Chile stretches 4,300 km along South America's Pacific coast, offering stunning diversity from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonian glaciers in the south. Experience world-class wine regions, vibrant cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, and breathtaking natural wonders including Torres del Paine National Park.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Mapuche Weavings (Chamantos)
Hand-woven woolen blankets and ponchos from Mapuche artisans, featuring geometric patterns in earthy and bold tones. These traditional textiles are authentic cultural expressions passed down through generations.
Price: $30-150
Where: Feria Artesanal Los Dominicos, Santiago; Temuco Mercado Municipal
Lapislazuli Pendants and Rings
Chile produces over 90% of the world's lapislazuli; the deep-blue semi-precious stone is carved into earrings, pendants, and rings. Look for certifications of origin to ensure authenticity.
Price: $15-200
Where: Artesanías de Chile shops, Barrio Italia (Santiago), Valparaíso craft markets
Chilean Wines
Bottles of Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Sauvignon Blanc from Maipo, Colchagua, or Casablanca valleys make world-class gifts. Buy direct from wineries for better prices and story.
Price: $8-50
Where: Viñedos winery shops, Jumbo or Unimarc supermarkets, Emporio Nacional
Manjar (Dulce de Leche)
Chile's beloved caramel spread made by slowly reducing sweetened milk, sold in artisan jars or branded tins. Used on toast, pastries, and as cake filling — iconic Chilean flavour.
Price: $3-10
Where: Supermarkets nationwide, airport duty-free, Mercado Central
Quinchamalí Black Pottery
Distinctive hand-crafted black clay figurines and cookware from the Quinchamalí artisan village near Chillán, decorated with white incised patterns. UNESCO-recognized craft tradition.
Price: $10-80
Where: Feria de Artesanías Chillán, Artesanías de Chile stores in Santiago
Pisco Chileno
Chilean pisco is a grape brandy produced in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions — the base of the national cocktail Pisco Sour. Premium aged varieties make excellent gifts.
Price: $10-40
Where: Duty-free at SCL airport, supermarkets, distillery shops in Elqui Valley
Merkén Spice Blend
Traditional Mapuche smoked chilli and coriander blend used to season meats and stews. Increasingly popular among chefs worldwide and sold in artisan packaging.
Price: $5-15
Where: La Vega Central market (Santiago), organic food stores, artisan fairs
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado Central
Stunning iron-and-glass market hall dating to 1872, packed with fresh seafood, produce, and Chilean crafts. The interior restaurants serve legendary caldillo de congrio (conger eel soup) and fresh ceviche.
Where: San Pablo 967, Santiago Centro
Hours: Mon-Thu 6AM-4PM, Fri-Sat 6AM-5PM, Sun 6AM-3PM
La Vega Central
Santiago's largest wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable market, beloved by chefs and locals alike. Dozens of small stalls sell Chilean cheeses, dried fruits, spices, and street food at rock-bottom prices.
Where: Antonia López de Bello 890, Barrio Bellavista, Santiago
Hours: Daily 5AM-5PM
Feria Artesanal Los Dominicos
Established in 1972 within a restored colonial church complex, this is Santiago's premier permanent craft market with over 80 artisan workshops. Find lapislazuli jewelry, Mapuche textiles, ceramics, and leather goods.
Where: Av. Apoquindo 9085, Las Condes, Santiago
Hours: Wed-Sun 10AM-7PM
Feria de Artesanías Valparaíso (Cerro Alegre)
Outdoor market on the colourful hillsides of Valparaíso's UNESCO heritage quarter. Artists and artisans sell paintings, prints of the city's famous murals, silver jewelry, and handmade clothing.
Where: Paseo Gervasoni, Cerro Alegre, Valparaíso
Hours: Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM (daily in summer)
Feria Pueblito Los Dominicos (Weekend Antiques)
Weekend antiques and vintage fair adjacent to the craft market, with dealers offering mid-century furniture, vintage maps, Chilean stamps, coins, and collectibles.
Where: Av. Apoquindo 9085 surrounds, Las Condes
Hours: Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Barrio Italia
Santiago's hippest neighbourhood for independent design boutiques, vintage stores, and concept shops. Av. Italia and Condell streets are packed with local fashion labels, artisan chocolatiers, record shops, and coffee roasters.
Best for: Local design, vintage clothing, specialty food
Barrio Lastarria
Elegant neighbourhood adjacent to Santa Lucía Hill with curated boutique shops, independent bookstores, art galleries, and design stores. The weekend craft fair in Plaza Mulato Gil is a highlight.
Best for: Books, design goods, art prints, specialty coffee
Av. Providencia
Santiago's main commercial high street stretching from Metro Baquedano to Pedro de Valdivia, lined with Chilean clothing chains (Falabella, Ripley), shoe stores, pharmacies, and international fast fashion brands.
Best for: Clothing, shoes, electronics, everyday goods
Cerro Alegre & Cerro Concepción, Valparaíso
Valparaíso's famous hilltop neighbourhoods are lined with artisan galleries, street-art-inspired print shops, handmade jewelry boutiques, and independent clothing designers inspired by the city's bohemian character.
Best for: Local art, handmade jewelry, photography prints
Calle Estado & Plaza de Armas, Santiago
The pedestrianised Calle Estado in the historic centre hosts currency exchange shops, bookstores, souvenir stalls, and traditional watchmakers. Adjacent streets have excellent lapislazuli jewellery shops.
Best for: Souvenirs, lapislazuli, traditional crafts
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Costanera Center
Latin America's largest mall inside South America's tallest tower (Gran Torre Santiago, 300m). Over 300 stores across 6 floors including Zara, H&M, Apple, international and local brands, a cinema multiplex, and a food court with panoramic city views.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-9PM
Parque Arauco
Premium open-concept mall in Las Condes district with over 300 stores, luxury anchors (Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss), restaurants, a cineplex, and a large children's play area. One of Santiago's oldest and most prestigious shopping centres.
Hours: Daily 10AM-9PM
Alto Las Condes
Large upscale mall in Las Condes featuring department stores Falabella and Ripley, international and Chilean fashion brands, a supermarket, food court, and 10-screen cinema. Easy metro access from Line 1.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-8PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in Chilean shops or malls — prices are fixed. However, at artisan markets and outdoor fairs, politely asking 'hay algún descuento?' (is there any discount?) may yield 10-15% off for cash purchases.
Buying multiple items from the same artisan at markets often leads to a better price — ask 'cuánto por los dos?' (how much for both?) or 'me hace un precio?' (can you give me a deal?) when selecting several pieces.
Cash is strongly preferred at craft markets and smaller vendors; many do not accept cards, and paying cash often secures a small discount.
Never pressure vendors or haggle aggressively — Chilean culture values courtesy and relaxed interactions. A friendly negotiation is fine; pushy behaviour will be met with a firm 'no'.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 100 years old require an export permit from Chile's National Monuments Council (CMN). Lapislazuli over 5 kg requires documentation. Fresh fruit, meat, and plant products cannot be taken across borders.
Tax Refund: Foreign tourists can claim a VAT (IVA) refund of 19% on purchases over CLP 25,000 from registered shops displaying the 'Tax Free' logo. Present receipts and passport at Santiago international airport refund desk.
Duty Free: Travellers may bring CLP 500,000 (approx. $500 USD) worth of duty-free goods into Chile. Departing passengers may purchase up to 2 bottles of spirits and 10 bottles of wine duty-free at SCL airport.
Shipping: Most major craft shops in Santiago and Valparaíso offer international shipping for fragile or large items. Chilean postal service (Correos de Chile) ships internationally; DHL and FedEx have offices in major cities for expedited shipping.