Guatemala: Shopping

Guatemala will offer you a very different shopping experience from what you may have been used to. Shopping in Guatemala particularly good for people who have a special interest in ethnic clothing and textiles and Mayan handicrafts. There is very limited scope in Guatemala for buying the kinds of goods that are common in UK shops, although if you do find something you want, it will be a lot cheaper there.

If you are interested in handicrafts and you would enjoy shopping in Guatemala's vibrant and colourful street markets, then this is the place for you! The art of weaving is still very much alive in Guatemala and you may want to take home some of the highly colourful huilpes (blouses), or cortes (skirts) that are worn by the Mayan women. Other woven items in Guatemala include purses, friendship bracelets, tablecloths and bedspreads.

Most Villages and towns in Guatemala have market days when you can buy the woven goods directly from the weaver. It is quite acceptable, and expected to bargain when you are buying textilesin Guatemala. You may also be interested on some of Guatemala's other crafts, such as leatherwork and silverware. Another advantage of shopping in Guatemala is that the relatively low prices there will mean that you will never be short of a bargain provided you are prepared to negotiate the price. Some of Guatemala's best craft markets are in Antigua (Guatemala), Guatemala City and Chichicastenango.