From Fine Shops To Colorful Indigenous Markets, Guatemala Is A Shoppers’ Paradise

Nov. 30, 2010 - PRLog -- Guatemala is a shoppers’ paradise. The country has an endless variety of arts and crafts reflecting its wide cultural diversity. Shoppers can find a fine range of items in fine shops in Guatemala City and Antigua but for a more authentic experience should visit the open air market in Chichicastenango every Thursday and Sunday. The quality of the craftsmanship is high and the variety amazing, and all at very affordable prices. The crafts that are most typically found in Guatemala include the colorfully embroidered huipiles, the blouses worn by Maya women; non clothing textiles such as colorful tablecloths, table runners, and wall hangings. Guatemala is also well known for its leather crafts that are combined with the colorful woven textiles, as well as jade.  

TEXTILES
The colorfully embroidered huipiles worn by Maya women are popular for souvenirs. Traditional ponchos and pashmina-like shawls are also favorites with travelers.

Traditional markets and fine shops offer a wide range of non clothing textiles including tablecloths, table runners, napkins, or wall hangings with designs that reflect the cultural heritage of Guatemala’s different communities and will make for beautiful decorative pieces.

JEWELRY
Visitors to Guatemala can choose from a wide range of jewelry. Markets abound with low priced yarn and leather bracelets and beaded necklaces that make for great mementos. For those looking to purchase fine jewelry, Guatemala is well known for its jade, mined in the eastern part of the country. Antigua is the top place to buy jade jewelry. Many upscale boutiques specializing in jade items, do their own craftsmanship on-site.

LEATHER
Todos Santos Cuchumatán is one of Guatemala’s top leather crafting centers and products made here are sold throughout the country. Some of the most prized leather items include belts, sandals, handbags, wallets. Many leather items are also combined with colorful woven textiles with special designs that are unique to each community.

WOOD CARVINGS
Wood carving studios can be found throughout Guatemala, but some of the most artisanal works are found in the forests of Petén. Religious figurines, chess sets, and other decorative items are carved out of mahogany, and walnut.

For an authentic experience, the best place to shop is an open air market. Every town holds one, one or two days a week but the most famous market is held in Chichicastenango every Thursday and Sunday. The Mercado Central in Guatemala City is an enclosed version of a typical open air Guatemalan market.

Travelers will also find high end boutiques in Guatemala City and Antigua where they can buy antiques, fine jewelry, and traditional textiles and decorative items fused with contemporary designs.

Shops are generally open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with many closing for lunch between 1 and 3 p.m.

Additional information on Guatemala is available at www.visitguatemala.com

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INGUAT is the governing entity responsible for tourism in Guatemala. Its main objective is to promote, support and sponsor internal and inbound tourism, while highlighting the country’s natural and cultural treasures. INGUAT offers a tourist assistance service to individual travelers who require it as well as providing support to tour operators with any tour groups they bring to the country. INGUAT is headquartered in Guatemala City and has an office in New York. Media can also follow INGUAT’s latest developments on Facebook.