Monteverde & Santa Elena
Begun in 1982 as a women’s cooperative representing eight female artists, today Casem has expanded to reportedly include almost 150 local artisans (some…
Must-see shopping in Central America
Southern Belize
Operating from a hut in Indian Creek village, the Ixchel Women's Group is run by a small cooperative of Kekchí Maya women who produce traditional…
Península de Azuero
For a chance to see how polleras are made, particularly the lace trim, visit this workshop just off the main road run by husband and wife William Reyes…
Colón
This sterile shopping and entertainment sector geared toward cruise-ship travelers sits on the east side of Colón. Though lacking in any discernible…
Panama City
Attached to the Iglesia San José, this gallery showcases Rolo de Sedas' manga-cute pop art of Panamanian women in rainbow bursts. Women in Congo dress and…
Tegucigalpa
This big new mall is the current local favorite, and it's easy to see why: as well as having high security and a great range of shops, it's very central…
Southern Belize
In Indian Creek village, Marigold is a cooperative of local Kekchí Maya women working to preserve their culture through cooking. Traditional Maya food,…
Placencia
Leo handcrafts exquisite wooden sculptures from rosewood, mahogany and driftwood at his workshop on the Sidewalk and displays and sells them in his little…
Maya Center Women's Craft Shop
Southern Belize
At the junction of the Southern Hwy and the road to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, this shop stocks locally made Maya arts and crafts including…
Caye Caulker
This shop stocks a collection of silk-screened fabrics, jewelry and paintings by the owner, artist Lee Vanderwalker, as well as pieces by other Belizean…
Managua
Adjacent to Barrio Bolonia, it’s convenient, with a cinema (with subtitled movies), lots of discount shops, Colonia supermarket, a couple of department…
Southern Belize
Local painter and sculptor Lola Delgado runs this store selling some of the same paintings, handcrafted jewelry, sculpture and assorted crafts you'll find…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Colorful Boruca weavings and balsa masks decorated with jungle birds and animals are for sale here. Sometimes there are also cedarwood devil masks…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Large duty-free shopping area inside the Zona Americana that's now the lifeblood of Golfito. Here you can buy manufactured goods imported from Panama with…
Guatemala City
Less hectic than the central market, the Plaza El Amate features a satisfying jumble of everyday items, clothes, CDs and DVDs mixed in with souvenirs and…
Ambergris Caye
Catering to all of your vices with a good selection of freshly roasted coffee beans, local rum creme (available for tasting) and cigars from all over the…
Playa Sámara
Part cafe, part downtown surf shop, it rents gear, offers lessons, and has top-quality rash guards, board shorts and boards for the buying. Bonus: the…
San José
Costa Rica’s most stylish and massive shopping mall has everything you need (or don’t). If you’re coming from San José, the mall can be reached by taking…
Ambergris Caye
Beautiful handmade jewelry in interesting and diverse styles, including plenty of options from the namesake stone. Custom designs made while you wait. It…
Guatemala City
One of the first malls in Guatemala, this has been surpassed by many others, but is still a standby for fashion boutiques, electronic goods and other…
Granada
A clothing boutique and handicrafts store specializing in produce from local cooperatives. Expect jewelry, purses, and gifts made out of bamboo, aluminum…
Dangriga
The Dangriga Central Market is a microcosm of Dangriga society with traders selling shoes, clothing, crockery and Maya crafts alongside farmers and…
San Ignacio
Offers cool handmade jewelry, including silver, amber and other semiprecious stones. The name of the place refers to the drums and other Rasta gear for…
San Salvador
The Mercado Ex-Cuartel is a difficult place to navigate, but be patient and you'll find handmade hammocks and embroidered fabrics from across the country.
San José
A touristy open-air market that sells everything from handcrafted jewelry and Bob Marley T-shirts to elaborate woodwork and Guatemalan sarongs.
Ambergris Caye
Displaying the works of nine local artists, this tiny gallery is chock-full of colorful island-inspired paintings. It arranges shipping.
San José
Good selection of English-language books, maps and guidebooks (including Lonely Planet). There are a half-dozen branches around town.
Dangriga
In an unassuming white building down a lane off the main street, this is Dangriga's outlet store for Marie Sharp's iconic hot sauces.
Puerto Jiménez
This locally run souvenir shop has interesting handmade carvings, furniture and other handicrafts, all made by Costa Rican artisans.
Tegucigalpa
This convenient shopping complex is located southwest of Colonia Palmira, with lots of shopping choice, ATMs and a cinema.
Bocas del Toro Town
Sells custom-made surfboards and a few used ones as well. Also has a large selection of swimwear and other island apparel.
San José
On Saturday, head down to the farmers market that's held along Avenida 2, just south of the park in Escazú Centro.
León
A workaday marketplace located on the northeast edge of León's downtown; cheap place to buy fresh fruit and veg.
San Salvador
Salvadoran city life at full throttle, the Mercado Central is the local favorite for clothes and electronics.
Central & Eastern Guatemala
Next to the basilica, this shopping market has all sorts of trinkets, souvenirs, clothes, textiles and more.
Boquete
A weekly market at the local theater features arts and crafts, jewelry, organic produce and prepared foods.
San Salvador
Stock up on Salvadoran history and literature in Spanish. There are four branches in the capital.
Placencia
This cooperative of local artists displays arts and crafts for sale in a beachside gallery.
San Salvador
Large mall with a number of international chains, cafes, restaurants and a cinema.
Managua
See and be seen at the discos, eateries and shops of Managua's most upscale mall.
