Showing 1-16 of 16 results
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4a Calle Poniente
There are a number of craft shops on 4a Calle Poniente, between Parque Central and the market. Vendors will also approach you in Parque Central, or while you are drinking a coffee or eating breakfast in a casual dining place. Prices for handicrafts can be much higher in Antigua than elsewhere in Guatemala. Always bargain for a fair price.
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Casa de Arte Popular
One of the interesting art galleries along 4a Calle Oriente.
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Casa del Tejido Antiguo
This is another intriguing place for textiles; it's like a museum, market and workshop rolled into one. It claims to be the only place in Antigua managed by indigenous people.
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Diez Mil Pueblitos
One of the country's few exclusively fair-trade stores (where the majority of profits go to producers) sells an excellent selection of quality handmade products as well as crepes and coffee in the café out back.
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Dyslexia Books
Secondhand and new books, mainly in English. Some politics and a good selection on indigenous culture.
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El Reino del Jade
Several Antigua shops specialize in jade, including El Reino del Jade. To discern quality jade, look for translucency, purity, intensity of color and absence of flaws - and ask if you can scratch the stone with a pocket knife: if it scratches, it's not true jadeite but an inferior stone. Ask about prices at a few places before making any purchase.
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Hamlin y White
New and used books in several languages, including many Lonely Planet titles.
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Jades SA
Jades SA has stores dotted throughout the city. Jades SA's jade comes from a rediscovered ancient Mayan jade mine in Guatemala's Motagua valley. You should ask about and compare prices before making any purchase. You can visit the workshops at the 4a Calle Oriente 34 branch.
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Joyería del Ángel
This shop has exquisite pieces of imaginative, up- to-the-minute exotic jewelry using shells, semiprecious stones, bone and classy clasps. Many pieces are large and flamboyant; others are daintier with unusual combinations like jade and rose garnets. Some pieces are moderately priced but on the whole this place is quite expensive.
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La Casa del Jade
You can visit the workshops in the rear of the showrooms here. To discern quality jade, look for translucency, purity and intensity of color and absence of flaws - and ask if you can scratch the stone with a pocket knife: if it scratches, it's not true jadeite but an inferior stone. Ask about prices at a few places before making any purchase.
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Librería Casa del Conde
This store has new books on Guatemala and the Maya in several languages; carries International Travel Maps and some used books.
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Mercado de Artesanías
At the west end of town by the main market, this market sells masses of Guatemalan handicrafts. While not at the top end of the quality range, it has a variety of colorful masks, blankets, jewelry, purses and so on. Don't be afraid to bargain.
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Nim Po't
This shop boasts a huge collection of Mayan dress, as well as hundreds of masks and other wood carvings. This sprawling space is packed with huipiles, cortes, fajas and more, all arranged according to region, so it makes for a fascinating visit whether you're in the market or not.
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Rainbow Reading Room
Thousands of used books in English and Spanish for sale, rent or trade. Also has one of the best notice boards in town.
Showing 1-16 of 16 results
