Colombia is a country with amazing nature, amazing culture and ancient history that goes back to the ages. Traveling on it, be sure to bring a piece of Colombia home - as a gift to relatives and to remember yourself. Moreover, the choice of traditional souvenirs here is huge.
Top 10 souvenirs from Colombia
Banal magnets and bored charms have long been in the past: souvenirs of today are more diverse, exquisite, and sometimes even shocking. So, what can you bring from Colombia as a gift:
- Coffee. Colombia is considered one of the main suppliers to the world market of coffee beans, in particular, arabica. The coffee here is delicious and very fragrant. This purchase will be beneficial, because at home you do not buy real Colombian coffee at such a small price. The most popular brands are Juan Valdez, Oma, Luсafe, Aguila, Colcafe. Chocolate and cocoa beans are also popular with tourists.
- Poncho. This is one of the types of national clothes of Colombians. This outfit is so loved here that the natives even celebrate the Poncho Day - a unique holiday in which tourists can also take part and have a good time. From the wool of sheep, you can buy not only ponchos, but also other products - hats, scarves, blankets, etc.
- Emeralds. This country is the largest exporter of emeralds. Depending on your budget, you can buy a huge or tiny emerald that will cost you much less than buying it in Europe. And, since the facet of emeralds in Colombia leaves much to be desired, it makes sense to bring the raw stone, and already at home to deal with its design in the finished jewelry.
- Jewels of gold and silver . As a rule, these are unpretentious but cute items that copy the ancient Indian decorations of the pre-Columbian era.
- Unusual pictures. Colombian artists paint on the glass, and the picture is made into wooden frames. It looks very unusual and even exotic. Such a product can become an accent in the interior of your home. The usual canvases made with oil and acrylic are also in demand - bright, fresh and very expressive.
- Musical instruments. They are made from dried fruits of pumpkin, empty bamboo and other plants. As a gift, music lovers or children can bring bells and drums, whistles and other amazing instruments.
- Sombrero. Another element of the traditional culture of Colombia, its national festive customs. Having visited Colombia and its shops, you will make sure that the sombreros are sold not only in Mexico. And here they are - exclusively handmade, as produced by the Indians of the Seine and protected by the state against fakes.
- Flak jackets are perhaps one of the most unusual souvenirs that can be brought from Colombia. Since the situation in this country is very far from safe, such an accessory here is quite common. Stores bulletproof vests in a large number of neighbors with bakeries, boutiques and grocery stores. The very same goods of this kind are very different, including design. Armor can look like an ordinary sweater, jacket or even ... a wedding dress! By the way, such products are not cheap at all. Check their quality right in the store, shooting their employees at point-blank range.
- Masks. Very unusual products made from cow leather are made in Colombia. Such a mask by the form and even to the touch does not differ from the skin of a person, but it can represent not only the face, but also other parts of the body. On the shelves of Colombian shops and markets, you can find not only masks, but unique sculptures from cow leather.
- Sweets. Colombia is very rich in them, and the assortment is diverse. Try on vacation and take with them to treat their loved ones, you can panelite (sugar cane pastry), burbuhaas (candies), almendras (almonds in sugar), braves with arequipa (dessert from figs), arepype (condensed milk with various flavors) .
Features of shopping in Colombia
When going shopping, take on useful information about the basic rules of shopping in this country:
- Value for money. On most souvenirs, including precious stones and metals, prices are quite acceptable, especially given the sufficiently high quality of goods. All products are conscientious and will last for many years.
- Places for shopping. The leader in the number of trade establishments - of course, Bogota . Here there are several large complexes, where shops of thematic souvenirs, national and modern clothes, accessories, handicrafts, etc. are also collected. Outlet centers in the industrial districts of the capital and the boutique street La Via al Sol are also popular. For those who are interested in what to buy in Cartagena , this city of Colombia offers to visit several large markets (Mercado de Bazurto, Centro Comercial Getsemaní), the artisan center of Artefanias, the area of Las Bovadas.
- Purchase of jewelry . Gold, silver and emeralds are purchased only in stores where you can get a check (it will be required at the customs office when you leave the country).
- Operating mode. Colombian shops are open, usually from 9 to 20 hours 6 days a week (except Sundays).
- Bargain. In Colombia you need to bargain everywhere, and in souvenir shops - in particular! At especially persistent tourists it is possible to dump the price almost twice.