The quality and variety of artesan crafts in Medellin make buying gifts and souvenirs an insightful experience into Colombian culture

Downtown, across from one of my absolute favorite restaurant in Medellin, the Salón Versalles on Junín Street, you will find the Center Artesanal Mi Viejo Pueblo (The Old Town Artisan Centre). The cente has numerous locales with distinctive artisan expressions, both from Colombia and abroad.

You can find items from Peru, Ecuador, China and India, on a par with products produced locally such as the Kogi nap sacks, embroidery, cowboy hats (sombrero voltiao & the aguadeño) and weaved decorative items from sugar cane fibers, Antioquean ponchos, hammocks, all classes of silver accessories, materials, shells and seeds. They also sell weaved clothes such as scarfs, gloves, hats. In a nutshell, they sell colorful and imaginative souvenirs of all shapes and sizes.

It's an excellent place to look for gifts and souvenirs made locally and cheaper than more expensive alternatives such as the design stores, shopping malls, museums and hotels.