You can definitely spend a day shopping in Vilcabamba. Take in the jewelers in the
morning, stop for a spot of lunch at one of the many restaurants, then continue
with the Souvenir shops; another rest for refreshments and then some more shopping.
Remember that most places do not accept credit cards. There is no shopping mall
here (thank God!). Nearly all the shops are locally operated. Many operators manufacture
their products which makes them unique to Vilcabamba. So, if you like something
here and hesitate, you may not be able to find it anywhere else once you leave Vilcabamba.
Jewelry
There are a number of manufacturing jewelers in Vilcabamba. All have their unique
designs and styles. Most make jewelry to order or you can purchase a readymade piece.
If you are looking for jewelry I recommend that you take the time to visit them
all and find that one that appeals to your tastes the best.
On the weekends there are a number of stalls set up opposite the church at the top
of the square that sells locally made jewelry as well. So, one could say that as
with the restaurants here in Vilcabamba we are spoilt for choice with jewelry too.
Alquimia Jewelry Handicrafts
They sell handmade Jewelry, handcrafts and musical instruments.
Arte Nomade
The beautiful jewelry in this shop is made by Cristobal Anguita Gamboa. They sell
jewelry and handicrafts. Jewelry can be made to order in size and design.
Arte Nomade has creative displays like the one shown below
jewelry on rice and corn
Arte Nomade accepts all major credit cards, which is not something you will find
in many places in Ecuador, let alone in Vilcabamba.
Estacion 14
Santiago, jeweler by trade, can craft a unique masterpiece for you, or yoiu can
buy a beautiful piece already constructed.
Souvenir Shops
As with the jewelry there are a number of souvenir shops here in Vilcabamba. They
sell a wide variety of souvenirs from trinkets and clothing to colorful fabrics
and weavings. Again, if you are looking for that perfect souvenir I recommend
that you take the time to visit them all and find that ‘one’ (or two or more) thing
that catches your eye.
Artesanias El Tucan
Another well presented shop. They sell handcrafts, traditional Ecuadorian souvenirs.
Artesanias Vilcabamba
This shop sells traditional Ecuadorian clothes and pottery. I have purchased a number
of pieces of clothes from here and they have washed and worn well.
El Colibri
Antoinette in front of El Colibri
If a warm welcome and a sweet smile are important to you, you cannot beat El Colibri
where Antoinette will greet you and make you feel so good that you will want to
stay for a long time. The shop has the inviting smell of burning incense. Gem stones,
locally made 100% cotton clothing and woven wall hangings, and a variety of colorful
decorative objects, there is something there for everyone. A unique service at El
Colibri is that you can bring your own photo (e.g. of your child) and a weaver will
turn it into a Peruvian style wall rug. Be aware that this is made by hand and that
there is a one month turnover (+/- depending on the design)
Antoinette is German and speaks English and Spanish.
Other