31 Colombian Souvenirs: Best Things to Buy (2024)

Looking for the Best Colombian Souvenirs for Your Trip?

Before your trip, it’s nice to have an idea about which Colombian souvenirs you want to come home with this year! You’ll need to plan ahead for a couple of these suggestions (cue: guitar from Medellin), while others you can easily slide into your carry-on luggage.

After spending time traveling throughout Colombia, I’m certain this is the best list of unique and classic Colombian gifts that you can buy on your trip!

In a rush? Here are my top pick Colombian Souvenirs:

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What To Buy in Colombia

Below is a list of some of the best gifts from Colombia that you can purchase on your trip. You’ll find some of these Colombian gifts you can pick up in the major tourist spots, while others you’ll need to go off the beaten path and explore Colombia’s hidden gems!

1. Guitars from Medellín

Purchasing a guitar from Medellin is one of the best souvenirs you can walk away from Colombia with (in my opinion). Admit, not the easiest to lug back home. I have never seen, guitars from Medellin, on any list and didn’t even know it was a thing. So, I’m adding it first to this list of souvenirs so that you can plan accordingly!

When traveling to Colombia, you should absolutely consider stopping at one of the guitar-making factories (and by a factory, I mean a very small-scale, hand-made factory) and taking a tour. Or, you can set up an appointment to see how truly custom guitars are made.  (If you want to purchase a very custom guitar in Medellin, make sure to plan ahead, as it can take weeks or months to construct.)

The process of making the guitars is truly incredible. I’m not a musician and I wanted to buy one for every musician I know. Just plan ahead because you have to travel with it around throughout your trip!

If you are interested in getting the name of the guitar maker outside of Medellin that creates extraordinary custom guitars, subscribe to our newsletter and reply to my email. I will send you his name, as well as a great driver and guide that we used in Medellin.  

2. Emerald Jewelry 

Colombia is renowned for its Emeralds, gemstones rarer than diamonds!  You can buy earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and a whole slew of other Emerald creations throughout Colombia. 

You’ll find many Emerald stores in the major cities, such as along the streets of the Walled City in Cartagena.  

If you are interested in learning about the history and process of mining Emeralds, I suggest visiting the Emerald Museum in Bogota. They take you through the history of Emeralds from the indigenous peoples, to how they are mined. Plus, you can watch someone polishing and shaping the Emeralds as well.  

We mainly visited the Emerald Museum for our daughter, who is obsessed with gemstones.  I asked her to give her thoughts on the experience and here is what she had to say:  

I was really excited when I found out that we were going to an Emerald museum. I love reading about rocks and minerals. They’re fascinating to me and the fact that I was going to see them in real life instead of just a picture was amazing. At the Emeral Museum in Bogota, they did a presentation on how Emeralds form and where (deep and shallow in the earth’s crust) different shades and qualities are located. We saw some really amazing carvings of emeralds. We also saw different cuts. I got new emerald earrings and I have to say they’re beauties.

You can also visit a little Emerald Store and Mine Replica when touring the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira (90 minutes outside of Bogota).  Near the movie theater in the Salt Cathedral, you’ll see the entrance to the mine tunnel, which shows you a bit of the Emerald mining process.  

As far as souvenirs from Colombia go, emeralds make fantastic high-end gifts and are easy to carry home!

3. ‘It’s Colombia, Not Columbia’ Gear (hat, clothes, magnets, etc)

These are great knickknacks things to buy in Colombia! They made me laugh, probably because I’m sure I’ve made this mistake before.

And now, I give the PSA many times when sharing photos of our amazing Colombia itinerary. Yet, people would still respond with “Columbia”!  

This is definitely what I would consider low-quality knickknacks but funny souvenirs from Colombia!  I saw a lot of these types of souvenirs when visiting Comuna 13 in Medellin, but you can find them throughout the major tourist areas around Colombia and at some airports!

4. Soccer / Futbol Jersey 

Colombians love soccer, which is lovingly referred to as futbol everywhere else in the world. If you are a futbol fan or have someone back home who loves soccer, a Colombian soccer jersey is a must.  

My son loves futbol. He has played in various countries where we have traveled—Mexico, Italy, and even some regular pick-up soccer in Greece.  We found his Colombian futbol jersey in Bogota at an outdoor market. He loves it!  

You can find soccer jerseys from Colombia in all major cities, shopping centers, malls, and many clothing markets as well. 

5. Artwork in Getsemani Neighborhood of Cartagena

Getsemani is a neighborhood of Cartagena, located about a 10-15 minute walk outside of the Walled City (the Old City of Cartagena and the major tourist area).  

The neighborhood became popular when it made the Forbes Top Coolest Neighborhoods in the World list.  It’s a very artsy area of town, known for its colorful artwork. 

This makes it the perfect place to pick up a piece of local art as a souvenir from Colombia!

6. Coffee from a Local Organic Farm 

Absolutely bring home some coffee as a gift from Colombia.  My suggestion is to find a local organic farm to visit and purchase coffee during your Colombian coffee tour.  If not, you can find some high-quality coffee at the high-end grocery stores too.

Important to note, the majority of the best-quality coffee in Colombia is exported. Yup. Don’t go to Colombia expecting to always be served the highest quality coffee.  Of course, you can find it, but it’s not a given that you will receive the best coffee at every restaurant or store in Colombia. 

Colombia is one of the biggest exporters of coffee in the world. If you can, make sure to visit the Coffee Triangle (also known as Zona Cafetera or Coffee Axis), located between Bogota and Medellin. 

Here is the region best known for exploring coffee plantations in Colombia—see “Day 4 & 5: Colombia’s Coffee Region” for more information.  (Apparently, there are better areas for coffee in Colombia, but harder to travel to.)

We brought back Coffee from Colombia—it’s kind of a must and the perfect Colombian gift for any coffee drinker in your life!

7. Colombian Cacao / Chocolate

If one of the five love languages were chocolate, it would be mine for sure. (My love language is actually not Receiving Gifts!)

I digress because Chocolate from Colombia would be one of my top picks for souvenirs.  Maybe, I like receiving delicious edible gifts!  

If you are traveling to Colombia and want the best family-friendly unique excursion in Colombia, you must take a Jeep Tour to visit Las Brisas Cauca, located in the Coffee Region of Colombia. (I don’t make money off of this tour – it just really is a must-do in Colombia! And it isn’t a tour you’ll find in blog posts… because bloggers don’t make money off of it.)

Riding through the jungle and pulling up to Las Brisas del Cauca tour is absolutely fantastic! I really wish everyone could experience Luis Fernando and his wife’s hospitality, organic farm, food, and making Colombian chocolate from bean to bar.

(See Day 7 for more about this unique organic chocolate farm tour in Colombia)

You will also find high-quality chocolate bars in the nicer grocery stores throughout the major cities of Colombia. We really loved the LOK bars as well—so keep an eye out for those. 

In addition, we saw Villa de Leyva tour guide’s father at a local spring, enjoying the morning sun and a cup of hot chocolate. He offered us a cup, which we obviously agreed! He insisted this is the best brand for hot chocolate in Colombia.

8. Jeep Willy (Toy Version) for Kids

Colombia has become known for its Jeep Willys.  Besides taking a Jeep Tour in Colombia, the toy versions also make fun souvenirs.  

The history of how Jeep Willys got to Colombia is quite interesting, as they were originally made for the US Army during World War II.  After the war, there was a surplus, so the US started to sell them to countries, such as Colombia!  

The Jeep Willys became very popular in the coffee region and other agricultural areas, as a means to replace mules and donkeys, navigate hilly terrain, and carry more “stuff” (coffee beans, crops, etc).  

Now, Jeep Willys decorated with colorful paintwork and carrying large loads of cargo became known as Yipaos and a symbol of Colombian culture.  

A Jeep Willy toy model is a great souvenir for any car enthusiast or kid!

9. Pottery / Ceramics from the Raquira Region in Colombia

If you love ceramics and pottery, there is no better place for souvenirs than Raquira, Colombia. Raquira is the pottery town of Colombia!  Here you will find shop after shop after shop full of ceramics. From dishes and cups to home decor, garden, and more. 

Consider taking a pottery class in Raquira to understand the whole process and why that area of Colombia is rich in clay. If you have the time, you could even make something to take home! 

Pottery from Raquira is a great memento from your trip to Colombia to display in your home when you return.  Or, purchase it as a gift!

You can consider a day trip from Bogota to Raquira to shop for pottery!

10. Handmade Paper (notebooks, paper earrings, etc) from Barichara

This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path Colombia souvenir suggestion!  Barichara isn’t an easy town to visit. It’s worth it because… well – there aren’t many tourists!  The town is known for its terracotta and architecture.  

But, on a street corner in town, you’ll find Barichara Paper Making Factory.  Here, you can see how they handmake paper from various plants. You can even make your own paper. 

This paper factory has a little gift shop onsite where you can purchase all sorts of paper products – from notebooks to beautiful paper earrings, necklaces, room decor, and more.  We actually purchased quite a bit from Taller de Papel in Colombia. 

These paper gifts are perfect for unique, lightweight presents to bring home from Colombia.

11. Clothes made by Local Designers 

Given that we travel full time while as a worldschooling family, we have to be quite particular about the number of clothes we pack—and even the souvenirs we bring along with us.  I always look for locally-made clothing, preferably with organic materials. 

You can find local Colombian-made brands throughout most of the major cities.

If you are in Barichara, check out the shop called Routonomy. We bought some really nice outfits for both baby Jovi and myself for really affordable prices. The fabrics are quality, sustainable organic materials!

12. Panela Sugar (Buy it from a farm if possible.) 

Have you heard of Panela? It’s a type of sugar, much like sugar cane, which keeps more of its nutrients because it is less processed.  It has a delicious maple-like flavor.  You’ll find it all over Colombia and can even buy it by the block (looks like a brick of brown sugar)!

We were lucky to visit a local family farm outside of Villa de Leyva and get a wonderful tour around their organic land and Panela factory!  The family’s two twin boys were adorable showing us around and teaching us all the ins and outs of making Panela. 

We purchased panels straight from their farm & family facotry. Subscribe to our newsletter and reply to my email if you’d like the name of the Organic Farm and Family Panela Factory!

13. Swimwear

Colombia is home to many beautiful beaches and, consequently, became one of the best destinations to shop for high-quality swimwear. One place where you can a variety of beachwear, is Cartagena.

For one, you can explore the beachside shops in Bocagrande for a wide selection of designer swimsuits. You’ll find one-piece, two piece, coverups and all sorts of swimwear accessories

Several known Colombian brands of swimwear include Maaji Swimwear, Agua Maria (see my swimsuit & coverup below- we loved this store!), Ondademar, and Agua Bendita. You can also check out specialty boutiques like Agua de Leon for equally beautiful beachwear from independent labels.

No matter the brand though, I’m sure swimwear from Colombia will be worth purchasing and makes a great wearable souvenir! 

14. Colombian Ruana Poncho

Ruana poncho is a traditional Colombian wool clothing that makes for another great souvenir. This cozy garment has a rectangular shape and sleeveless design, enabling the wearer to snugly wrap themselves with it. Ruanas tend to be very warm which makes them an ideal outfit in Colombia’s cooler mountainous regions.

There are a lot of Ruana ponchos that are factory-made and sold all over Colombia. But if you’re willing to pay more for authentic handmade ruanas, it’s best to buy them in Bogota or in northern towns, like Villa de Leyva and Raquira. The weather is cooler and you’ll probably want one to bundle up in!

Ruana ponchos come in several color choices, some with thick yellow and red stripes. The most popular ones have dark tones, like black, grey, and dark blue. 

15. Handwoven Hammocks

If you want Colombian souvenirs that can spruce up a recreation room or backyard, carefully handwoven hammocks are a nice option. You can even use them to relax at the beach or a nature park—while in Colombia, or in any of your next destinations!

You can find some of the best handwoven hammocks in San Jacinto, a northern Colombian town.

Their hammocks are made with colorful cotton and natural fibers and are famous among locals and tourists alike. Aside from the distinctly high quality of these hammocks, their large lace fringes are the unique features that set them apart from other woven hammocks from other places.

16. Obleas (wafer-like cookie with sweet caramel filling)

You will no doubt see Obleas when meandering around Colombia. Obleas are thin flat wafers that are typically about the size of your hand. They are usually served as a treat, with a sweet filling.

Typically, a Colombian thick caramel sauce, called arequipe is spread between two Obleas, making it a wafer sandwich!

You can purchase Obleas as just the wafer or full of the sweet filling of your choice.

17. Coca Skincare Products

While we were in Villa de Leyva, we got attacked by mosquitos. It is a cooler region, so we didn’t expect mosquitos, especially since we barely got a bite during our time in Cartagena and Tayrona Park. I digress. We needed bug bite relief fast!

We came across a store that sold a variety of skincare products made from the coca plant. Now, the coca plant gets a bad rap for obvious reasons, but the parts of the plant used for skincare actually have medicinal properties. The shop owner told us all about how the local indigenous are making skincare and supporting their communities.

We purchased a bug bite relief aloe coca gel that soothed our bites. They had a variety of other skincare as well. Keep an eye out for products using coca in better ways. Ask questions. Get curious. Find out how it is helping or hurting the local communities.

18. Bocadillo Guava Paste Candies

The first place I saw these guava candies was as a bedside snack at our hotel in Colombia. I was honestly scared to try it. They were wrapped in banana leaves and seemed … well … odd!

But, then a local told us to try these local bocadillo Colombian snacks. And if a local suggests I try something, I’m always in.

One of our tour guides pulled off the side of the road at a local shop she knew between Barichara and Villa de Leyva. They had us try all sorts of local candies, including guava paste candies!

They were yummy. Such a simple treat.

These Colombian sweet treats usually come in little squares or larger blocks wrapped in paper or banana leaves. These snacks usually consist of guava and panela!

19. Wayuu Mochila Bag

One of the best souvenirs from Colombia is a Mochila bag handwoven by the Wayuu ethnic group. These cylindrical bags are crocheted by hand, giving them intricate, colorful patterns, thick woven straps, and large tassels. Acrylic threads are commonly used these days too, making Mochila bags more durable and washable by machine.

The prices of Mochila bags can vary, depending on the specific crochet technique used on them. There are single-thread bags that are more delicate and take longer to make, especially with their finer designs. Some can even take up to 8 weeks. Double-thread bags, on the other hand, tend to have bolder designs and can be quicker to finish (about 2 weeks).

Mochila bags are available in vibrant colors or more earthy hues, so there can be a perfect design for everyone. You can find them in various shops throughout Colombia but if you want the best quality bags, buy your handmade Mochila in northern Colombia where the Wayuu group lives.

We also saw many Colombian Mochila Bags available at the airport.

20. Aguadeño Hat

Another thing that Colombia is famous for is these iconic Aguadeño hats. They were originally worn by farmers in the Coffee Axis but are now commonly styled with various outfits. Surely, they’ll make for great souvenirs for you or for your loved ones!

These hats are specialty crafts originating from the town of Aguadas (where ‘Aguadeño’ comes from) and are made from milk-colored Iraca palm.

Their brims can either be wide or smaller, the latter making them look more like Panama hats. (Side note: Did you know Panama Hats actually originated in Ecuador?!)

The hats will then be completed with a dark leather or fabric band. Aguadeño hats commonly come in white and black but are available in other different colors as well. They’re also soft and durable.

If you want to make sure you’ll get a high-quality hat, you can go straight to Aguadas where they’re originally produced. But if that’s out of your way, you can also buy them in many other parts of Colombia, like Bogota and Antioquia.

21. Vueltiao Hat

Since sombreros (hats) are a vital part of Colombia’s culture, next on our list is this other iconic headpiece. Vueltiao hats are handwoven using caña flecha or arrow cane. They’re adorned with checkered patterns, as well as light and dark rings on the brim and top of the hats.

The history behind the art of weaving these hats and the gorgeous resulting designs make it understandable why Vueltiao hats became the national symbol of Colombia. They come in different types based on the number of pairs of fibers that were used in the braiding process (which ranges from 15-27).

This number will then determine the flexibility of the hats, which is the hallmark of a high-quality Vueltiao hat. The more flexible the hat is, the better quality it has—and the pricier it gets!

So as a general rule, if you don’t want to spend too much but still want a good-quality hat, choose a hat that has between 19-23 pairs of fibers. They will be flexible and durable enough for daily use. You can buy these hats in different souvenir shops all throughout Colombia.

22. Hand-woven Iraca Straw Placemats 

You can bring home a glimpse of Colombia and improve your dining experience at the same time. These placemats are made from Iraca Palm (Toquilla straw) through 30 hours of expert handweaving. 

These placemats are available in different colors and designs that can liven up any table setting. Iraca Palm is also known for being durable and flexible so your placemats are guaranteed to be long-lasting!

23. La Pollera Colora 

La Pollera Colora can be literally translated to ‘brightly colored skirt’. These flowing skirts are worn throughout Latin America and are part of Colombia’s traditional clothing. 

Pollera started as mandatory clothing for indigenous women forced by Spanish colonists. Since then, countries have added their own touches to the dress, such as ribbons and embroideries. 

These days, La Pollera Colora is worn in Colombia during parades and various celebrations. You can find a lot of boutiques selling these dresses throughout the country. Just remember that these skirts have many layers of fabric and tend to be very heavy.

24. Carriel Bag from Jerico

Jerico is a small town where leather boots and wide-brim hats are practically the locals’ uniforms. And one of their best products is the Carriel bags. These are leather satchels that are adorned with ornate designs for both men and women.

Carriel bags are traditionally small, yet thick. They are equipped with numerous pockets, including hidden pockets! There are different designs available as well. You can choose one-tone leather satchels or buy those with colored trimmings and patches of cowhide.

25. Kuna Textiles

Kuna textiles are another part of Colombia’s traditional clothing – sporting their famous colorful, intricate designs. They are originally made by the Guna people native to Panama and Colombia. 

These textiles are commonly known as ‘molas’ among the locals. They are a product of an appliqué technique of hand-sewing cut-out layers of fabrics. They form patterns, most of which depict birds and local flora and fauna. You will find many which are purely abstract as well.

You can find Kuna fabrics all over Colombia, being sold as fabric swatches or in combination with other materials to make accessories or purses. The coin purses make fun gifts for kids and are easy to travel with.

26. Handmade Maracas

Since music and dance are a huge part of Colombia’s culture, it’s no surprise that musical instruments are abundant in gift shops and specialty boutiques.

However, most people don’t have room for the tiple (Colombia’s national instrument). If you’re one of them and you want a more portable option, buy a pair of handmade maracas instead.

They come in colorful designs, mostly with funky palm trees, that match the lively rhythm they produce. You can find high-quality handmade maracas in Cartagena, along with other musical and gift shops all over Colombia.

27. Colombian Leather Products

I’ll preface this: I don’t typically purchase products made from animals. However, I have had many conversations with locals in various countries around the world that explain the other side. For example, it allows them to use all of the animals and not just the meat. It allows them to sustain a livelihood. It is part of their culture.

You can make what judgment feels right for you. I suggest asking a lot of questions about the sourcing of the product materials before you purchase!

Colombia is a meat-eating nation and is home to millions of cattle. It’s not, therefore, surprising that they made a name of being one of the best producers of leather and suede goods.

There is a wide variety of leather products that you can choose from. This allows you to buy a Colombian souvenir that fits your budget or matches the style of the intended use of your souvenir.

Bags, wallets, belts, and boots—these are just a few of the long-lasting and beautiful leather goods that Colombia has to offer!

28. Cumbia Record

Aside from its food and artistry, Colombia is also known for its music. Cumbia is the nation’s signature rhythm and bringing a piece of this music back will be a lovely reminder of your trip to Colombia.

You can buy a Cumbia record on old-fashioned CDs and vinyl. There are classic vinyl records as well as new releases available in different music shops. A lot of these shops are in Cali, the city dubbed as the rhythmic heartland of Colombia. Other cities offer many musical souvenirs too!

29. Arrow Cane Jewelry

Caña flecha or arrow cane is not only used for making Vueltiao hats. They are also woven into intricate pieces of jewelry, such as earrings and bracelets.

If you’re going on a last-minute shopping for good Colombian souvenirs, I highly recommend these pieces of arrow case jewelry. They still carry the traditional designs of Colombian artisans but will occupy less space in your luggage. They’re also available in practically every shop or market in Colombia.

30. Aguardiente (Guaro)

Aguardiente (commonly known as Guaro in Colombia) is a clear, fiery spirit made with anise. Its name literally translates to ‘fire water’. It’s one of the national drinks of Colombia for which every region has its own brand and distilleries.

Plus, as far as liquors go, Aguardiente is quite inexpensive and a fun Colombian souvenir to bring back and stock your bar.

31. Woven Bowls and Baskets

Other Colombian souvenirs that you can adorn your home with, are woven bowls and baskets.

Guacayama bowls and vases are made by the U’wa people. They’re made of fique fibers that are dyed with different bright colors. They are then woven into intricate patterns and designs.

These handicrafts are available at almost every craft market. You can choose baskets for storage or opt for basket bags instead. The woven bowls can be used for serving food or storage as well.

Where to buy the best Colombian souvenirs?

Colombia has no shortage of souvenir shops, especially in the major cities such as Cartagena and Medellin. Although, I have to be honest that some of my favorite places to shop for souvenirs aren’t souvenir shops.

I find the quaint, locally-made shops better. However, they are harder to find and many times these unique Colombian shops are located in villages that aren’t as frequented on the quick tourist route.

My favorite things to buy in Colombia for gifts and souvenirs were from the following shops: Chocolate Bean to Bar in Villa de Leyva, Barichara Paper Workshop (with handmade paper gifts) in Barichara, a locally designed ethical clothing store called Routonomy in Barichara (they had baby and adult natural fabrics and well made simple clothing), Agua Maria swimwear store in the Walled City Cartagena and a guitar from a local guitar craftsman or guitar factory on the outskirts of Medellin.

However, below are some other popular shops located in major Colombian cities, where most tourists visit. So, these cities are more likely in your itinerary already. This list is just to jumpstart your search. Please note that there are some stores on the list that I haven’t visited personally, which I note accordingly.

Medellin

Places I haven’t personally visited, but you might want to check out:

🛍️ Artesanías Caballo de Troya

If you’re taking the Las Palmas route, this gift shop is right on your way to the airport. It’s perfect for some last-minute shopping, especially since they offer a wide selection of excellent souvenirs.

They mostly sell handicraft items, set up by region so you’ll know the origin of the authentic Colombian souvenirs that you’ll be buying.

📍 Location: Kilometro 16 Via Las Palmas, Envigado, Medellin Antioquia, Colombia

🛍️ Makeno

This shop is where you can stylish clothes, jewelry, and various kinds of accessories. Here, you can buy high-quality products from about 130 Colombian designers, both from up-and-coming artists and already-established names.

They have a wide range of options that can fit different budget ranges. You can also relax over a cup of coffee by the balcony if you get tired from all the shopping.

📍 Location: Cra. 37 #10-35, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

🛍️ National Palace Mall (Centro Comercial Palacio Nacional)

The original building was built in 1920 as the Palace of Justice before being converted into a vast shopping mall.

It has over 200 stores where you can choose all kinds of Colombian souvenirs, although most of them specialize in fashionable clothes and footwear. And even if you end up not buying anything, its magnificent architecture will be worth the visit!

📍 Location: Cra. 52 #48-45, La Candelaria, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

Bogota

🛍️ Emerald Museum

At the Emerald Museum in Bogota, you’ll find an Emerald store full of jewelry options. They range in price points depending on the quality and size. We bought our daughter a pair of (low-quality) Emerald earrings for about $30, which was the perfect Colombian souvenir for her!

📍 Location: Edificio Avianca, Cl. 16 #6-66 piso 23, Santa Fé, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Other places I haven’t personally visited, but you might want to check out:

🛍️ Usaquén Flea Market

This is essentially a Sunday Market where various vendors gather outdoors to sell different paintings, crafts, handmade jewelry, clothes, food, and different kinds of gifts. 

It’s set in a colonial neighborhood in Bogota. The market also offers many restaurants where you can take a break from shopping and enjoy a satisfying meal or Colombian coffee. 

📍 Location: Calle 119 Con Carrera 6a, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

🛍️ Artesanias de Colombia

This is a three-story store in Bogota where you’ll have a vast selection of traditional and cultural products. These high-quality pieces will be perfect as souvenirs or as everyday luxury items. They sell clothes, bags, accessories, jewelry, handmade crafts, ornaments, ceramics, and more!

Artesanos de Colombia works with the indigenous communities of Colombia in bringing these products into the market. And although their pieces tend to be a bit pricier than in other cities,  you can ensure that the quality is great.

Additionally, 70% of the profit goes back to the artisans, so you’ll be helping the communities that made your souvenirs. This is also a great way to support emerging artists or designers.

📍 Location: Calle 86a #13a-10, Bogotá, Colombia

🛍️ Centro Comercial la Casona del Museo

This is a famous treasure shop in Bogota with jewelry and artwork. It’s a two-story colonial building in the La Candelaria neighborhood, located in front of the Gold Museum. 

On the first floor, you can shop for gold, silver, and emerald items. They have replicas of the golden pre-Colombian artifacts that you can find in the museum, as well as some jewelry and other high-quality souvenirs.

On the second floor, there are more choices of paintings, ceramics, hammocks, leather clothing, and wooden artwork. Centro Comercial la Casona del Museo also has a patio where le Café de la Fuente offers delicious chocolate and coffee.

📍 Location: Calle 16 # 5-24, Bogota, Colombia

Cartagena

🛍️ Agua Maria, Maria Clara Mejia Swimwear

We passed this swimsuit shop multiple times when walking around the walled city in Cartagena. We finally went in and thank goodness. The staff was so sweet, but what was even better is they had quality family-matching swimsuits.

My daughter picked out a matching set for us and this is absolutely one of my favorite swimsuits and coverups ever!

However, I can never find it on a map. So, if you are in Cartagena, ask around. It’s worth it!

🛍️ Maaji Swimwear

I have a few swimsuits from Maaji and love each one. The quality is high and the price is good. They have a nice store in Cartagena that I recommend checking out if you are in search of the best swimsuit shops in Cartagena!

📍 Location: 33, Cra. 3 #33-124, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Other places I haven’t personally visited, but you might want to check out:

🛍️ Lucy Jewelry

This jewelry store is nestled right in one of the most popular tourist spots in Cartagena—Plaza San Domingo. They specialize in Colombian emeralds which are considered among the best in the world.

What makes Lucy Jewelry better is that they offer their authentic Colombian emerald jewelry at a more reasonable price than other stores in Cartagena. They even have a large collection of fashionable earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

📍 Location: Cl. 35 #3-19, Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

🛍️ Portal de Los Dulces

If you fancy some edible souvenirs from Colombia, check out Portal de los Dulces. It’s under the arches of old balconied houses lining Plaza de los Coches. You can choose from a wide variety of traditional Colombian sweets which make for a nice gift for your loved ones back home.

This small market is even more alive during the Festival del Dulce. If you visit in March, you might be lucky enough to join in the celebration!

📍 Location: Cra. 5 #33-15, Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

🛍️ Coffee and…

Despite its seemingly strange name, this coffee shop claims to offer the finest Colombian coffee. They specialize in Convida coffee, which represents the best export-grade coffee in Colombia. 

You can buy ground coffee, whole beans, and different roasts and grades. And if you’re having trouble choosing, they also have the Convida Gift Box. This gives you five coffees from five different regions, each of them with a different roast.

But as its name suggest, there’s more to this shop than just coffee. They also sell chocolates, chocolate-covered coffee beans, pottery, leather bags, shirts, wind chimes, jewelry, and rolled cigars. 

📍 Location: Hotel Casa Claver, Cl. 32 #3-134 Local 3, Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

Tips for Shopping in Colombia

✔️ Currency. Exchange your dollars for Colombian pesos. Most stores won’t accept USD, except for some high-end establishments. Almost everywhere in the major cities will take credit card, but in some of the villages, it’s harder to find places that take credit cards.

✔️ Authentic jewelry. When buying world-famous Colombian emeralds and other jewelry, go for reputable dealers only. Or better yet, acquire some knowledge before buying precious stones so you know what to look for.

✔️ Best prices in urban areas. If you’re searching for handicrafts in urban areas, you can mostly find the best bargains in city centers. Prices may be doubled in malls, although the products tend to have higher quality.

✔️ Best value. Authentic crafts have fairer prices in small towns or rural areas.

✔️ Buying coffee as gifts. Bear in mind that Colombian coffee might be opened at customs.

✔️ Illegal artifacts. Don’t buy and take cultural artifacts out of the country. This is illegal. So beware of locals or guides who might offer authentic items from historical places.

✔️ Haggling. You may haggle over prices in local markets or street stalls. It will be better for you to learn a few basic Spanish phrases if you intend to do this. Shops and boutiques tend to have fixed prices. You can still ask though. 

FAQs about Colombian Souvenirs

What product is Colombia famous for?

Colombia is mostly famous for its agricultural products such as the amazing variety of exotic fruits, as well as Arabica Coffee. They are also world-renowned for their superior-quality emeralds, chocolates, and leather products.

And aside from coffee, some of Colombia’s major exports are petroleum, nickel, coal, bananas, and cut flowers.  (By the way, in Bogota’s Paloquemao Market, you can purchase 3 dozen roses for $1.20)

Did you know that Colombia actually exports the majority of its best-quality coffee? When you travel to Colombia, you will usually be served less quality coffee, unless you know the exact source of the coffee you are drinking!

What is unique in Colombia?

Unique things in Colombia include the aguardiente. Every region in Colombia has its own brand and distilleries and you can only buy a specific aguardiente in the area where it is made.
Their particular high-quality emeralds are also unique to Colombia.

Throughout the country, you will find unique Colombian souvenirs, such as many of the items listed above.

What are 3 things Colombia is known for?

Colombia is known for its diverse culture, abundant natural resources, and modern cities.
But if you’re looking for its 3 most famous products, that would be Colombian coffee, emeralds, and chocolates.

What gifts is Colombia known for?

Some of the most popular gifts from Colombia are coffee, hammocks, mochilas, hats (Aguadeño & Vueltiao), and art pieces.

What jewelry is Colombia known for?

Most of the world’s emeralds are from Colombia and they produce some of the finest emerald jewelry in the world. Their gold jewelry is also famous for its purity and quality.

And if you want accessories that are more traditional and a clearer reflection of Colombian culture, they also have handmade and woven jewelry that is popular among both locals and tourists.

Are emeralds cheap in Colombia?

No. On the contrary, Colombian emeralds tend to be the most expensive in the world. Some of the best pieces can cost up to $100,000 per carat, while some lower-quality emeralds can be as low as $30. My daughter is obsessed with gems, so we go her a pair of earrings for $30!

The price mainly depends on the color and clarity of the emerald. The cheap ones are young and have lighter, more opaque colors.

What is the typical product of Colombia?

Included in Colombia’s main products are coffee, emeralds, chocolates, and petroleum. Colorful textiles and handwoven products are also commonly produced throughout the country.

Is Colombia cheap or expensive?

Colombia is one of the best places to visit when you’re on a budget. They have a low cost of living but still offer excellent amenities, infrastructure and food.

It is one of the destinations we’ve found to have most bang for our buck during our travels over the past year.

Does Colombia use pesos?

The Colombian peso is the official currency in Colombia since the year 1810. If you’re planning to visit, note that most establishments will accept pesos and not dollars. 1 US dollar (USD) is equal to about 4,500 Colombian pesos (COP) as of May 2023.

Final Thoughts on Buying Colombian Souvenirs

You can find unique Colombian souvenirs on your trip. From food to musical instruments to jewelry, clothing, and more, Colombia has gifts for everyone on your list.

Remember to plan ahead if you want to come home with a guitar or a larger souvenir. Enjoy traveling throughout Colombia. It’s really an incredible country!