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Llama and alpaca sweaters (note the differences between handmade and machine-made items), place mats, hand wovenchullos (stocking caps with ear flaps), rugs and ponchos, inexpensive gold and silver jewelry, hammocks (in the lowlands) and native musical instruments are among the best buys. In La Paz, the area above the Plaza de San Francisco  has the largest concentration of shops selling sweaters, jewelry, musical instruments and souvenirs. Prices are slightly higher there than in other markets around the city - probably because of the number of tourists who visit the plaza. In general, however, we found the prices in Bolivia to be better than in Peru, Chile or Argentina. In rural areas, look for folk art, wood carvings, tin and other handicrafts, textiles and ekikos (statues of the god of good fortune in silver, ceramic or gold). In the lowlands, Santa Cruz is a great source for arts and crafts.
When shopping, bargaining is acceptable and expected. But be polite, patient and respectful and never criticize an item in hope of lowering the price.
Bolivia is a shopping paradise featuring fair prices on silver, gold, jewelry, woodcarvings, leather, woolens and much more.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-noon and 2-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-noon. |
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