When we go traveling we all know it’s imperative to bring home souvenirs that come with inspiring stories. Luckily for South American travelers, Colombia is no stranger to the souvenir – from stylish sombreros to high-altitude coffee and coca leaves, make sure there’s space in your case because you’ve got gifts to pack!
1.Wayuu Mochila
Spanish lesson 101: Mochila = bag. You can’t leave Colombia without one. It’s an iconic souvenir you just have to take home. Wayuu Women are located in northern Colombia and northwest Venezuela, known as people of the sand, sun and wind. Their designs are carefully curated and often take weeks or even months to make with their intricate woven designs, unique to every bag. They can be found just about everywhere in the region and make the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!
2. COFFEE.
Did you even go to Colombia if you didn’t bring back authentic, super-potent coffee? Did you know that you can even make it yourself on a coffee farm tour on your trip? You’ve hit the jackpot – especially if you’re staying in or near the Andes mountains, home to the world’s best beans around!
If you’re traveling solo and you haven’t found that special someone to go on your coffee farm adventure with, use the HandyHostel app to make friends in your accommodation. Easy, breezy, just how we like it.
3. Yellow, red and blue
Sounds slightly patriotic, but we’re all about representing Colombia’s own colors through handmade jewelry and other fashionable items. You can find woven bracelets, beaded necklaces and so much more from any souvenir store or street seller. They’re super cheap to buy too, so you can buy as many as you want for yourself and everyone back home.
4. Ruana poncho
The ruana (which translates as ‘land of blankets’) is essentially a woolen throw-on poncho made from the finest sheep’s wool in the country. A traditionally worn garment in the cooler regions of the Andean region of Colombia, there’s no surprise that it makes the perfect companion for chilly 12-hour night buses – you can thank us later!!
5. Volteado Hat
You can wear it on your head or stick it on your bedroom wall as a token of your trip – the Volteado hat is an absolute classic souvenir, so quintessentially Colombian and you need one in your life. You can find them dotted in various cities but they’re mainly found in Cartagena, where they’ve historically been a national style symbol. Made from intricate woven fibers that offer premium bend and flexibility, they were designed for everyone to dance the night away!
6. Coca tea
Only legal for use in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina – coca tea is known and loved by many Colombian nationals especially. This herbal tea infusion is made using dry leaves of the South American coca plant placed in hot water. Many nationals of the Andrean region use it for medicinal properties, while backpackers are known to drink the substance to prevent altitude sickness. Just one warning, it tastes pretty bad. Let us know how it turned out for you.
Be sure to download the HandyHostel app for your next trip, so you can meet new lodgers in your accommodation and enjoy epic experiences together!