What to Buy in Medellín 2026: Typical Souvenirs & Crafts

Going home from Medellín empty-handed is a crime. The city blends Antioquian craft traditions with artisanship from all over Colombia, and the souvenirs you can take back go way beyond the typical t-shirt. Here's the local guide — what to buy, where, and how not to get overcharged.

The most typical Medellín souvenirs

Before you start shopping, know what's actually worth taking home:

• Wayuu bags (the queens of Colombian souvenirs)
• Hats: vueltiao, aguadeño, paisa
• Single-origin coffee vacuum-packed
• Botero figurines and art
• Chivas (the traditional colorful bus, miniature)
• Paisa leather crafts
• Mugs, magnets and keychains with Medellín landmarks
• Colombia football jerseys

Wayuu bags — the artisan jewel

The Wayuu mochila is hand-woven by Wayuu indigenous women from La Guajira. A single bag can take 15 to 30 days of work, which is why it's a unique piece — not an industrial product. Honest prices range from 120,000 COP (small) to 450,000+ COP (large with hand-woven kanasü strap).

How to spot an authentic one:

• Uniform, symmetric weaving with no loose threads.
• Long, thick, braided strap (not a thin cord).
• Tag from the artisan or her cooperative.
• Clear geometric patterns — not industrial copies.

We carry a curated selection of Wayuu bags at the MOVE Shop, sourced directly from La Guajira cooperatives.

Traditional hats (vueltiao, aguadeño, paisa)

Three classics you'll see across the country:

• Vueltiao: woven in caña flecha — the most recognizable Colombian hat. From the Caribbean coast but adopted nationwide.
• Aguadeño: woven in iraca, finer, typical of the coffee region. Elegant in warm weather.
• Paisa hat (a.k.a. uribito): wool felt, short brim, associated with the Antioquian farmer.

These are great gifts and rarely faked — the quality gap is obvious. Find several models at our shop.

Colombian coffee to take home

Coffee is arguably the best souvenir: light, lasts for months, and recreates the Paisa experience at home. Always buy single-origin coffee vacuum-packed, never industrial supermarket coffee.

At our Laureles HQ you can taste the coffee before buying at MOVE Coffee & Frappés. For the full deep dive, read our Colombian coffee in Medellín guide.

Botero art in miniature

Fernando Botero is Paisa pride #1. His "Boterismo" style — voluminous, rounded figures — is reproduced in small sculptures, printed paintings and decorative figurines. Perfect for your home or as a tasteful gift. After the Plaza Botero tour many travelers stop by the shop to take one home.

Chivas, magnets and small things

• Chivas: the colorful traditional bus. Wood or ceramic replicas from 25,000 COP.
• Magnets: Comuna 13, Pueblito Paisa, Plaza Botero — bestsellers.
• Keychains and mugs illustrated with city landmarks.

For a premium set, the Shop puts together custom bundles.

Paisa leather crafts

Antioquia has a cattle-ranching heritage and local leather is solid quality. Wallets, purses, belts and notebooks — all handmade. Honest price: a medium wallet runs 80,000–180,000 COP.

Where to buy without getting overcharged

Golden rule: skip airports and hotels. Prices there are inflated up to 3x. Best places to shop:

1. MOVE Shop in Laureles (Calle 44a #70-79) — curated selection, fair pricing, no aggressive haggling. Open Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–6:00 PM.
2. Pueblito Paisa: typical souvenirs, perfect after a panoramic tour.
3. San Alejo market (Saturdays, Parque Bolívar): authentic local crafts.

Avoid stalls in Parque Lleras and tourist mall shops.

Take Medellín home with you

Combine shopping with the experience: book a MOVE tour, end at our Laureles HQ and pick your souvenirs at your own pace. For food gift ideas, also check our what to eat in Medellín guide — coffee and Paisa sweets travel surprisingly well.

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Ready to take Medellín home? Visit the MOVE Shop or message us on WhatsApp for shipping: +57 350 4502929.