Whether you are in the market for precious gems, leather crafts or indigenous artisanry, Colombia is a veritable gold mine for those looking to buy unique and high quality items at a reasonable price.
As the world’s leading producer of emeralds, the Colombian gems are considered to be of world-class quality, based on their color, size, purity and strength. The extremely rare and precious “trapiche” emerald, distinguished by its light-reflecting “star-pattern”, can only be found in the central Colombian mines of Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor, and the proximity of these mines to Bogota make the country’s capital the leading commercial centre for sale of the stones.
Tourists can find everything from bags and belts to trousers made from real Colombian leather, and the country’s coffee, grown and produced in the beautiful Zona Cafetera, is internationally renowned for its taste and aroma.
Gold and silver work is also of a high quality, with the exquisitely elaborate replicas of pre-Colombian artifacts being a highlight of the artisanal products on offer throughout the country.
To find out more about where to go and what to on your visit to Colombia, click here.