Hello, dear reader!
If you’re planning your trip to Peru, you might already be dreaming of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca. But let’s be honest: at some point during your adventure, you’ll need something much less glamorous — like toilet paper, shampoo, or maybe even Tylenol. Don’t worry! In Peru, it’s actually very easy to find everyday essentials once you know where to look.
This guide is here to save you time (and stress!) with practical advice on where to buy toiletries, medicine, snacks, clothes, and more in Peru. From supermarkets to local markets, we’ve got you covered.

Pharmacies: For Medicine and Toiletries

If you need Tylenol, aspirin, sunscreen, or basic toiletries, pharmacies are your best friend.

  • Big chains: Look for Inkafarma or Mifarma (green or orange storefronts, you’ll see them everywhere in Lima, Cusco, and even small towns).
  • What you can buy: Painkillers, personal hygiene products, travel-size toiletries, vitamins, first aid kits, and even makeup and bottled water.
  • Good to know: Many pharmacies are open late, and in big cities, some are 24/7. "Boticas" are the same as pharmacies.

*Searching tip: Try “pharmacy near me” or “Inkafarma Cusco” to find the closest one.

Where to buy essentials in Peru Drugstore | Peruvian Sunrise
Drugstores

Convenience Stores and Bodegas: For Quick and Easy Purchases

Sometimes you just need one bottle of water or a roll of toilet paper — that’s where convenience stores come in.

  • Chains: Tambo, Oxxo and Tiendas Mass are everywhere in the cities.
  • Local option: Almost every neighborhood has a bodega (small corner shop run by families). They usually sell snacks, drinks and basic toiletries.
  • Good to know: Prices are very affordable, but many bodegas only accept cash (in soles, not USD).

*Searching tip: Try “Oxxo near me” or “bodega en Cusco”.

Local Markets: For Authentic and Budget-Friendly Shopping

If you want a cultural experience while shopping, visit a local market.

  • Examples: San Pedro Market (Cusco), San Camilo Market (Arequipa), San Isidro Market (Lima).
  • What you can buy: Fresh fruit, snacks, clothes, handicrafts, and sometimes basic toiletries.
  • Good to know: Prices are cheaper, but you might need to bargain a little. If you prefer fixed prices, stick to supermarkets.

*Searching tip: “Mercado en Cusco” or “San Pedro Market hours” will bring you straight there.

Supermarkets: For Full-Size Products and Fixed Prices

If you’re staying longer or need to buy several things at once, head to a supermarket.

  • Main chains: Metro, Plaza Vea, Tottus, and Wong.
  • What you can buy: Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant), food, bottled water, fresh produce, and even clothes or electronics in larger stores.
  • Why go here: Prices are fixed (no haggling!), you can pay with credit/debit card, and everything is in one place.

*Searching tip: “Supermarket near me Lima” or “Plaza Vea Cusco” will show you locations quickly.

Where to buy essentials in Peru Supermarket | Peruvian Sunrise
Supermarkets

Department Stores and Malls: For Clothes and Emergencies

Need a jacket because the Andes are colder than you thought? Don’t worry — Peru has malls and big retail stores.

  • Stores to look for: Ripley, Falabella, and Oechsle.
  • Malls: Larcomar (Lima), Mall Aventura (Arequipa), Real Plaza (Cusco).
  • What you can buy: Clothes, shoes, electronics, luggage, and more.

Searching tip: “Shopping mall near me Peru” or “Ripley Lima”.

Quick Tips for Tourists 

  1. Cash vs. card: Supermarkets and malls accept cards, but bodegas and markets usually prefer cash in soles.
  2. Small bills help: Try to carry change; large bills (like 100 soles) are harder to use in small shops.
  3. No big dollars: Most places do not accept large US dollar bills. Exchange them into soles.

Everyday Essentials in Spanish

Here’s a quick list of common products with their spanish names, just in case you need to ask for them:

  • Toilet paper → Papel higiénico
  • Shampoo → Shampoo (same word!)
  • Soap → Jabón
  • Toothpaste → Pasta dental / Crema dental
  • Toothbrush → Cepillo de dientes
  • Razor → Rasuradora
  • Deodorant → Desodorante
  • Sunscreen → Bloqueador solar / Protector solar
  • Painkillers / Tylenol → Paracetamol
  • Hand sanitizer → Alcohol en gel
  • Pads → Toallas higiénicas
  • Tampons → Tampones
  • Wet wipes → Toallitas húmedas
  • Water bottle → Agua en botella

FAQs

Can I buy Tylenol in Peru?

Yes! Just ask for “paracetamol” at any pharmacy.

Are supermarkets expensive compared to markets?

Supermarkets are slightly pricier, but they offer fixed prices and convenience.

Is it safe to buy food in local markets?

Yes, many tourists shop there. Just choose stalls that look clean and busy.

What if I run out of toiletries late at night?

Look for a Tambo+ convenience store or a 24/7 pharmacy. You can also download the apps Uber or Pedidos Ya and order it with delivery. There is Pedidos Ya Market and Turbo in case of Uber.

Ready to Travel Without Worries?

Finding everyday essentials in Peru is simple once you know where to go. And now that you do, you can relax and focus on the real adventure — discovering the magic of Peru.
With Peruvian Sunrise, we take care of the details so you can enjoy your trip stress-free. Whether it’s planning your itinerary or showing you the best local experiences, we’re here to make your journey unforge