored some away for me and gave the rest to friends and family who were very pleased to have them. So one idea is US chocolates.

Other food items... let's see, Planter's Peanuts (or other nuts), Combos, Packaged Popcorn, or anything else you see fit. Peruvians tend to eat a healthy diet that does not usually include all of the packaged items we eat in the US. So when you go, don't be surprised to see that a lot of what you're used to eating isn't there. There are lots of great alternatives, though. :)

I do not drink much alcohol, so perhaps someone wiser can give you a better idea about what liquer to bring. My suggestion from what I have seen/heard is perhaps bringing a bottle of whiskey (try Jack Daniel's) to share with people there.

Now, if you are looking for gifts for the family you will be staying with, name-brand items like Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Calvin Klein can be good ideas. Sometimes you can find these items on sale here for a fraction of what their price would be in Peru. If you are just looking for less expensive things to pick up, just sweaters, socks, pants, hats, from any brand are great.

Remember to pack warm clothes for yourself, too. I hope to have helped! Have a great trip. :)

Answer 3

Hi

Well...I think it depends on what kind of items you are looking for...are they items for you, that you cant easily find here? or are they items to the people in Cusco?

If they are items for you, there will be so many things you will be missing, but depending on how long you are gonna stay , you will get adjusted. Food, here in peru and mostly out of the capital, like in Cusco, is very different from food there and chips, drinks, can food , bread, beer is different!!!! It doesnt mean its bad, you can find really good food here but if you are picky (as I am) you will feel the difference. I still miss chocolates and bacardi(grape flavor)..hehe...Water is very expensive if you want to drink it individually (comparing with american prices) Diet food and low fat or fat free food is very hard to find, although fruit is very very cheap if you like eating healthy. About toys...well...you can find all kind of toys here but if u are looking for brands or the latest toy in stores they are very very expensive, almost 3 times the american price.

If you are looking for gifts or things to bring for people in Cusco , they are very simple people so its not too complicated. They will love toys because they have no access to nice toys there, especially if you want to bring something for the orphanage children. These kids dont get toys regularly and all they have is very old, so anything colorful , with noises and fancy (not necessarily expensive) wi be good for them. Clothes is a great thing too. They usually wear old clothes and they definetely dont have access to anything fancy. If you want to bring somehting for the people you are staying with, brand clothes (tshirts) would be a good choice, american chocolates are always good (snickers, milkyway, reeses, kisses) In Lima (the capital) you can find them, but they are really expensive.

School supplies are a great choice for either one, For the orphanage , they will appreciate anything you bring...colored pencils, crayons, anything colorful, smelly or cute. For the family you are staying with, colorful, smelly and fancy schol supplies are always welcome...and not just for kids, even adults, fancy pens, fancy erasers, cards, etc

I am peruvian but i have lived in the US for 10 years so I am kind of telling you what i have seen and what i am still missing ...Ihope it helped you. If you have any other question feel free to ask!

Hope everything goes well.

Answer 4

i lived in peru for 85 weeks. and i love it there. makesure you ride llamas!-marty jean baker