Street Sellers, Cusco

Everywhere you turn you'll see street venders plying their wares. You can't blame them they are trying to make a dollar.
Alpacha sweaters are big on the list of merchandie. It's good to know when you're bargaining that these colourful sweaters are generally made from sheep wool, although there are some of alpaca, but these are a lot more expensive.

Lots of kids try to sell you postcards and little woolen dolls,they`re very persistant,but NOT rude.
These 3 girls were selling postcards,and as I had just written 50 I didnt want anymore !!!
So they let me take a picture of them.
The tourist police usually get rid of them,but they do come back 10 minutes later,the kids not the police.

Postales, postales, postaleeeeees!, Chompas senorita? Sweaters? Tourist Information? Good food, you like! Come eat here!

You will be plagued by people trying to sell you all kinds of things in Cusco, especially around the Plaza de Armas.

Unique Suggestions: One trick -- bring some balloons to give to the kids that wont leave you alone. It works! Either it confuses them, and they go away, or they are unbelievably happy, and they go away.

The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is the prettiest square I have ever seen in South America but it is unfortunate that you cannot really enjoy it. It is difficult to just sit in what should be a tranquil relaxing place without being besieged with people trying to sell you things.
We were there in October, I can't imagine it in the height of the season.

Unique Suggestions: It's best to go early morning, say six or earlier as the sun rises early or evenings.

Fun Alternatives: There are many other fine squares in town so enjoy them as well.

Most people find all street sellers annoying. I really felt sympathy for all the locals selling stuff especially in Plaza de Armas. As you can see on the photo, this is typical scene in Cusco. Here I was raking some pictures of the town, but that didn't stop all of them from trying to sell me prints, postcards, souvernirs and offering a shoe shine...