Top 10 Must-Buy Items in Cartagena

Embarking on a cruise to Cartagena is always an exhilarating experience. The history of this Colonial jewel unfolds on its cobblestone streets. What better way to cherish your time in Cartagena than by collecting some authentic Colombian souvenirs and gifts while you’re in port? With upscale boutiques surrounding the lush plazas and bustling open-air markets along the waterfront, Cartagena is a cruise destination that offers a wide range of activities and shopping experiences. Curious about what to pick up in Cartagena? Here are 10 essential items to consider.

1. Colombian Coffee

In Cartagena, you’ll be greeted by the enticing scent of freshly brewed Colombian coffee just a short walk away. While enjoying a cup yourself is a must, why not share the love by bringing home a half kilo or two for friends and family? Colombian coffee beans thrive in several key regions, such as Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda, positioning the country among the top coffee producers globally. To ensure the best flavors and aroma, pay attention to the region where the beans were cultivated and processed.

2. Wayuu Mochila Bag

The vibrant mochila shoulder bags crafted by the Wayuu people, who reside just north of Cartagena in the Guajira region, make a striking fashion accessory that enhances any ensemble. Not only are they stylish, but they also serve as practical purses or backpacks, making them perfect gifts for loved ones back home. These handmade, durable bags are quintessentially Colombian and can be found in both street markets and numerous artisan boutiques throughout Cartagena.

3. Aguardiente

No shopping trip in Cartagena is complete without picking up a bottle of aguardiente, the national spirit of Colombia. Smoother and lighter than spirits like rum or whiskey, aguardiente is flavored with anise, giving it a subtly sweet, liquorice-like aftertaste that makes it an excellent aperitif. Each region in Colombia has its own unique version of aguardiente, offering a wide array of choices, with many brands also providing sugar-free options.

4. Colombian Chocolate

Cartagena is renowned as a top Dinogo cruise destination, largely due to the incredible variety of premium Colombian chocolate available here. Colombia's warm tropical valleys provide ideal conditions for cacao cultivation, resulting in a rich supply of this delightful ingredient. In Cartagena, you can find high-quality chocolates at most gift shops or explore specialty food stores in the historic city center for unique small-batch producers. Additionally, powdered (or sometimes shaped) pure chocolate is commonly found in local markets, as enjoying hot chocolate with breakfast is a cherished Colombian tradition.

5. Swimwear and Beach Apparel

Colombia is more urban, trendy, and style-savvy than many realize, making it an excellent spot for shopping for bikinis and beachwear. Visit the seaside boutiques in Bocagrande to discover a fantastic selection of designer bikinis from Medellín and Bogotá, the country’s most innovative cities.

6. Caña Flecha Crafts

Crafted from local palm fronds dyed with natural plant pigments, caña flecha represents a unique form of Colombian artistry, yielding a diverse range of products—from sun hats to bags and bracelets. Despite being made from leaves, caña flecha is surprisingly durable and long-lasting. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, it has gained recognition as a celebrated Colombian artisan product worldwide.

7. Colombian Rum

Alongside Cuba and Jamaica, Colombia stands as a leading producer of rum. From the award-winning dark rums of the Caldas region to the lighter Caribbean-style varieties made in Cartagena and nearby Barranquilla, there is an impressive selection of rums available at local liquor stores, often at very reasonable prices.

8. Emeralds

Looking for the perfect gift in Cartagena for that extra-special someone back home? Nothing expresses love quite like a dazzling emerald, one of the most exquisite of the four precious gemstones. Colombia is the world’s leading producer of emeralds, contributing about 80 percent of these stunning deep green gems annually. As you wander through the historic center of Cartagena, you’ll find numerous jewelry specialists offering a wide range of emeralds—just be sure they come with a certification before making your purchase.

9. Leather Goods

Although you might not expect to shop for leather jackets in a tropical cruise destination, Cartagena is, in fact, one of the best places to find them. With Colombia being a significant cattle-producing region and housing major cities like Bogotá in cooler mountainous areas, the country is known for its high-quality leather products. In addition to jackets, many artisan shops in Cartagena offer wallets, boots, and leather bags, including custom-designed pieces that blend Wayuu Mochila straps with leather bodies.

10. Hammocks

Still unsure about the ideal souvenir to bring back from your Cartagena cruise? Consider a Colombian hammock! Crafted from cotton and available in a variety of vibrant colors, these hammocks are perfect for relaxing on board the cruise ship before being gifted to loved ones as a delightful tropical memento. You can find hammocks at most craft shops in Cartagena. Be sure to also check out the hanging chair hammocks, which dangle from the ceiling and offer the same comfort as a cozy armchair.

Note: Activities onboard, shore excursions, and dining choices may differ by ship and destination.