La Paz Shopping Guide: Unique Bolivian Souvenirs And Gifts

La Paz, Bolivia, is a shopper's paradise. From colourful artisan products to unique souvenirs, there is something for everyone. The city is particularly well-known for its handmade arts and crafts, with Calle Sagárnaga being the main hub for tourists looking to pick up local handicrafts. The variety of goods on offer is impressive, with popular items including alpaca woollen garments, leather goods, and musical instruments. For those looking to shop like the locals do, there is the Mercado Rodriguez, a bustling food market with fresh produce, and the Megacenter, a large entertainment complex with various shops and eateries.

Alpaca clothing

La Paz, Bolivia, is surrounded by flatlands that are home to alpacas, the source of the soft and warm alpaca wool used in the region's knitwear. The city itself has many stores selling alpaca clothing, including sweaters, scarves, shawls, ponchos, and jumpers.

When shopping for alpaca clothing in La Paz, it is important to be aware of the quality of the product. While pure alpaca garments have a certain silky lustre and feel, some cheaper products may be mixed with synthetic fibres or sheep's wool. To ensure you are getting a quality product, it is recommended to shop around, compare prices, and ask for discounts, as bargaining is common in La Paz.

Some popular stores in La Paz that sell alpaca clothing include Artesanias Millma, La Lana in the Hotel Sheraton, and UNIQUE, L.A.M, Ayni Bolivia, and Suritayka Bolivia, which sell higher-end baby alpaca products. For those seeking something truly luxurious, the late Bolivian fashion designer Beatriz Canedo Patiño, known as the Queen of Alpaca, is worth considering.

Leather goods

La Paz is a great place to shop for leather goods, with a range of options available to suit different budgets. If you're looking for a leather jacket, your best bet is to head uphill on the pedestrian street, Mariano Graneros, where you'll find several stores offering tailor-made services. You can expect to pay around 500 BOB (US$70) for a leather jacket, depending on its design and size.

If you're interested in other leather goods, such as bags, Calle Sagarnaga is the place to go. This bustling tourist hotspot is packed with stores selling local handicrafts, including leather bags. For those looking to support local artisans and fair trade practices, Ayni Bolivia is a highly recommended shop located on Av. Illampu. Here, you can find a unique selection of high-quality leather goods, including women's leather bags, alongside other handcrafted items such as alpaca garments and ceramic crafts.

For those looking to splurge, Montenegro Avenue in Calaoto is home to several upmarket shops selling leather goods. You can expect to pay around US$40 for a leather bag in this area.

When shopping for leather goods in La Paz, it's important to remember that prices are rarely set in stone, so don't be afraid to bargain and ask for a discount.

Musical instruments

La Paz is the perfect place to buy a quality handmade musical instrument. You can find various instrument stores dotted around Sagarnaga and Lineras, all of which are known to be pretty good. You can buy off the shelf or made-to-order, but be very specific about expectations and delivery time frames.

You can find guitars, pan pipes, violins, and almost any type of musical instrument imaginable. You can also visit the Museum of Musical Instruments (Museo Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia), which houses Bolivia's most extensive collection of unique indigenous instruments. The museum features over 2000 percussion, string, and wind instruments used throughout the different regions of Bolivia, as well as a comprehensive collection of charangos, an Andean guitar-like instrument. The museum was founded in 1962 by famous Bolivian charanguista and inventor of musical instruments, Ernesto Cavour Aramayo.

Some of the more unusual instruments in the museum include volcanic rock flutes in the shape of erotic figures, guitars made from armadillos, and a large pan pipe made from palm leaf which can only be played when standing up. The museum also has a hands-on section for children (and adults) to try out some of the traditional instruments, as well as a music classroom where visitors can take charango and wind instrument lessons. Every Saturday night, the museum holds a charango concert, showcasing seasoned musicians from La Paz.

Handmade crafts

La Paz, Bolivia is a haven for unique, handmade crafts. The city's many markets and stores offer a wide variety of artisan products, including clothing, accessories, ornaments, and artwork. Here are some recommendations for where to find the best handmade crafts in La Paz:

Calle Sagárnaga

Calle Sagárnaga is the bustling heart of La Paz's shopping scene. This street is packed with thousands of stores selling local handicrafts. While the quality may vary, the selection is impressive. You can find everything from alpaca sweaters and hand-woven shoulder bags to leather goods, wool hats, textiles, and gloves. Calle Sagárnaga is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with vendors.

ComArt

For a unique shopping experience, visit ComArt on Calle Linares 958. This store is the only association of organized workers in La Paz. When you purchase something from ComArt, your money goes directly to the artisans themselves. You can find a variety of handmade crafts here, including alpaca sweaters, leather goods, and woven textiles.

Walisuma

If you're specifically looking for high-quality alpaca sweaters, Walisuma on Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz 938 is the place to go. They offer a wide range of colours and styles, and the sweaters are made with exceptional craftsmanship.

Kuka Pradel

For those interested in jewellery, Kuka Pradel on Av. 6 de Agosto 2190 is a must-visit. They offer beautiful silver jewellery, including intricate handcrafted pieces that showcase local designs and symbols.

Mama Coca

Located on Pasaje Jimenez 872, between Santa Cruz and Linares, Mama Coca specialises in handcrafted Andean festival masks. These masks are colourful and detailed, perfect for those seeking a unique and authentic souvenir.

Way Maker Map Shop

For maps of all kinds, from city maps to hiking and trekking maps, the Way Maker Map Shop on Calle Illampu 897 is the place to go. This store offers a wide selection of maps to help you navigate La Paz and the surrounding areas.

La Paz Markets

La Paz is also home to several markets that showcase the talents of local artisans. The Witches' Market, located off Calle Sagárnaga on Calle Linares, offers a unique experience with charms, spices, and magic potions. For local products and produce, the Mercado Rodriguez is a great option. If you're looking for handcrafted items from around Bolivia, the Galeria Artesanal Sumaya is worth visiting.

Silver jewellery

• Variety of Designs: La Paz offers a wide range of silver jewellery designs, from traditional and cultural motifs to modern and contemporary styles. You can find unique pieces that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bolivia or opt for more simplistic designs that suit your personal taste.
• Affordable Prices: The prices of silver jewellery in La Paz are typically lower than in many other places. This is due to the abundance of local artisans and silver mines in the region, reducing the overall cost of production and retail. Remember that bargaining is common in La Paz, so don't be afraid to negotiate on the price.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Bolivian artisans are known for their skilled craftsmanship, and silver jewellery is an art form they take pride in. The attention to detail, intricate designs, and high-quality silver used in their jewellery make these pieces stand out. You can be confident that you're purchasing well-made jewellery that will last for years to come.
• Authenticity and Uniqueness: Silver jewellery from La Paz often features unique designs inspired by Andean culture and traditions. You can find jewellery incorporating symbols, geometric patterns, and natural elements that are specific to the region. These authentic pieces will not only showcase your sense of style but also serve as meaningful souvenirs or gifts.
• Support Local Artisans: When you purchase silver jewellery in La Paz, you are directly supporting local artisans and their communities. Many of these artisans rely on tourism and local businesses to sustain their livelihoods. By buying their jewellery, you are contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts and ensuring that their skills are passed down through generations.

When shopping for silver jewellery in La Paz, you can explore various markets, boutiques, and speciality stores. Remember to inspect the quality of the silver and ensure that you are purchasing from reputable sellers. Enjoy your shopping experience and take home some beautiful silver jewellery that will remind you of the vibrant culture and charm of La Paz, Bolivia!

Frequently asked questions