SHOPPING IN PERU:   The Republic of Peru, with a population of app. 28,000,000, is located in western South America.  Peru borders the Pacific Ocean in the west, Ecuador and Colombia in the north, Brazil and Bolivia in the east, and Chile in the south. The topography and climate is diverse, including equatorial rain forest, desert, high mountains and lowlands.  The capital and largest city is Lima, where shopping in Peru is plentiful.  The economy is based on agriculture, ranching, fishing, logging, mining, petroleum and gas production, steel and textile production, and a thriving tourism industry fueled by shopping in Peru.  Peru has been inhabited for at least 9,000 years and until the mid 16^th century was ruled by the Incas.  This sophisticated empire was conquered by Spanish adventurers and treasure seekers, most notably Pizarro.  Perhaps Peru's most famous attraction is the ancient Inca city ruins of Machu Piccu, where tourists shopping in Peru will also find numerous gift and souvenir shops.   Indigenous culture is still expressed and makes shopping in Peru a pleasant blend of new and old.  Lima is where most of the shops and boutiques are located, so those shopping in Peru will gravitate there.  Shopping in Peru will invariably include exquisite hand-made items.  For jewelry lovers, the magnificent gold, silver and precious stone pieces will satisfy any taste.  The traveler will also find fairly modern and well-stocked malls when shopping in Peru, in addition to the large number of privately owned shops.  There are also several interesting outdoor markets, where shopping in Peru is a bit more hectic and haggling over price is acceptable.  Of course, any shopping in Peru excursion should include a few of Peru’s famous alpaca sweaters!