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Best craft destinations in South America

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Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
8.4
At about 3,400 metres up, the Center for Traditional Textiles works with weavers from ten communities. Its museum on Avenida El Sol explains backstrap weaving. Natural dyes include indigo and cochineal, an insect that makes red. Short courses teach spinning and weaving. Weavers from Chinchero started it in 1996.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Stroll through Plaza de Armas and admire colonial architecture
  • 🏔️ Take the train or trek to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu
  • 🧱 Visit the ancient Inca site of Sacsayhuamán overlooking the city
Cuenca
Colonial charm meets Andean beauty
7.2
Pale hats of toquilla straw hang in rows at the Homero Ortega workshop and museum. The Panama hat actually began in Ecuador. It got its name because exports passed through the Panama Canal. The family-run museum shows how the hats are made. Handwoven handbags are also sold here.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ See hanging houses over the Huécar River gorge
  • ⛪ Visit the impressive New Cathedral with blue domes
  • 🏛️ Explore Cuenca’s UNESCO-listed historic center
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
7.1
Usaquén was its own town until Bogotá absorbed it in 1954. Today its cobblestone plaza hosts a flea market at weekends. Hundreds of vendors sell hand-painted ceramics, woollen ruanas (Colombian ponchos), silver jewellery and woven mochila bags. Free entry and street musicians make it an easy half day.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Stroll through historic La Candelaria neighborhood
  • 🏛️ Explore the Museo del Oro with pre-Hispanic gold
  • ⛰️ Take in panoramic city views from Mount Monserrate
Lima
Historic Charm Meets Coastal Vibes
7.3
Haggling is part of shopping at the crafts fair on Avenida La Marina in Pueblo Libre. Two large markets, Tesoros del Inka and Gran Mercado Inka, sell handicrafts from across Peru. Prices are usually lower than in Miraflores. Sellers expect a counteroffer. Nearby Avenida Sucre has more stalls.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll the scenic Malecón along the Pacific coast
  • 🎨 Visit the Museo Larco for ancient Peruvian art
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
Salvador
Afro-Brazilian Soul on the Sea
6.6
Mercado Modelo faces All Saints Bay in an 1861 building that was once a customs house. About 263 stores sell Bahian crafts such as lace, wood carvings and hammocks. Rag dolls dressed as baianas are popular. It also sells Fitas do Bonfim, colourful ribbons tied on the wrist for good luck.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset over All Saints Bay from the São Marcelo Fort
  • 🥁 Listen to live samba rhythms on the streets at night
  • 🎨 Explore the colorful Pelourinho district and its colonial architecture
Quito
Andean Charm Meets Colonial Splendor
6.9
Busier on Saturdays than any other day, the Otavalo market is a two hour trip north of Quito. It is about 100 km away. Plaza de los Ponchos is open daily. Stalls sell ponchos, scarves, hats, jewellery, woodwork and clay items. Buses leave from the Carcelén station.
Highlights:
  • 🌍 Visit the Middle of the World monument and stand on the equator line
  • 🚠 Ride the TelefériQo for stunning Andean mountain views
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Easter Island
Mysterious Moai and Volcanic Landscapes
8.1
The crafts market in Hanga Roa opens Monday to Saturday. Hours are 9 am to 1 pm and again from 5 to 8 pm. Stalls sell carved moai in wood or stone and moai kava-kava, thin ribbed figures. Shell necklaces are also on offer. The island belongs to Chile.
Highlights:
  • ⛏️ Explore the Rano Raraku volcanic quarry of moai
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Anakena Beach
  • 🗿 Visit the massive moai statues at Ahu Tongariki
Barichara
Colombia's most beautiful colonial gem
7.4
Fundación San Lorenzo, a workshop run by women, has made paper by hand from fique plant fibre since 2001. Short sessions let visitors press their own sheet. Another workshop uses fique to weave bags on traditional looms. Stone carvers have worked here since the town was founded in 1702.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the sandstone cathedral at the village center
  • 🥾 Hike the historic Camino Real trail to Guane
  • 🏘️ Walk the cobblestone streets and admire colonial architecture
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