Shopping in The Lakes District
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Fundación Chol-Chol
Unfortunately, the best and most responsible spot to buy Mapuche gear is 16km out of town. This nonprofit, Fair Trade organization works with 600 rural Mapuche women to offer top-quality weavings and textiles made entirely by hand. Throw rugs, wall hangings, bags, shawls – nothing is cheap, everything is simply gorgeous. To get here, take any bus towards the towns of Nueva Imperial, Carahue or Puerto Saavedra from the rural bus terminal and ask to be let off at the Fundación. If you can’t make it, a few of their wares are available at the gift shop in the museum.
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Feria Libre
Feria Libre is a colorful Mapuche produce market taking up several blocks along Barros Arana. Along the streets more practical wares are sold, while in the Feria itself vendors hawk everything from apples and artisan cheeses to honey and bags of merquén pepper. There is also a fair amount of vibrant hot peppers, though it’s unclear who buys them, as the cuisine in Chile is far from spicy.
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Pueblito de Melipulli
This being a regular stopover for tourists and cruise ships, Av Angelmó is wall-to-wall with souvenir stands selling crafts from throughout the country and an amazing amount of stuff (some junk, some decent) from more northerly countries. Try the labyrinthine waterfront market Pueblito de Melipulli, opposite the bus terminal, or the crafts fair at Angelmó.
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Vicki Johnson
Anyone who tries the ginger chocolate here would be hard-pressed to argue against this being Chile’s best artisanal chocolate. There is also a wealth of high-end rauli-wood kitchen utensils, jewelry, chutneys, olive oils and other tasty take-home treats.
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Casa de la Mujer Mapuche
Run by a cooperative of Mapuche women this sells a wide selection of traditional indigenous crafts, most notably textiles and ceramics. Profits benefit members of the cooperative which comprises nearly 400 local artisans.
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Feria Fluvial
The Feria Fluvial is the lively riverside market south of the Valdivia bridge, where vendors sell fresh fish, meat and produce. Sea lions come right up to the side and beg for handouts – Sea World–style.
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Feria Artesanal
The Feria Artesanal has all the typical tourist wares, the most interesting of which are the Mapuche figures carved from laurel wood and raulí wood bowls.
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Fundacíon Artesanías de Chile
A not-for-profit foundation offering beautiful Mapuche textiles as well as high-quality jewelry and ceramics from all over southern Chile.
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La Casa de Vino
Has an impressive collection of Chilean wines to choose from, plus knowledgeable owners to help make your selections.
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Feria Artesanal
Near the lakefront, this sells handicrafts from around the region, but it doesn't have the variety of Puerto Montt.
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Feria Artesanal Camino de Luna
Feria Artesanal Camino de Luna is a good spot to pick up wooden handicrafts or woolen goods.
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Sotavento Libros
Has a good selection of books on local history and literature and a few English-language mystery novels.
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Climent
Sells camping supplies but you can find a better gear selection in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas.
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Taller Artesanal Universidad Católica
Sells quality silver reproductions of Mapuche jewelry, created by artisans and local students.
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Las Brisas
You can stock up at this large supermarket and pick up an empanada or two at the delicatessen.
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Asociación Futa Huillimapu
Sells quality woven and wooden goods, supporting an association of indigenous women.
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Tejidos Ray-Ray
Tejidos Ray-Ray sells sweaters and brightly colored wool yarn by the kilo.
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Galería Artesanal Arauco
Check out Galería Artesanal Arauco for handicrafts or woolen items.
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Artesanía Ruca Indiana
For Mapuche crafts, try Artesanía Ruca Indiana.
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La Librería de Valdivia
Large bookstore, small English section.
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