Shopping in Isla de Chiloe

Traditional products that you should look out for when shopping in Isla de Chiloé include the world famous alpaca sweaters and silver jewellery studded with lapis lazuli (which literally means 'the blue stone'). Most of the goods have a strong Andean feel to them. Much of the ware that is sold in these traditional stores is meant for the locals and so one can find some very interesting bargains. The style and techniques used by artisans are unique to each region and the handicraft designs change from one town to another. Each town lends its cultural imprint to the products which you can purchase in small dedicated shops. You will not see the mass produced touristy souvenirs here.

The Sunday market in Dalcahue is a great place to go shopping in Isla de Chiloé because artists and traders from all around Chiloé and its neighbouring islands congregate here to sell their wares. You can find some great and very economical bargains. A nicely made heavy woollen sweater will cost you just US$10. The market is popular for other woollen products like gloves and scarves in beautiful colours, woven baskets and woodcraft. Another good buy is the colourful and artistically woven carpets and mats.

In Castro, along the coastal road and near the palafito restaurants, you will find more stalls which sell everything from handmade ponchos, alpaca jumpers, vicuna rugs, copper artefacts and semi-precious stones like onyx, amethyst, lapis lazuli, jade and agate. Lapis lazuli craft work is popular with both the tourists and the locals.

Other interesting things which you can purchase in Chiloé are wooden models of palafitos or houses on stilts, which represent a unique aspect of the regions architecture, or cane furniture and wicker baskets from Chimbarongo, dolls and musical instruments. The wood, which the artisans claim are harvested in an environmentally friendly manner, is sourced from the forests in the south. Chile is also a major producer and exporter of copper. This metal is an important natural resource for the Chileans and its use has permeated into the handicraft industry too. You will find decorative plates, clocks, candlestick holders, maps, ashtrays, flowers, animals, trays and a number of other small knick-knacks made out of copper. Some Isla de Chiloé shops also stock interesting leather products and ceramic pottery from Pomaire.