Artesanias de Colombia (Colombian Handicrafts), Bogota

Artesanías de Colombia is the country's most popular and widely promoted craft brand. In Bogota, it has three stores, with the main one located next to Iglesia de las Aguas. The brand offers a carefully curated collection of high-quality national crafts, ensuring you won’t find mass-produced or kitschy items. Its diverse range includes traditional garments, modern clothing with an ethnic touch, pottery, baskets, woodwork, bags, belts, hats, jewelry, embroidery, and more. Artesanías de Colombia is also expanding internationally.

What to buy here: Chamba pottery & Mochilas.

Chamba, a black clay pottery from a village in Tolima, is simple, rustic, and elegant. It has even caught the attention of stores like Crate and Barrel, bringing Colombian rustic chic to stylish dinner tables worldwide. You can go all out with plates, charming tinto cups, saucers, and serving dishes—or just pick up a few soup bowls. If you're in Bogota in December, Expoartesanías at Corferias is the perfect place to meet the artisans behind Chamba pottery. While souvenir shops sell Chamba ware, for top-quality pieces, Artesanías de Colombia is the best choice, though at a higher price. Incidentally, this brand also organizes Expoartesanías. Since Chamba pottery is made of clay, it's quite fragile—so pack it carefully!

Mochilas are handwoven cotton or wool handbags, often featuring vibrant designs. The finest are crafted by the Wayuu people, known for their durability and tight weaving—some even claim they can hold water. In Bogota, it's common to see students, hipsters, and even professionals in suits carrying a mochila over their shoulder. Like other handicrafts, mochilas range in price, with the highest-quality, most original pieces costing upwards of $150. For the best selection, visit an Artesanías de Colombia store or the Expoartesanías fair in December, when indigenous artisans gather in Bogota to sell their exceptional work. Many come from the Caribbean coast and can explain the meanings behind the geometric patterns on the mochilas—you might even meet the weaver of your bag. While cheaper versions are available in tourist markets downtown, investing in quality at Artesanías de Colombia is the better choice.