Shopping in Guatemala
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A
La Democracia Market
For an intense, everyday marketing experience, hit the La Democracia market, up in Zona 3. You should be able to find everything from pirated CDs to a Sonyo TV.
reviewed
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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.
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.
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Caza Sueños
About 100m uphill from Hotel Mansión del Lago is Caza Sueños, a leather shop owned by brothers Fernando and Pedro González. They handcraft custom leather goods, including vests, boots, bags and whatever else you may want in hide. For an incredibly reasonable around US$35 the brothers will craft a pair of shoes to your specifications of size, color, fringe, trim and lace style; allow a few days.
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C
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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D
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
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E
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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F
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
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G
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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Galería de Arte
Galería de Arte, on the road leading uphill from the Santiago dock, is operated by the family of celebrated primitivist artist Pedro Rafael González Chavajay. Some of his paintings and those of many of his family and students are exhibited and sold here.
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H
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
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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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Centro Comercial Los Próceres
For fashion boutiques, electronic goods and other first-world paraphernalia, head for the large shopping malls such as Centro Comercial Los Próceres or Centro Comercial Tikal Futura.
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Centro Comercial Tikal Futura
For fashion boutiques, electronic goods and other first-world paraphernalia, head for the large shopping malls such as Centro Comercial Los Próceres or Centro Comercial Tikal Futura.
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L
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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Paíz
On the plaza, this grocery store is tremendous and sells close to everything under the sun. Stock up here for a picnic, or stop in to enjoy the air-con.
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North & South
A wide range of books focusing on Latin America, politics, poetry and history. Also plenty of new and used guidebooks and Spanish student resources.
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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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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.
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Vrisa Bookstore
Excellent range of secondhand books in English and European languages. One of the best notice boards in town.
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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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Asotrama
Asotrama, the shop belonging to the association of Maya women weavers, is just uphill from the park.
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Xela's central market
Xela's central market is three floors of reasonably priced handicrafts and souvenirs. Bargain hard.
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Hamlin y White
New and used books in several languages, including many Lonely Planet titles.
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Geminis Bookstore
Good range of books in English, but rather far from the center of things.
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Mercado de Artesanías
Drop into the Mercado de Artesanías to collect some crafty gifts.
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