Antigua Shopping

Shopping in Antigua

  1. A

    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.

    Antigua has some excellent but pricey jewelry, so if you're not flush, stay away from these places, but if you have the cash and see something you like, grab it as you probably won't find the same quality elsewhere in Guatemala.

    reviewed

  2. B

    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.

    reviewed

  3. C

    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.

    reviewed

  4. D

    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.

    reviewed

  5. E

    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.

    reviewed

  6. F

    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.

    reviewed

  7. G

    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.

    reviewed

  8. H

    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.

    reviewed

  9. I

    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.

    reviewed

  10. J

    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.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    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.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Dyslexia Books

    Secondhand and new books, mainly in English. Some politics and a good selection on indigenous culture.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Hamlin y White

    New and used books in several languages, including many Lonely Planet titles.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Mayan Spa

    Offers massage, facials, exfoliations, manicures, Pilates and yoga.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Casa de Arte Popular

    One of the interesting art galleries along 4a Calle Oriente.

    reviewed

  17. P

    El Cofre

    Secondhand books, mainly in English.

    reviewed

  18. Q

    Un Poco de Todo

    New books in English and Spanish.

    reviewed