Shopping in South America
-
A
Livraria da Travessa
The newest branch of Livraria da Travessa is a great place to browse. There are some books in English, and an array of colorful (but pricey) coffee-table books. There's another branch around the corner and a third Centro branch on Ave Rio Branco 44, all with in-store café-restaurants.
reviewed
-
B
Materia Urbana
This innovative design shop shows the work of over 100 local artists; one-of-a-kind finds include offbeat line drawings, abstract photography and jewelry made from silver, wood and coral. To accommodate the constant foot traffic, Materia Urbana recently expanded its store to include the corner space across the street on the Chile intersection.
reviewed
-
C
Teargas
Daring men’s and women’s fashions are for sale at this innovative store and design studio in Ipanema. Stylized T-shirts (including one bearing the company logo, a gas mask), intricately embroidered button-downs, sleek jackets, pants and jeans are suitable not just for the mass demonstration, but for the posh after-party as well.
reviewed
-
D
Capital
There’s nothing you really need at this super fun knickknacks store – unless it’s that very creative recycled purse (made from soda can pop tops) or that stringy but hip wet-dog-looking rug. Sexy female anarchists should stock up on the Che Guevara bikini. Needless to say, this spot is a great wander through with friends.
reviewed
-
E
Tabacaria Africana
The sweet fragrance of pipe tobacco is embedded in the walls and furniture of this shop facing the Praça Quinze. Regulars sit at the table in front slowly drawing on the pick of the day while the afternoon drifts by, smoke-like. In the back, the glass jars contain a variety of flavors and aromas. Let the shopkeeper put a mix together for you.
reviewed
-
Centro Artesanal Moxos
Local Beni crafts, including weavings, woodwork and ceramics, are sold at the Centro Artesanal Moxos, southwest of town. Look out for the pifano, an indigenous flute made from the wing bone of the Jabiru stork using a technique over 1000 years old – it’s the staple instrument of the unique Moxos music.
reviewed
-
F
Centro Comercial de Chipichape
A typical evening begins at the Centro Comercial de Chipichape, an upscale mall just north of the main drag along Av Sexta. Caleños of all ages come to launch their evening with a cerveza (beer) or two at one of the many outdoor cafés.
From here you might head to a bar or lounge along the Av Sexta corridor.
reviewed
-
G
Mission
Tucked into a side street near Plaza Serrano is this small shop with Argentine-made crafts and souvenirs. It’s a good place to pick up some gaucho knives, a leather belt, a mate (Argentinian tea) set or some flattened wine bottles for dad. Or you might go for the cowhide pillow covers or a full cowhide rug. Quality is high.
reviewed
-
Parque de la Concepción
The only place with handicrafts is Parque de la Concepción. As you’re walking around, keep your eyes peeled for locally made shigras (small string bags), tagua-nut carvings, and totora straw baskets and mats woven by the indigenous Colta from the reeds lining the shores of nearby Laguna de Colta.
reviewed
-
Eduardo Vega
Just below the Mirador de Turi is the home, workshop and studio of Eduardo Vega, Ecuador’s most important ceramic artist. His colorful terracotta and enamel murals grace walls all over Cuenca and the rest of Ecuador. Sculpture, vases and plates are for sale, and the affable artist is often hanging around and ready to chat.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
H
Galería 5ta Avenida
Those looking for secondhand clothing (heavy with vintage overtones) need to make an obligatory stop at this old shopping mall. Used funky wearables are sold here at several shops, and prices are relatively fair for even the grungiest backpacker. Find the bargain racks for the best deals, though some selections are for the desperate only.
reviewed
-
I
Un Lugar en el Mundo
Lots of fun, young and creative designs (all from Argentine artists) line the racks at this clothing boutique. They’re mostly women’s cutting-edge styles, utilizing thin fabrics and colorful patterns in clingy tops that draw attention. Accessories such as patent-leather zipper shoes and vinyl retro bags are also available.
reviewed
-
Guido Mocasines
Men have been coming to Guido’s for over 50 years, buying some of the highest-quality hand-made shoes in the country. Styles are a bit conservative, but they’ll make your feet the best-dressed at the office. There are a few women’s shoes, as well as some bags and belts. Another branch lies nearby.
reviewed
-
J
Qara
Moneyed porteñas hit up Qara for chic and thoroughly contemporary leather bags and accessories. Splurge on an oversized, buttery-soft shoulder bag or pick up something small but smart, like a clutch purse that you can attach to your restaurant table (designed to deter the city’s small-time thieves from snatching your keys and wallet).
reviewed
-
K
Contemporâneo
A glowing boutique reminiscent of something you’d find in the center of Soho – better yet Nolita (the fashionistas’ neighborhood of choice in New York). See the work of Brazil’s best up-and-coming designers here. There’s an excellent restaurant (serving contemporary fare of course) inside the store.
reviewed
-
L
Catherine Labouré
Tucked away inside an otherwise humdrum shopping center, this intriguing shop sells vintage dresses, skirts, silk scarves, handbags, shoes and sunglasses, with labels by top international designers. There's a smaller selection for men – mostly T-shirts and button-downs – as well as a few small antiques and collectibles for the home.
reviewed
-
Librería Lerner
Stocks many Spanish-language guidebooks on Colombia, as well as the 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$1300, or as a packet for COP$13,500).
reviewed
-
M
Shopping da Gávea
Shopping da Gávea touts itself as the preferred mall of artists and intellectuals, which may or may not matter to you when you're laying down serious cash for those sneakers. There are 200 stores, four performance theaters and numerous restaurants, including La Pastaciutta, which serves tasty pastas and appetizers.
reviewed
-
N
Mercado del Sur
Jujuy's lively market, the Mercado del Sur, is a genuine trading post where indigenous Argentines swig mazamorra (a cold maize soup) and peddle coca leaves. Upstairs eateries serve hearty regional specialties; try chicharrón con mote (stir-fried pork with boiled maize) or spicy sopa de maní (peanut soup).
reviewed
-
O
Parque El Ejido Art Fair
Quito’s gallery scene is pretty limited, with just a handful of places exhibiting and selling local work. The most popular place to purchase paintings is Parque El Ejido Art Fair during the weekend art fair. The work here consists mostly of imitations of established Ecuadorian artists, but it’s cheap and colorful.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
P
La Martina
Polo is the ultimate high-class sport in Buenos Aires, so go ahead and flaunt your exclusivity by picking up the finest quality leather riding boots, a pithy pith helmet, several polo mallets and a saddle or two. It’s Argentina’s premier polo store and an awesome wander through, even if you don’t own a horse.
reviewed
-
Q
Maria Oiticica
Using native materials found in the Amazon, Maria Oiticica has created some lovely handcrafted jewelry inspired by indigenous art. Seeds, plant fibers and tree bark are just some of the ingredients of her bracelets, necklaces and earrings, and her work helps support struggling local communities with craft-making traditions.
reviewed
-
R
Aymi Wasi
If you’re the type who likes to get your souvenir shopping done fast, Aymi Wasi is for you. It’s got everything – clothes, ornaments, toys, candles, jewelry, art, ceramics, handbags… Your friends and family will never suspect you bought all their gifts in one place! And it’s all handmade and fair trade.
reviewed
-
S
La Mercería
Attracting crowds of giggling ladies on a busy weekend, this boutique is stuffed full of bright and colorful accessories like costume jewelry, pillows, scarves, belts, perfumes and lots of handbags. Huge hats, over-the-top and perfect for racetrack parties, are a highlight. Frilly, glitzy and for those who want to show them off.
reviewed
-
T
Wöllner Outdoor
The great outdoors, and the shirt and shorts you'll need to enjoy it, seem to be the inspiration for Wöllner. Clothes and accessories are ruggedly styled, not unlike Abercrombie and American Eagle. Once you've browsed the selections, grab a cafézinho (small black coffee) and a chocolate torte at the café in the front.
reviewed