There are many things to see and do in Antigua, Guatemala. Many visitors study Spanish, hike, visit ruins or just hang out in the town’s many bars and cafes. Shopping is also a popular activity, as visitors bargain for attractive, hand-made masks, textiles, blankets, art and much more. Here’s where to find the deals.
The Antigua Artisan Market
located on the west end of town not far from the bus terminal. The official artisan market is walled off from the nearby native market and the bustling, smoggy bus terminal, probably so that pickpockets will be easier to avoid. The market is a small complex of square buildings set around pretty courtyards, and the stalls are neatly arranged and orderly. Many of the stalls have the same goods: bright scarves, tapestries, Che Guevara t-shirts, chess sets, etc. There are, however, a few stands with something different, such as fair-trade coffee (treat yourself to a cup or buy a bag of it), antiques, woodcarvings or paintings, so look around. Most of the stuff here is similar to what is available at the famous Chichicastenango market.
Nim Po’t Market
Nim Po’t is a co-operative organized by vendors driven by fair-trade principles. It is located very close to the arch, three blocks or so north of the central square on 5th avenida norte (there is a small branch a couple of blocks east of the square on 4th calle oriente, near Doña Luisa restaurant). The warehouse-like space is a great place to look for woodcarvings, t-shirts, native clothing, coffee and other assorted souvenirs. Hanging on the walls are complete sets of native clothing, well worth a peek. The best part may well be the lack of pushy vendors: pick up what you want and pay for it at the desk.
High-end shops
There are some shops featuring higher-quality handicrafts spread out around Antigua: these may feature fine blankets, ceramics or clothing. The best places to look for them are along 5th avenida norte (the arch street) and near Doña Luisa restaurant on 4th calle oriente.
Street Vendors
If you don’t go to the market, it will come to you. Antigua is home to countless street vendors selling everything from wooden flutes to jewelry to textiles to more wooden flutes. These roaming vendors will sometimes offer a good price, but they’re notoriously aggressive and pushy: if anyone shows interest in their wares, they may follow that person around trying to badger them into a sale even if the tourist tells them he or she is not interested.
Jade
Guatemalan jade is among the finest in the world and Antigua is the best place in the country to buy jewelry made with this gemstone. Typically a rich green color, Guatemala jade also comes in pinkish and blue hues. There are numerous jade stores in Antigua, most of them to the east of the main square. At the eastern end of town near the gas station, Jades S. A. has a good jade museum with displays about jade and the Maya world, including replicas of famous masks found in tombs.
Local Market
Next to the artisan market and adjacent to the smoggy bus terminal is a bustling market mostly visited by locals. The stalls sell fresh meat, fruit and vegetables and articles for daily usage such as enamel dishes, plastic strainers, cheap toys for children, clothing, etc. Several stands also offer pirated DVD’s and music. A few handicraft stalls can be found there: probably ones without the connections to get into the official handicraft market. It’s interesting to visit, but tourists will find little to actually buy there unless they want some groceries or are brave enough to dine on market food.
A visit to Antigua’s markets is fun, educational and well worth the effort. Be sure to bring your bargaining skills!
See Also:
Visiting the Ruins in Antigua, Guatemala
Christopher Minster - I'm a freelance writer. I mostly write about travel, history and culture. I enjoy writing fiction as well.
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