Must see shopping in Nicaragua

The recipient of more international awards than any other master in the village, Helio combines geometric, traditional and contemporary design elements in…

A fantastic addition to the popular Garden Café, this sustainably minded boutique offers crafts, jewelry, clothing and artwork produced through NGOs and…

Step inside the humedor to choose from Nicaragua's finest cigars, hand-rolled in Mombacho and Estelí. Look out for Joya de Nicaragua, Padrón, AJ Fernández…

This stellar shop mostly stocks high-end pieces by Miguel Maldonado, winner of national and international awards, which blend traditional, geometric and…

Internationally renowned José Ortiz produces very distinctive contemporary pottery known for its cubistic forms reminiscent of Picasso and its use of bold…

Mostly a gourmet food store, Crafted for Connaisseurs sells boxes of handmade Nicaraguan Momotombo chocolates, superb Cielo Isla coffee, plus other single…

An excellent selection of fair-trade crafts from all over Nicaragua, made by 31 groups of local artisans. There is exquisite pottery, woven bags, jewelry,…

Young artist Jacobo Potosme specializes in traditional pottery styles, combined with fine geometric detail. Some of his pieces combine several patterns in…

Miguel Ángel Calero, known locally as Michelangelo, is well-known for his finely detailed geometric pieces, as well as pottery influenced by pre-Columbian…

Come here for stylish purses, shoulder bags, belts and other accessories made of Nicaraguan leather. You can see them being made at the workshop next to…

Simplemente Madera ('Simply Wood') makes gorgeous bespoke furniture out of sustainable Nicaraguan wood. They can help you with shipping your acquisitions…

Next to the southbound bus terminal, this sprawling beast of a market offers an authentic slice of Managuan life. There are labyrinthine rows of stalls…

This collective of women potters sells their fine work all over Nicaragua. It's located in the community of Ducualí Grande, 3km northwest of town. Any…

This workaday backyard is where the best traditional rosquillas (crusty cornbread rings) in town are produced. Each batch is baked in one of three massive…

Stocking the work of a number of artists from around the village, this cooperative has a wide selection of inexpensive vases, plates, bowls, cups and…

One of the best soapstone workshops in town. Visitors are welcome to come and watch the artisans work (but call first to make sure there is someone around…

One of several places where you can not only watch traditional hammocks being handmade by local families, but you can buy them for a fairer price than at…

This fair-trade association sells brightly colored fiber arts from indigenous artisans in El Chile, corn-husk dolls, beaded jewelry, baskets and a…

Inside the Hostal Entre Amigos, this excellent gift shop sells crafts made by local artisans. What makes it special are the items made of recycled…

If you aren’t heading to Estelí this trip, stop here for a cognac-cured taste of Nicaragua and a peek at the cigar-manufacturing process. You can even…