Arts and Crafts

San Pedro [1] has one of Honduras [2]’s best handicraft markets at Mercado Guamilito (between 8 and 9 Av. and 6 and 7 Calles NO). The several dozen artesanía stalls sell a wide variety of handicrafts from across the country, including woodwork, paintings, sculptures, weavings, and more. Also here, you’ll find a regular food market, many flower stalls, and several stands serving snacks and meals. It’s a very pleasant place to shop—the salesfolk are friendly, and the market is spacious and safe.

A bit smaller, but with some interesting items (we picked up beer glasses made out of old Honduran beer bottles), is the covered market Artesanías y Souvenirs (8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily), a block behind the Gran Hotel Sula [3] and conveniently located next to a great “food court” of ladies making fresh Honduran specialties.

Casa del Sol has excellent handicrafts shops in two locations, one in Mall Multiplaza (tel. 504/550-5711), the other in front of the Mercado Guamilito (on 6 Calle, between 8 and 9 Av. NO, tel. 504/557-1371, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun.).

There is a branch of the jewelry store Casa de Oro in the Mall Multiplaza, selling its very popular, very expensive, and very nice silver necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in chunky Mayan designs.

Although quality varies, the best place in town to check out paintings by Honduran artists is at the art and frame shop Maymo (tel. 504/553-0318, 2 Calle SO between 6 and 7 Av., 8:30 a.m.–noon and 1:30–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–noon and 2–5 p.m. Sat.). There’s a second, slightly smaller branch on 1 Calle near the Crowne Plaza.

Cigar aficionados can stock up on puros (as well as excellent Honduran coffee) at La Plazita next door to Casa del Sol, or at Casa de Puros in the airport lobby.