At all points along the way to Machu Picchu, traditionally garbed Peruvians will greet you warmly, and encourage you to consider buying (or trading for) their painstakingly hand crafted items.
Especially lovely are the typical tapestries, wooden carvings, silver jewelry, and leather goods. I found a woman who was just as thrilled to receive my watch as I was to have her silver and turquoise necklace!
We found the people to be proud and dignified, and in the larger centers, there was some resentment towards those who stared unkindly. One caution is to watch out for pick pockets. They're everywhere and can be very imaginative, although not usually dangerous.
