Guatapé Souvenir Shopping: What to Buy
Guatapé is small but the souvenir shopping is good. The painted streets are full of artisans selling crafts, food and lake themed objects that beat the usual airport bin keychains by a long way.
This guide highlights what is worth buying, where to find it and the prices to expect for items you will actually use back home.
Mini zócalo plaques
Small painted ceramic or wooden plaques inspired by the local zócalos are the signature Guatapé souvenir. Sizes range from postcard small to dinner plate big and prices from 15,000 to 80,000 COP.
Look for handmade pieces by named artisans rather than mass produced versions. The painters often sit at their stalls working on the next batch, which is a good sign.
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Local food and coffee
Bags of single origin Antioquia coffee, jars of arequipe, dulces de papayuela and small bottles of aguardiente travel well as gifts. Prices are very competitive compared to Medellín tourist shops.
Buy coffee from the small shops near the malecón rather than from supermarket racks. The freshness and roast date are usually better and the staff can vacuum pack on the spot.
Textiles and accessories
Handwoven mochilas, cotton scarves with Antioquia patterns and woolen ruanas show up in shops around the central plaza. Mochilas range from 60,000 to 250,000 COP depending on size and detail.
Bargain politely and only when the difference is meaningful. Most artisan prices are already fair and aggressive haggling is poorly received.
What to skip
Mass produced phone cases, generic tropical T shirts and anything depicting Pablo Escobar are easy passes. The first two you can find anywhere, the last is offensive to many locals.
Skip large heavy items unless you are driving back. Anything that does not fit in carry on or a checked bag becomes a problem at the airport.
The best Guatapé souvenirs are small, well made and tied to the place. A mini zócalo for the wall, a bag of beans for the kitchen and a mochila for the daily commute are gifts that do not gather dust.
Ready to plan? Browse our Pueblo Guatapé tours.