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South America

Art & Craft shopping in South America

  1. Mercado Municipal

    For handicrafts, stop by the lively Mercado Municipal overlooking the river.

    reviewed

  2. A

    Crafts Stands

    Numerous Crafts Stands sell mostly identical souvenir-type items in Praça Tenreiro Aranha.

    reviewed

  3. Fotrama Factory Outlet

    The Fotrama Factory Outlet sells locally produced woolens from llama and alpaca at bargain prices.

    reviewed

  4. B

    Cristina Giordano de Bincaz

    There's a working loom here, plus some beautiful ponchos and fajas (intricate woven bands).

    reviewed

  5. C

    Waliki

    An alpaca artisan outlet that supports community employment and offers stylish contemporary clothing.

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  6. D

    Arte Andino

    Locally made woollens are available at a few outlets. Try the cooperative Arte Andino.

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  7. E

    Agua y Tierra

    A tidy shop that specializes in crafts from the Shipibo, Aguaruna and Asháninka cultures from the Amazon.

    reviewed

  8. F

    Feria Artesanal Camino de Luna

    Feria Artesanal Camino de Luna is a good spot to pick up wooden handicrafts or woolen goods.

    reviewed

  9. G

    Ceart

    This beautiful state-run craft store sell lace, ceramics, woven baskets and bags, leather goods and textiles.

    reviewed

  10. H

    Galería Beltrán

    With more than 30 years in the art business, this art gallery sells paintings by well-known Ecuadorian artists.

    reviewed

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  12. I

    La Bodega

    In business for 30-odd years, La Bodega stocks a wide and wonderful range of high-quality crafts, both old and new.

    reviewed

  13. J

    Feria Artesanal

    Near the lakefront, this sells handicrafts from around the region, but it doesn't have the variety of Puerto Montt.

    reviewed

  14. K

    Maquita

    If you don't have time to get to El Hatillo to Hannsi, try the offerings at this central spot, which has good woodcarvings.

    reviewed

  15. L

    Manos Azules

    Several crafts outlets sell woolens, leather goods and wood carvings. The Feria Artesanal and Manos Azules are worth a look.

    reviewed

  16. Galería de Arte Huillacuna

    Galería de Arte Huillacuna exhibits and sells excellent Ecuadorian art. You’re free to roam without buying.

    reviewed

  17. M

    Feria Artesanal

    Several crafts outlets sell woolens, leather goods and wood carvings. The Feria Artesanal and Manos Azules are worth a look.

    reviewed

  18. Central Artesanal Brillante Sol

    Cooperative of 25 Mapuche women who spin and weave their woolen textiles on wooden looms in back and sell the products in front.

    reviewed

  19. N

    Artesanía Sorata

    A community-focused project that specializes in export-quality handmade dolls, original alpaca products and other beautiful items.

    reviewed

  20. Cuna del Poncho

    For upmarket woven goods, Cuna del Poncho has reasonable prices, accepts major credit cards and arranges shipping.

    reviewed

  21. O

    Tianguez

    Attached to the eponymous café, Tianguez is a member of the Fair Trade Organization and sells outstanding crafts from throughout Ecuador.

    reviewed

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  23. P

    Feira de Artesanato

    A large crafts fair that has the city’s biggest range of attractive artwork, and a lot of it is homemade. It’s especially busy on Sundays.

    reviewed

  24. Q

    Plaza Rotary Market

    The Thursday Plaza Rotary market is mainly for locals (which means pigs and polyester, fruit and furniture), but there are a few craft stalls.

    reviewed

  25. R

    MarsuArte

    This exclusive gallery isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the few in town where you can get a look at some of the country’s most established artists.

    reviewed

  26. S

    Artesanía Altamira

    A veritable profusion of basket work is to be found here, along with other assorted knickknacks – the kind we all buy and ask ourselves ‘Why?’ later.

    reviewed

  27. Doña Máxima

    After some bargaining, you'll find excellent deals on less decorative and more utilitarian Candelaria and Jalq'a weavings in this jam-packed cubbyhole.

    reviewed