Must-see shopping in The Highlands

  • Sololá Market

    Lago de Atitlán

    Sololá's market is one of the most vivid in the highlands. The sprawling Mercado Mayoreo (wholesale market) uphill of the Parque Centroamérica serves the…

  • Oxlajuj B'atz'

    Panajachel

    Supporting an NGO for the empowerment of indigenous women, this fair-trade shop features beautiful naturally dyed rugs, handbags, handwoven goods and…

  • Pixan

    Quetzaltenango

    Outlet shop for the women's empowerment association AMA (highland women's association), Pixan sells beautiful high-quality textiles and clothing produced…

  • Pasaje Enríquez

    Quetzaltenango

    On the west side of the park, Pasaje Enríquez is an imposing but gorgeous arcade built in 1896 after a structure in Florence, Italy, and houses an…

  • Libros del Lago

    Panajachel

    Has a refreshingly good stock of books in English and Spanish on Guatemala, the Maya and Mesoamerica, plus maps and Latin American literature in English.

  • Mercado La Democracia

    Quetzaltenango

    For one of Xela's more intense everyday marketing experiences, hit the Mercado La Democracia, about 10 blocks north of Parque Centro América in Zona 3,…

  • Mercado de Artesanías

    Lago de Atitlán

    This small but excellent market on the upper level of the town hall displays beautiful huipiles, beadwork, bags and other crafts produced by a cooperative…

  • Grupo Ecológico Teixchel

    San Pedro La Laguna

    This is a Tz'utujil women's collective that sells fair-trade woven goods and offers weaving classes for Q30 per hour (not including materials). It's about…

  • Mercado La Terminal

    Quetzaltenango

    The hectic, sprawling market immediately south of the main bus terminal is an endless labyrinth of stalls piled high with produce echoing with the cries…

  • Ut'z Bat'z

    Chichicastenango

    This fair-trade shop by the plaza's southwest corner displays the work of a local women's cooperative comprising 30 weavers, including scarves, shawls,…

  • Central Market

    Quetzaltenango

    Xela's central market is three floors of reasonably priced handicrafts, as well as everyday items and fresh produce. Souvenir hunters will need to bargain…

  • Centro Comercial El Dorado

    Panajachel

    This small shopping center by the main junction contains cafes and a nightclub, as well as a variety of everyday stores.