Sobre la artesanía peruana
Establecida en 1987 y ubicada en la histórica What Cheer House en el Viejo Sacramento, Peruvian Crafts es la tienda de especialidades peruanas original del norte de California, dedicada a celebrar el arte, los textiles y las tradiciones culturales del Perú.
Durante casi cuatro décadas, hemos trabajado directamente con familias artesanas de todo el Perú para traer productos hechos a mano, ropa de alpaca, joyas y piezas culturales a nuestra comunidad. Lo que nos diferencia no es solo lo que ofrecemos, sino cómo lo obtenemos, a través de relaciones duraderas basadas en la confianza, el respeto y la autenticidad.
Nos sentimos honrados de ser reconocidos como licenciatarios oficiales de Marca País Perú y Alpaca del Perú, sellos nacionales de calidad y autenticidad otorgados por la autoridad oficial de promoción de exportaciones del Perú a entidades que representan al país, sus valores y su patrimonio con integridad.
También somos distribuidores oficiales de KUNA, la marca de alpaca líder y reconocida internacionalmente de Perú, ofreciendo colecciones de alpaca premium junto con nuestras artesanías tradicionales y productos hechos por artesanos.
A través de nuestra histórica tienda física y nuestra creciente presencia en línea, continuamos nuestra misión: servir como un puente entre Perú y Estados Unidos, honrando a los artesanos detrás de cada pieza mientras compartimos la belleza de la cultura peruana con una nueva generación.
The Carlos Family
"Forty years ago, this sanctuary was founded on a simple promise: to keep the spirit of Peru alive in Sacramento. When it came time to pass the torch, it was entrusted to our family. We were chosen to carry the flame because we share the exact same blood, sweat, and immigrant devotion that laid the very first bricks in 1987." - David Carlos
Peruvian Crafts is owned and operated by the Carlos family. To us, Peruvian Crafts is more than a store. It is a reflection of our heritage, our family, and our love for Peru.
David Sr. and Aracelly Carlos immigrated from Peru over thirty years ago, bringing with them a deep respect for Peruvian culture, traditions, and community. Their love for Peru was passed down to their son, David, and together we have made it our mission to preserve and share the beauty of Peruvian culture and craftsmanship while supporting and highlighting the communities that bring these traditions to life.
Every year, we travel back to Peru as a family. These trips are more than visits home. They give us a chance to reconnect with our roots, spend time with local artisan workshops, support communities, and continue learning about the traditions behind the crafts and textiles we proudly share. Over the years, these journeys have become an important family tradition, allowing us to build lasting relationships with the makers whose work fills our store.
You can learn more about the communities we work with by visiting our Partnerships tab.
Each of us plays a special role in the Peruvian Crafts experience. Aracelly is often found at the checkout counter, warmly welcoming guests and sharing stories about Peru, its culture, and the meaning behind many of the pieces throughout the store. David Sr. can often be seen outside greeting visitors with a smile and inviting them in. David helps guide the store’s vision, sourcing, and partnerships, working closely with artisans and collaborators to continue sharing Peru’s rich cultural heritage while helping shape the future of Peruvian Crafts.
At the heart of everything we do is family, culture, and connection. When you visit Peruvian Crafts, we hope you feel not only the beauty of Peru, but also the love, history, and tradition behind every piece we share.
From our family to yours, thank you for supporting our family business and for welcoming a piece of our culture into your home.
Maria "Nelly" Duenas
Before there was a storefront in California, there was María walking through markets and knocking on workshop doors in Peru.
She preferred to choose each piece herself. To meet the families. To sit at their tables and talk. To understand who had woven the textile, carved the figure, or shaped the object before bringing it back to her shop. For María, it was never simply about selling souvenirs. It was about honoring the craft and the people behind it.
When life brought her to the United States, she found herself far from home. She missed the colors, the textures, and the feeling of walking through a Peruvian market. In 1987, she opened Peruvian Crafts in Old Sacramento not just to start a business, but to keep that connection alive and create a place where Peru could be felt, not just seen.
What began as a way to stay connected to her roots slowly became something larger. Today, many of the artisan families she first worked with decades ago are still part of the store’s story, a quiet reflection of the relationships she built and never let go.
Our Journey
Roots in Peru
María Dueñas began a small artisan business in Peru, offering handcrafted goods that reflected the rich traditions of the Andes. What started as a modest venture would soon grow beyond its local roots.
Honoring the Hands Behind the Craft
As artisan shops multiplied across Peru, María chose a different path — visiting workshops and family homes to source pieces directly from their makers. Her relationship-driven approach set her apart and became the foundation of the business.
Establishing Peruvian Crafts in California
After relocating to California, María founded Peruvian Crafts in Old Sacramento. One of the first Peruvian specialty stores of its kind in the state, it became a bridge connecting Northern California to Peru’s traditions, textiles, and artistry.
Entering the Digital Era
After more than three decades as a trusted importer and retailer of Peruvian goods, Peruvian Crafts entered the digital era. With the next generation carrying forward María’s vision, the company expanded into e-commerce — bringing artisan craftsmanship and alpaca apparel to customers worldwide.
Official Marca Perú Licensee
Peruvian Crafts was recognized as an official licensee of Marca País Perú — a national seal of authenticity and quality affirming its commitment to representing Peruvian culture with integrity.
Alpaca del Peru Distinction and Launch of The Peruvian Reserve
Peruvian Crafts was honored to join a select group of alpaca retailers authorized to carry the Alpaca del Perú distinction, an official seal of quality recognizing genuine Peruvian alpaca products. This milestone marked the launch of new in-house brand identities, including Peruvian Crafted and Qori Qompi, made available nationwide through The Peruvian Reserve — marking Peruvian Crafts’ evolution from a heritage storefront into a growing multi-brand platform for authentic Peruvian craftsmanship, elevated baby alpaca apparel, and luxury fiber collections.