Categories: Daytrips + City Plans

10 Best Colombian Souvenirs To Bring Back Home And Where To Find Them

When we choose souvenirs to bring back home, we always want them to have a magical story that we can share to impress family and friends.

Colombia is a rich and multicultural country and depending on what you do during your stay and who you are shopping for, there’s a souvenir for all tastes. Whether you’re into food, fashion or home decoration, Colombia’s got you covered.

If you need a few ideas of what to bring back home, below I’ll share with you the 10 best Colombian souvenirs and where you can find them.

Grocery stores Colombian souvenirs

For all the edibles, head over to Colombian supermarkets such as Olimpica, Carulla or Exito. You’ll find the same items than in the duty-free airport shops for a fraction of the price. If you want to get crazy, try one of the many Colombian mecato snacks. But if you prefer to stay on the safe side, you can pick up:

1. Obleas con arequipe

Thin round wafers with the Colombian version of dulce de leche. Find it in the snack section.

Credit to IG @felizkren

2. OMA chocolate covered coffee beans

They come in a red tin located in the snack or chocolate section.

3. Colombian rum or aguardiente

Pick up some Ron Caldas or Aguardiente Antioqueño without sugar or sin azucar, like this you’re less likely to have a nasty hangover. Colombians claim this is the best brand but to be honest, they all taste the same to me.

Aguardiente Antioqueño. Credit to IG_andres_me_now35_

4. Specialty coffee

If you are planning on doing a coffee tour in Bogota or visiting a coffee farm, then by all means, get your specialty Colombian coffee there. But if those stops aren’t on your list, you’ll find a wide range of specialty Colombian coffee in any supermarket. Look out for Juan Valdez which produces regional coffee or Amor Perfecto, a beloved favorite amongst Colombians.

Souvenirs from the Coast of Colombia

5. Wayuu mochila bags

If you were going to La Guajira there is no better Colombian souvenir and nothing more representative of the region than these crochet bags. If you can, take the time to visit the indigenous Wayuu group in their rancherias or communities. If not, you’ll easily find them throughout the region. I personally find Wayuu mochila bags to be the best Colombian souvenir to take back home. In case you weren’t able to pick one up, you can buy get one through my Wayuu bag ecommerce here.

6. Arhuaca bags

If you’re planning on hiking the La Ciudad Perdida or the lost city, then this is the perfect occasion to pick one up directly from The indigenous Kogi people.

7. Volteado hat

The Colombian voltieao hat makes a beautiful wall decoration and a fashion piece every Colombian recognizes. Find it in Cartagena.

Market or City Center Colombian souvenirs

If you get the chance, stop by the lovely Sunday Usaquen market or drop in one of the many markets or souvenir shops in Bogota’s historical area. Here you can pick up:

8. Coca tea

For all those friends who jokingly asked you to bring them back some good stuff, now you can. Surprise them with some Coke tea. Although it doesn’t taste great, it’s definitely worth trying.

Wayuu and Arhuaca mochila bags

If you missed your chance or didn’t visit the coast of Colombia, you can also find these Wayuu Colombian souvenirs here still cheaper than in the airport.

9. Emeralds

Surely during your stay, you discovered that Colombia produces the majority of the world’s emeralds. To shop for your own precious gem, use your guide book to locate the iconic building in the center where you’ll find your choice or emerald jewelry. Be prepared to speak Spanish, negotiate, and have patience. It’s best to go with a local if you can in order to get the best price.

10. Gold museum indigenous jewelry imitations

You might feel inspired after visiting the gold museum and want to take home a piece of your own. Shop for copies within the gold museum and in souvenir shops around the historic center.

Hopefully, I just gave you some great ideas of Colombian souvenirs you can take back home to enjoy with your family and friends. Apart from these, you’ll find many more things, especially handmade items created from natural fibers and materials to decorate your home and as fashion statements.

Whatever your taste and preferences are, you’re bound to find a Colombian that makes a lasting impression!

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View Comments

Julie says:
April 26, 2017 at 10:22 am

Absolutely! I live in Barranquilla and am going to visit my hometown in the USA soon, and I had a lot of these in mind for gifts! I've lived here for well over a year and have never heard of those chocolate-covered coffee beans! For more gifts, bocadilla (a sweet made from guayaba fruit) and brevas con arequipe (figs with arequipe); soooo delicious! Maybe some jewelry from carnavales? North Americans love carnavales stuff.
- Deb McFarland says:
  January 9, 2018 at 10:41 pm
  
  Julie,
  Are there any reputable emerald merchants in Barranquilla? We'll be attending Carnival in February - our first trip to Columbia! I don't think we'll have time to get to Bogota.
Alain says:
December 7, 2016 at 11:19 am

Bravo pour le blog!

Très sympa tes articles.

Alain
- bogotastic says:
  December 22, 2016 at 6:34 pm
  
  Merci Alain!
- bogotastic says:
  December 12, 2016 at 7:33 am
  
  Merci pour ton petit message!