This Vibrant Colombian City Is an Underrated Shopping Hub

"There's no better time to visit Cartagena, Colombia. New hotels include a Four Seasons and a reimagined Casa Pestagua, which is housed in an 18th-century mansion. And there are more direct flights, including a new nonstop from Toronto on Air Canada. For me, shopping the city's Old Town is reason enough to visit. Here are some of my favorite stores for textiles woven by Indigenous Wayúu people, caña flecha furniture, sombreros vueltiaos, emeralds, and other Cartagenan goods."

"Colombia produces more than half of the world's emeralds, and buying the precious stone closer to the source can be significantly cheaper. Finding a reputable dealer, however, is key. Lucy Sanchez, founder of the 40-year-old Lucy Jewelry, has a few tips: inspect a gem's true color and clarity under natural light; compare prices and quality between several shops; and never buy without a stone report from a gemologist certified by the Gemological Institute of America. Travelers may qualify for a VAT refund at the airport."

"For handicrafts and decorative objects, head to Casa Chiqui, a boutique packed with treasures from founder Chiqui de Echavarría's travels. She partners with more than 90 Colombian artisans, selling rattan vases woven by Indigenous communities from Chocó and cotton hammocks made by the Wayúu people of Alta Guajira. I was particularly drawn to the colorful patternsof the handmade mochila bags, some of the best in the city."

Cartagena now features new luxury accommodations including a Four Seasons and a reimagined Casa Pestagua, plus increased direct flights such as a nonstop from Toronto on Air Canada. The Old Town is a prime shopping destination for Indigenous Wayúu textiles, caña flecha furniture, sombreros vueltiaos, emeralds, and other local crafts. Colombia supplies more than half of the world's emeralds, so buyers should inspect stones in natural light, compare shops, and obtain a GIA-certified gem report; travelers may qualify for VAT refunds at the airport. Casa Chiqui showcases work from over 90 artisans, while St. Dom and local designers offer contemporary Latin fashion.

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