Handicrafts

Antigua [1]’s Mercado de Artesanías (4a Calle Poniente Final, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.) is an attractive, safe place to shop for textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs among several stalls. There is also an adjacent outdoor market selling fruits, vegetables, and wonderful fresh flowers.

Casa del Tejido Antiguo (1a Calle Poniente #51, tel. 7832-3169, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat., $1 admission) is entirely run by Mayan weavers selling and exhibiting authentic textiles and exclusive handicrafts.

Textura (5a Avenida Norte #33, tel. 7832-5067, 10 a.m.–5:45 p.m. Mon.–Wed., 10 a.m.–6:45 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.) sells stylish home furnishings in updated versions of Mayan textiles, including gorgeous hammocks and table dressings.

Selling similarly exquisite home furnishings is El Telar (5a Avenida Sur #7, tel. 7832-3179), with another location across the street from the Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo at 5a Avenida Norte #18.

Nim Po’t (5a Avenida Norte #29, tel. 7832-2681, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily) has a large selection of traditional Mayan dress items, including colorful huipiles (blouses), cortes (skirts), and fajas (belts). There is also a wide variety of artwork, masks, and other wooden carvings in the spacious warehouselike setting.

Just down the street, Nativo’s (5a Avenida Norte #25B, tel. 7832-6556, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. daily) also sells textiles and has some extremely rare, beautiful, and no-longer-produced textiles in the $600 range. Ask to see them.

Quinta Maconda (5a Avenida Norte #11, tel. 7832-1480, www.quintamaconda.com [2], 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–7 p.m. daily) sells its own brand of high-quality handcrafted leather travel gear and handwoven Guatemalan brocades in beautiful muted hues and earth tones. It also has a fine collection of Southeast Asian antiques and wooden furniture in its by-appointment-only showroom.

One of my favorite shops for high-quality (though somewhat expensive) crafts and textiles is Colibrí (4a Calle Oriente #3B, tel. 7832-5028, textilescolibri [at] turbonett [dot] com, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily). I particularly like their bedspreads, though a Queen size will set you back about $200.