mot

I will be doing the Machu Picchu trail and want to buy good (from top brands) adventure gear in Cusco. Any suggestions of good (with as wide choice of brands as possible) shops in Cusco? Thanks

mlgb

Probably a better idea to rent it. Bring your own shoes, of course.

mot

mlgb, thanks for the tip. But I actually need the equipment for future trips and this is why I would rather buy.

crellston

There are a few shops selling brand name adventure gear in the streets surrounding the Plaza de Armas. I can't recall the names of any of the shops but the gear they had SEEMED genuine enough and included Berghaus, North Face etc. The selection was a bit limited and prices were much the same as at home. We bought some walking poles there which were ok.

I found the following on the South America. Explorers Club discount list

Camping store "Rosly". 10% tel +51-84-248042 Calle procuradores nº 394, Cusco

mlgb

I can't speak to any particular store in Cusco. Probably the SAE link is a good reference. Or ask your trail provider if they have any suggestions.

Trying to find a bargain is very likely to get you a counterfeit. Saw a lot of it in Bolivia as well as in Polvo Azules in Lima.

jhubbel

I just got back from the Inca Trail and Cusco and can agree on a couple of things here. First there is a whole street dedicated to shops which feature "name brand" gear, the quotes are because this is knock off (with all due respect to Crellston), I did buy a "North Face" jacket for one more layer and it came apart with not much use and most certainly was not the real thing. I'd shop on The Clymb, Sierra Traders and Spadeout and get discounts galore and get the real thing. I did find two stores which featured polarized and high quality lenses which you must have at that altitude. Don't wear cheap glasses at 14k' feet. Some of the brands come from Asia. The range is limited. You are FAR better off shopping for high end gear for a discount here in the states than trying to get gear in Cusco. I second the poles. There are some long long downhills, good idea to have either a walking stick which you can buy there, or just a good pair of poles which you can get in the USA at a discount. You're not going to get a deal in Cusco on gear. Spadeout will tell you who has the gear at the best price. The Clymb has top brands- get on their mailing list. Good gear lasts a lifetime. What's in Cusco will not.

mlgb

There are two official NorthFace stores in Cusco, listed on their website, one is near the Plaza de Armas

http://www.thenorthface.com.pe/tiendas/cusco-plaza

They also have a store at the Lima outlet center near the airport. Whether they have bargains, there, I don't know.

You might be able to also find other manufacturers who have websites for Peru.

sf7307

The legitimate North Face stores, and the other non-counterfeit stuff was similarly priced to the USA.

mot

Thanks for all the replies. The reason for not buying things at the States (which for sure cheaper) is that I don´t live there! Thanks again for all the tips.