What Souvenirs to Buy from Guatemala

Visitors to the Central American country are sure to want to take something home with them.

Many people stock up on distinctive fabrics in traditional colors, great for placemats, table cloths and runners. Otherwise, buy a traditional huipil, the brightly colored tunics worn by indigenous women across the country.

If textiles aren’t your thing, why not get some boots from Pastores? This little town just outside Antigua is famous for its cobblers, and you can get all manner of shoes and boots made to measure. Just go in to get measured, choose your style and come back a week later.

Another good souvenir is the clay pottery you’ll see in markets across the country. If you can transport it, you can pick up a great new dinner set for pennies.

For those that prefer to give alcoholic gifts, try Quetzalteca, the traditional aguardiente that comes in a selection of flavors, or splash out on some Ron Zacapa. It’s feted as one of the best rums in the world, and it’s produced in the hills of southern Guatemala. The country is also famous for its coffee, and a bag of beans makes a great gift for the coffee fans in your life.