Other shopping in Colombia
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Plaza de Mercado
For a true locals’ experience, head to Plaza de Mercado, a bustling covered market where you can grab plenty of comida corriente, tamales and fresh-squeezed juices.
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Parque Artesanía
On Loma de la Cruz, this is one of Colombia’s best artesanía markets. You’ll find authentic, handmade goods from the Amazon, Pacific coast, southern Andes, and even Los Llanos.
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CC La Pasarela
CC La Pasarela is a two-story shopping center that’s elbow-to-elbow computers and parts. You’ll find great prices on laptops and repairs.
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Librería Lerner
A great bookstore in the center that stocks many Spanish-language guidebooks on Colombia, as well as a full gamut of maps, including the AutoGuía Turística de Colombia (a color, spiral-bound map/guide; COP$19,900), and the 12-map series of national routes Mapas de Ruta (sold individually for COP$1200, or as a packet for COP$13,000).
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A
Local Market
There’s no shortage of good food in Leticia. The local specialty is fish, including the delicious gamitana and pirarucú. You can find cheap food stalls and fresh fruit and veggies at the local market.
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Upalema
For something a little unique, the exclusive artisan homewares and handicrafts at Upalema aren’t reproduced anywhere on the street. It’s pricey, but it’s top quality stuff, unrivaled elsewhere.
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C
San Miguel
Open for 70 years, and with many old-timers milling over new options, this classic hat maker is the best of the bunch on the block. Mostly felt fedoras or cowboy hats pressed before your eyes.
reviewed
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Plaza Central de Usaquén
Just north of the main square in the villagelike Usaquén, you’ll find food, colorful purses, assorted handicrafts and bamboo saxophones – there’s a satellite area a couple of blocks east too.
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D
La Casona del Museo
By the Gold Museum, this old building houses a convenient, cheerful collection of nice souvenir stands (the best for handicrafts being Colombia es Bella on the second floor) and a nice cafe.
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Plaza de Bomboná
Plaza de Bomboná is a covered market with craft shops that sell bargain leathergoods, plus lechona (stuffed pig) if you get the munchies for some roast pork.
reviewed
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Amarelo
This small shop sells and rents all the camping gear you’ll need (eg a tent is COP$8000 per day) and takes bookings for rooms in its bungalow at Suesca. Sells boots too.
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E
Centro de Alta Technología
If you’re not finding the electronic accessory you need at a mall, the Centro de Alta Technología is packed with digital camera and computer stands.
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Añil – Tienda de Artes Plásticas
Añil – Tienda de Artes Plásticas is a delightful gallery that sells paintings, sculptures and hand-painted T-shirts by local artists.
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Artesanías El Balay
Up north, this is one of many Carrera 15 choices near Zona Rosa, with a huge room of handicrafts, plus a Colombia flag football (COP$27,000).
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El Tesoro
For some fine shopping, head to the upscale El Tesoro. It has a variety of European and American fashion stores.
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G
Parque de los Periodistas
Facing La Candelaria’s north end, this market is really about junk – old radios, electronics, videotapes, tools and whatnot.
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Arequipes Gloria
Arequipes Gloria is for sweet tooths. It sells Colombia’s famous caramel-like dessert, arequipe.
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H
Ábaco
A good selection of books on Cartagena and a few English-language choices. There’s also Italian beer and Spanish wine!
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Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao
A bit closer to the center, Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao is a real-deal, messy Colombian market.
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Casa del Barniz de Pasto
A wide range of barniz de Pasto artifacts can be bought at Casa del Barniz de Pasto.
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Panamericana
This huge bookstore sells some English titles. It also sells maps of Medellín, plus laptops and accessories.
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Authors
An all-English bookstore fills two floors with a huge collection of novels, plus Lonely Planet guidebooks.
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Gordelia Tabacos
At Gordelia Tabacos you can buy hand-rolled cigars and watch them being made on-site.
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La Galería
Head for this market with subdued atmosphere open from Tuesday to the rest of the week.
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K
Montaña Accesorios
Small Colombia-based outfitter selling its own fleece jackets, backpacks and jackets.
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