Cartagena is one of those cities that practically begs you to bring something colourful home. Between the brightly painted buildings, street vendors, local boutiques and markets, you will have no trouble finding souvenirs while exploring the Walled City.
But rather than filling your suitcase with generic Cartagena t-shirts and magnets, there are some beautiful Colombian products worth looking for.
I always prefer souvenirs that remind me of something we experienced on a trip or that I can actually use once I get home. Food and coffee are easy choices, while locally made art, clothing and accessories can bring a little bit of Cartagena’s colour home with you.
If you are wondering what to buy in Cartagena, Colombia, here are some of the best souvenirs to keep an eye out for.
Top Cartagena Souvenirs to Keep Your Eye Out For!
Colombian Mochila Bags
You will see colourful woven mochila bags throughout Cartagena, and they are easily one of the most recognizable souvenirs you can bring home from Colombia.
Many of the traditional mochila bags sold in Colombia are handmade by Indigenous artisans, with different communities having their own weaving traditions and designs.
They are also one of those souvenirs you can actually use once you get home. Depending on the size, they work as purses, beach bags or everyday bags, and they are easy to pack because you can simply tuck them into your suitcase.
If buying an authentic handmade bag is important to you, ask about where it was made and who made it rather than assuming everything sold in Cartagena is locally produced. One of my favorite local brands is Indhyluna. You can find their shop in the Intercontinental Hotel.
Colombian Coffee
Colombia is famous for its coffee, so bringing home a bag or two is an easy choice.
You will find Colombian coffee everywhere in Cartagena, from grocery stores to specialty coffee shops. If you drink coffee regularly, look for locally roasted beans rather than grabbing the first tourist package you see.
Coffee also makes an easy gift. It is relatively lightweight, packs well and is something people will actually use rather than putting on a shelf.
Colombian Emeralds
Colombia is famous for its emeralds, and Cartagena has no shortage of jewellery stores selling them. If you are looking for a more significant souvenir, an emerald ring, necklace or pair of earrings can be a beautiful reminder of your trip. This is one purchase where I would do some research before handing over your credit card. Shop at a reputable jeweller and ask about certification, quality and where the stone came from.
Local Art and Prints
Cartagena is one of the most colourful cities I have visited, which makes local artwork a particularly fitting souvenir.
Look for paintings, illustrations and prints featuring Cartagena’s colourful colonial buildings, balconies overflowing with flowers, Caribbean street scenes and the city’s famous doors.
Small prints are one of my favourite souvenirs because they are flat, lightweight and easy to get home. You will find artists selling work around the Walled City as well as pieces in galleries and independent shops.
Buying directly from a Colombian artist also means your money is supporting someone locally rather than purchasing another mass-produced souvenir.
Colombian Chocolate
If you prefer souvenirs you can eat, Colombian chocolate is an easy addition to your suitcase.
Colombia grows cacao, and you will find locally produced chocolate bars and cacao products in specialty shops around Cartagena.
They make great gifts because they are relatively inexpensive and do not take up much luggage space. Pick up a few different varieties and you can always taste-test them before deciding which ones actually make it home!
Colombian Clothing and Accessories
Cartagena has plenty of opportunities to shop beyond the traditional souvenir stores.
Look for Colombian-designed clothing, colourful dresses, hats, jewellery and accessories that fit right in with Cartagena’s Caribbean atmosphere.
This is another category where it is worth seeking out local boutiques and designers rather than simply buying something with “Cartagena” printed across the front.
If you are traveling with tweens or teens, they may also want to check out the soccer jerseys! They are easy to find all over Cartagena!
Colombian Hot Sauce and Caribbean Flavours
Cartagena’s location on Colombia’s Caribbean coast means the food here has its own flavours and influences.
If you like bringing home edible souvenirs, keep an eye out for Colombian hot sauces, spices and packaged products that remind you of the meals you had during your trip.
Local grocery stores are always worth wandering through. You can often find interesting products for much less than you would pay in a souvenir shop, and grocery shopping in another country is part of the travel experience for me anyway.
Just make sure whatever you buy can legally be brought back into your home country.
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Cartagena
You will find souvenir shopping everywhere inside Cartagena’s Walled City. Street vendors sell colourful bags, hats, jewellery and artwork, while boutiques offer everything from Colombian fashion to more expensive handmade pieces.
Getsemaní is another neighbourhood worth exploring. Along with its street art and colourful streets, you will find small shops, vendors and locally made products. If you are taking one of the many Cartagena food tours in this neighborhood, it is the perfect time to buy local edible souvenirs.
For food souvenirs such as coffee and chocolate, do not overlook Colombian grocery stores and specialty food shops. You will often find a much better selection than you will in shops aimed exclusively at tourists.
If you are shopping for emeralds or more expensive jewellery, this is one category where I would avoid making an impulse purchase from an unknown seller. Take the time to visit a reputable jeweller and understand exactly what you are buying.
Cartagena Souvenirs I’d Skip Next Time
I would skip most of the generic mass-produced souvenirs with “Cartagena” printed across them. This is such a colourful and creative city that there are far more interesting things to bring home.
I would also be careful with anything being sold as handmade or Indigenous-made without knowing where it actually came from. If you want an authentic mochila or another traditional craft, ask questions about the maker and look for sellers who can tell you where the item was produced.
Emeralds are another purchase I would never make simply because someone offered me an incredible deal. If you want Colombian emerald jewellery, spend your money with a reputable seller.
And as beautiful as some of the oversized artwork and decorative pieces are, remember that you still have to get everything home. A small print, woven bag, package of coffee or piece of jewellery is a lot easier to fit into your suitcase and can bring back just as many memories of Cartagena.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.