Colombia is an incredibly diverse and vibrant country made up of dozens of unique regions, each with it´s very own local culture and flavor.
This means visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect gift or souvenir to take back from their visit.
I am originally from England but have lived in the country for 15 years and these are my top gift ideas from around Colombia.
1. Colombian Coffee
Colombian coffee is world-famous and rightfully an obvious choice for an excellent gift.
During your visit, you may have the chance to visit farms in regions such as Antioquia, Huila, Nariño and Tolima where you can pick and buy beans directly from farmers.
Coffee from the Huila region is considered by many to be the best with a smooth and balanced taste. Look for recently roasted beans of the arabica variety of the best quality.
Where to buy it?
If you don’t have the chance to buy directly from a farm during your visit then Juan Valdez is an internationally known Colombian brand that offers nice coffee gift sets.
You may be able to buy at the airport or in any of their coffee shops around the country.
Price
You can buy a selection of coffees in a gift set for around US$10 or a kit that includes a branded French press, cookies, coffee and a flask for US$30 from Juan Valdez.
2. Aguadeño Hat
Each region of Colombia has a style of hat which is popular and representative of local culture. The aguadeño, also known as aguadeño, antioqueño or paisa, is from the Antioquia region of the country.
This is the traditional hat of Medellin and surrounding towns and villages. The hat is traditionally made from Iraca straw from the Caldas region and the white color comes from Iraca palm.
Where to buy it?
The National Hat Distributors (Distribuidora Nacional de Sombreros) have stores around the country including San Diego and Unicentro malls in Medellin, Santafe and Salitre Plaza malls in Bogota and Unicentro in Cali.
You will also find sellers offering the hats on the street in all major cities, although they are unlikely to be from official producers using traditional techniques in the Caldas region.
Price
Prices range from US$20 to US$40 depending on the size for a genuine product from Caldas in the classic style. You will also be able to pick up replicas around town from around US$5.
3. Aguardiente
As with hats, each region of Colombia has its own distinct regional form of aguardiente or “firewater”, as it is roughly translated.
Aguardiente is a clear anise-flavored liquor made of sugar cane. Each department produces its own blend and they have exclusive rights to distribute in their region of the country.
As a long-term Medellin resident I could be showing my “paisa” bias when I confidently assert Antioqueño is the best “guarro” you can find.
Aguardiente is very rarely used in cocktails or with a mixer. Make sure you drink it chilled, the red top variety is with sugar, blue is without and green is 24% alcohol rather than the usual 29%.
Where to buy it?
You can buy aguardiente at any supermarket or neighborhood store.
Price
Prices range from US$5 for a small bottle (375ml) to US$10, US$10 for a bottle (750ml) up to US$25 for a “garrafa” (2L).
4. Mochila Arahuaca
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The mochila arhuaca, or aruhaca knapsack in English, is a bag that is produced by the Arhuaco people of the Sierra Nevada, close to the popular tourist destination of Santa Marta.
An important symbol of Colombia’s indigenous communities, the bags are woven by the women of Arhuaco families. Daughters learn the technique from their mothers and the first bag a girl produces is taken to the priest as a ritual in the life cycle.
The mochilas are made in earth tones like brown, beige, black and gray. They were originally made from agave and cotton but are now also produced from wool and industrial fibers. Each family has its own unique design which includes animals, spiritual symbols and representations of important natural landmarks.
Where to buy it?
The best place to buy an original mochila will be close to the Sierra Nevada, for example in Santa Marta or La Guajira.
There are replicas available in all tourist centers for as little as US$5 but these are not made by the communities they represent and do not have the same important historical and cultural significance.
Price
An original handmade mochila from an arhuaca family can cost between US$40 and US$100 depending on size and where you buy.
5. Emeralds
If you are looking to really make an impact with your gift, Colombia has some of the best emeralds you can find anywhere in the world.
According to the National Mining Agency, Colombian emeralds are the highest quality internationally thanks to their shine, transparency, color and strength.
Emeralds in Colombia are largely found in the departments of Boyacá and Cundinamarca but can be purchased from jewelers in major cities around the country.
Where to buy it?
The most well-known and internationally recognized jewelers are the Joyeria Caribe (Museo de la Esmeralda) in Cartagena, Fundación Museo Internacional de la Esmeralda in Bogotá and the Centro Internacional de Esmeraldas, also in Bogotá.
There will be other stores in cities around the country but ensure they have full certification before you buy.
Price
Prices start from around US$40 for a simple single stone with prices rising to thousands, depending on the size and quality.
6. Colombian Football Shirt
Football is a major Colombian obsession and when the national team plays you will see bright yellow shirts in every corner of every city, town and village across the country.
While the unifying yellow of “los cafeteros” is the obvious option, you may opt for some regional representation with one of the big or small club teams. You could go for the green and white of Nacional, the blue of Millonarios, the red and white stripes of Junior or the red of America de Cali.
Alternatively, why not earn some supreme footballing hipster points by rocking up to 5 a side with a bright orange Envigado shirt or a snazzy checkered blue and white number from Boyaca Chico.
Where to buy it?
Colombia national team shirts are produced by Adidas and can be found in most malls, many supermarkets and dedicated sports shops.
That is also the case for the shirts of bigger club teams but you may have to go the official club shop or website for the smaller sides.
Price
The official Colombian national team shirts for this season cost between US$60 and US$80, depending if it is the fan or player version.
Club shirts range from around US$60 to US$20 depending if it is a local or international kit supplier and the size of the club.
You will find sellers offering unofficial replicas of all shirts with prices from US$5 to US$20 depending on the quality.
7. Chocoramo
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This is an incredibly popular sweet snack which is often near the top of things Colombians miss from home when they travel abroad.
A Chocoramo is a soft squared cake that is coated in chocolate. Colombians have been enjoying this cheap and tasty packaged treat for over 50 years with more than 143 million sold in 2022.
It is so popular it has even inspired a worrying sweet breakfast cereal and a delicious McFlurry variant at McDonalds.
Where to buy it?
Anywhere and everywhere from supermarkets to neighborhood stores.
Price
A standard-sized Chocoramo costs about US$0.35.
8. Ruana Boyacense
The ruana is a Colombian item of clothing without sleeves that is worn over an outfit and is very similar to ponchos found elsewhere in Latin America.
It is a square or rectangular blanket made of 100% virgin wool and is often known as a goyete in Boyacá, where it is thought to have originated.
An artisan can produce five ruanas per day and Nobsa is the municipality where the items are produced.
Where to buy it?
The municipality of Nobsa is 3 hours 30 minutes from Bogota and this is the best place to find ruanas.
Arkano in Oviedo Mall in Poblado, Medellin has original ruanas from Boyaca while you can find them at Artes y Telares in Bogota.
Price
While there are many similar designs, an original, high-quality ruana from Boyaca will cost between US$35 and US$60.
9. Arequipe
Arequipe is also known as dulce de leche (sweet milk) or manjar blanca (white delicacy) in different parts of Colombia. It is made from slowly heating sugar and milk over a number of hours to produce a sweet brown sauce.
Arequipe is a very popular sweet topping that is often spread on top of wafers or waffles. It is also a tasty accompaniment to ice cream.
Where to buy it?
You can find arequipe in any supermarket and is produced by a range of companies.
Price
A small tub of arequipe is available for around US$2.
10. Bocadillo
Bocadillo is a sweet treat made from guava pulp and panela. The fruity snacks are formed into cubes and are sold wrapped in paper or leaves around Colombia.
They originated in Velez in the Santander region of the country. In 2006 they were named a cultural symbol of Colombia by Semana magazine.
Best enjoyed with a glass of milk, the origins are thought to be with the Jewish community that moved to Colombia and sought to reproduce techniques used in the production of quince jelly.
Where to buy it?
You can find bocadillos in cafes, small stores and they are sold on the street in all of the major cities.
Price
Bocadillos are available very cheaply and you can find them for just a few cents.
11. A Chiva Ornament
Chivas are the names given to traditional old Colombian buses that are often brightly painted and decorated by their owners. They often helped people move between small towns and villages.
They are now most often used as character-filled party buses – people will pack into the back and be driven around the city with loud music, bottles of alcohol and dancing.
Whether you connect with the link to classic Colombian culture or the more lively modern adoption, a porcelain chiva ornament is a great momentum of your time here.
Where to buy it?
You can find chiva ornaments in stores in all areas that are popular with local or foreign tourists. Check artisan stores or market places.
Price
These are generally very cheap. A small porcelain bus could cost you US$2 with prices going up from there depending on the style and materials.
12. Bottle of Viejo Caldas Rum
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As with aguardiente, each region of the country has its own signature rum. My personal favorite here in Colombia is Ron Viejo de Caldas. It is a very light, sweet, caramel flavored rum which works perfectly with cocktails or a mixer like Coke.
If you go for something at a higher price point that has been aged, then other regions also have good options. I am no expert but in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with Ron Caldas.
Where to buy it?
You can find rum in any supermarket or neighborhood store. If you want the full range of Colombian rum with options aged up to 30 years then a dedicated liquor store such as Dislicores is your best bet.
Price
Prices of Ron Caldas start at US$6 for a 375ml bottle with a 750ml bottle for US$12.
13. Chinchorros Wayúu
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A chinchorro is the Colombian name for a traditional broad, comfortable and stylish hammock produced by the Wayúu indigenous community in the Northeastern La Guajira region of Colombia.
The Wayúu hammocks have an elaborate design which takes 4 to 6 months to produce by local artisans. The chinchorros are 100% handwoven and each have an original design.
Where to buy it?
You can buy the classic chinchorro from La Guajira in artisan shops around the country. In regards to a simpler single material hammock, these can be found everywhere and they will even be sold by street vendors along made roads in most cities.
Price
The price for a handwoven Wayúu chinchorro can be around US$120 but you will also find simple hammocks for about US$20.
14. Vuelitao Hat
While the aguadeño hat from the Antioquia region has an understated look, the famous Vueltiao hat from the coast definitely makes a bolder statement.
The iconic black and white design dates back to the pre-Columbian Zenú people in the region which is modern Cordoba and Sucre. The hats are made from natural cane with darker stands soaked in mud then boiled in natural dye and the white parts left untreated.
The pieces of cane are braided together to create the design. The higher the number of pieces used the better quality. Every hat will be labeled with the number of pieces used and they range from a Quinciano (15) up to a Veintisiete (27).
Where to buy it?
You can find Vuelitao hats all over the country but they are associated with the coastal regions and more abundant in these regions.
You can find simple example on sale on the street or you can go to an artisan store such as Distribuidora Nacional de Sombreros if you want a range of designs and high quality.
Price
Prices range from US$20 up to US$80 depending on the number of pieces included and where you buy the hat.
15. Panelitas
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Panela is produced by boiling sugarcane juice and Colombia produces 1.4 million tons per year, the most of any country in the world.
The cheap alternative to sugar is consumed all over Colombia and is one the key ingredients in aguapanela, a sugary drink enjoyed by workers in rural areas to give them energy.
Panelitas are tasty caramel-like snacks that are historically linked to the region of Santander and are made by combining panela with milk and rice.
Where to buy it?
Panelitas can be found in most supermarkets, stores and many street vendors.
Price
A box of panelitas should be available for around US$3 – US$4.
16. Vinyl Records
Music is a huge part of Colombian life and identity. Each region of the country has its own signature sound and there is a huge amount of variety.
Cali is one of the world capitals of salsa. Medellin is now at the heart of the global reggaeton moment with superstars including J. Balvin, Karol G and Maluma. The lively rhythm of champeta represents the coast while the hypnotic swing of cumbia is very Colombian.
If you want something timeless go for a vinyl or simply prepare a playlist for friends of some of your new Colombian favorites.
Where to buy it?
You can buy classic records in stores such as Musicales La Bastilla in Medellin or La Musica with branches across Colombia.
Price
Prices for vinyls in Colombia vary from US$5 up to US$50+ if it is rare, in demand and no longer commercially available.
17. Arepas or Arepa Flour
Arepa is a massive part of the Colombian diet. They are eaten for breakfast, alongside lunch or as an evening meal.
While new visitors don’t immediately get the hype, you will soon learn to appreciate the tasty, filling and versatile dish.
You can either get some premade arepas to take home with you or get some arepa flour and make your own from scratch.
Where to buy it?
Arepas and arepa flour can be found in any supermarket.
Price
A packet of ten arepas in the supermarket is about US$1.20 while a good sized bag of flour is a similar price.
18. La Chamba Ceramics
The town of La Chamba in Tolima is known for producing beautiful matte black cooking pots and utensils.
Designs and techniques date back to the indigenous Poinco community and the clay taken from the Magdalena is smoothed with techniques dating back generations.
Pieces are very simple, classic, traditional and stylish.
Where to buy it?
You can of course buy directly in the town of La Chamba plus stores around the country such as Manteles y Cacerolas or Artesanías de Colombia in Bogotá.
Price
Items are generally very affordable with prices for simple plates starting at just US$2.
19. Dried Guascas
Ajiaco is one of the important and iconic dishes of Colombia’s capital Bogota.
It is a chicken broth made of chicken, potatoes, vegetables, cilantro and seasonings. It is hearty and comforting. Ideal for a cozy afternoon at home or soothing a hangover.
While most ingredients can be found around the world, guasca herbs are the secret ingredient of a top-notch ajiaco and harder to find.
Where to buy it?
You can find dried and packaged guasca in supermarkets produced by Comorrico and Kiska.
Price
Bags or jars are available from US$0.50 to US$1 depending on size.
20. Bon Bon Bum
Bon Bon Bum are lollipops that have been popular in Colombia for over 50 years. Strawberry is the classic but lulo, mango and tangerine flavors are also now available.
Very sweet and sugary but also delicious with a chewing gum in the center.
A perfect local treat for younger members of the family back home.
Where to buy it?
You can easily find these sweets in any supermarket, store or at the airport.
Price
A bag of 24 lollipops costs US$2.50.
21. Carriel Paisa
This small satchel is worn over the shoulder and is similar to a handbag although more typically worn by men. It is a symbol of Antioquia culture and they are produced in Jerico, a town three hours from Medellin.
They were traditionally used by cowboys for storage and there are many stories of the personal goods and love letters owners would hide in the many secret pockets.
Carriels are made from leather and can often include patches of furry cowhide.
Where to buy it?
You will find lots of places to purchase a carriel in Jerico where they are produced. Originals are also available in Medellin in stores such as Nuestra Tienda Artesenal which has branches in la 70, Poblado and Candelaria.
Price
Prices for a high-quality original range from US$50 up to US$70 depending on the design and number of hidden pockets.