Peru Alpaca yarn
 

We'll be in Peru mid September and want to purchase Alpaca yarn for knitting winter hats & scarves.
Has anyone purchased alpaca yarn and were you pleased with the quality?
Any suggestions as to where to purchase - in the markets? Shops?
We'll be in Arequipa, Puno, Cuzco, Machu Picchu.

Cusco or Arequipa will be your best bet but do beware as there is a lot of fake yarn being sold, particularly in teh market. best to ask a local or your guide for decent outlets. here is the Fodors link to shops in Cusco (there is a similar section on Arequipa).

http://www.fodors.com/world/south-am...ass:20061.html

Go to the market in chinchero, the weavers village. It's about 45 min drive outside Cusco. Worth a visit to the women's weaving coops to see the process of dyeing and spinning.
I have purchased several times for my knitting friends. I think the market is on Sundays. Your hotel should be able to hook you up with private guide & transportation. Very affordable.

If you don't get any firm advice, when you're in Cusco you might go to Center for Traditional Textiles and ask them. You do need to be careful of acrylic blends.