Best Bolivian Buys: Unique Souvenirs To Take Home

Bolivia is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs. The country is culturally rich and diverse, with 37 official languages, and this is reflected in the wide variety of products available. From handcrafted talismans and textiles to pottery and alcoholic drinks, there is something for everyone. Bolivia is also known for its salt mines in Uyuni, where you can find unique salt crafts, and its ametrine stone, a mixture of amethyst and citrine, which is only found in Bolivia. Whether you're looking for a gift to bring home or a memorable item for yourself, Bolivia has something to offer.

Handcrafted talismans and amulets

Bolivia is a culturally rich country with a wide variety of traditional products, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs. One of the quintessential traditional products to buy in Bolivia is the handcrafted talisman.

The handcrafted talismans and amulets are typically made from stone and feature intricate carvings. Some may even be made from salt, as the Salt Flats of Uyuni feature a variety of souvenirs made from the salt gathered from the flats, including carvings of camels and llamas. The stone talismans may depict anything from totems to animal figures and the strange faces of ancestral gods. These amulets are believed to bring good luck or protect against evil spirits, making them a unique and meaningful souvenir.

When exploring the Witches Market or other markets in Bolivia, you may come across additional unique items. For instance, you can find colourful textiles used for traditional costumes, shoes, handbags, and hats, as well as miniature models that are believed to grant wishes when blessed by a yatiri (witch doctor) and a Catholic priest during the Alasitas festival. So, whether you're looking for good luck, protection, or simply a memorable memento of your time in Bolivia, handcrafted talismans and amulets are a great option to consider.

Pottery and ceramics

You can find an array of tableware, pots, and jugs, as well as other types of containers, in a variety of designs and colours. Some pieces are delicately painted with intricate patterns, while others retain a more modest clay look, showcasing the natural beauty of the material. These items are not only functional but also make for beautiful decorative pieces to liven up any home.

The Bolivian pottery and ceramics you'll come across will feature unique designs and patterns that are typical of Bolivian artisans. Many of these items are also quite colourful, reflecting the vibrant culture of the country. However, you will also find pieces that remain in the natural clay colour, which can complement various modern interior design styles.

If you're looking for something truly special, you might want to consider a handcrafted vase. These larger pieces can be a great option if you have some extra space in your luggage. Alternatively, smaller items like jars and pots are also widely available and easier to transport due to their compact size.

Textiles and clothing

One of the most iconic items to purchase in Bolivia is the traditional poncho. These ponchos are typically made from alpaca wool, making them exceptionally warm and durable. The alpaca is native to Bolivia, and the ponchos feature colourful and bright designs, often with unique patterns. They are perfect for keeping you cosy in cold climates and are available in various styles and sizes.

Another classic item to look out for is the bowler hat, famously worn by Bolivian women. These hats are not just fashionable, but they also indicate the marital status of the wearer. If worn at a jaunty angle, it signifies that the woman is single or widowed, while wearing it flat on the head denotes marriage. These hats come in different designs and sizes and can be found in outdoor markets and street stalls.

For those seeking unique artisan pieces, the aguayos are traditional Bolivian cloaks, expertly handcrafted by Bolivian women artisans. These cloaks are not only beautiful but also functional, as they can be used as bags to carry goods or even to carry babies. Aguayos showcase the vibrant colours and intricate designs typical of Bolivian textiles.

Bolivia's textile prowess extends beyond clothing to a range of accessories. You can find colourful shoes, handbags, hats, and numerous other accessories made from local materials. The leather jackets are also a great option, with tailors offering made-to-measure pieces at reasonable prices.

Lastly, for those who want to bring a piece of Bolivia's magic home, the stone-carved talismans are a must-buy. These handcrafted amulets, often found in markets like the famed Witches Market in La Paz, feature depictions of totems, animals, and ancestral gods. They are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, making them unique and meaningful souvenirs.

Whether it's a cosy poncho, a stylish hat, or a magical talisman, Bolivia's textiles and clothing offer something for everyone, making them perfect gifts and mementos of your trip to this fascinating country.

Alcoholic drinks

Bolivia has a range of alcoholic drinks that can serve as memorable souvenirs. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Singani

The national drink of Bolivia, Singani, is a liquor used as a base in many mixed drinks. It is a clear, grape-based liquor that has been produced in the country for centuries. Singani is often compared to Italian grappa and is considered a premium spirit.

Pisco

Pisco is another liquor commonly found in Bolivia and is a key ingredient in several beverages. It is a colourless or yellowish liquor made by distilling fermented grape juice. Pisco is widely used in South America, and you can find it in various cocktails, including the famous Pisco Sour.

Supay

Supay is a unique alcoholic beverage found only in Bolivia. It is a spicy drink with strong hints of aniseed. The drink is named after the god of death, Supay, who is also the ruler of the underworld and the god of minerals in ancient Aymara, Incan, and Quechuan mythology. The bottle is adorned with a colourful demon mask, adding to its allure.

Casquito

Casquito is a mix of pure alcohol and soft drinks, usually cola. This drink is often associated with poorer communities and is prohibited due to its use of pure alcohol. While it may not be the finest drink, it can serve as a conversation starter among your friends back home.

Mocochinchi

Mocochinchi is a dehydrated peach cider, offering a unique take on the traditional cider-making process. It is a refreshing alcoholic drink, perfect for those who enjoy the taste of peaches.

Chive

Chive, pronounced "chivay," is a popular alcoholic beverage in Oriente Bolivia. It is made from fermented yuca, manioc, or cassava, which is then dried, mixed with sugar, and broken down into a coarse powder. This powder is then mixed with water to create the final drink.

Salt crafts

At the market stalls near the salt flats, you will find a variety of objects made from salt, including carvings of camels, llamas, and coffers. These carvings are made from salt blocks cut directly from the surface of the flats. You can also find decorative salt crystal minerals and rock salt for cooking, which comes in different flavours and is sold in little glass jars.

One of the most famous salt crafters is Nico, a resident of Colchani, a village on the border of the salt flats. Nico's courtyard displays over a dozen salt sculptures in various shapes and sizes, from animals to vehicles. His most famous piece is a full-scale replica of a truck, commissioned by Toyota for the Dakar rally. Most of his sculptures, however, are smaller and designed to fit in suitcases, such as his popular elephant and llama figurines.

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