Kolt
Kolt is an ethical boutique that produces beautiful and unique handmade Guatemalan leather products. The store works with local artisans and weavers to create fair and stable jobs; therefore, buying yourself some pretty treats from Kolt has the happy bonus of giving back to the local community. Every item at this boutique is a gorgeous reflection of the handmade products that Guatemala is famous for – they really are works of art.
Kolt, 3a Calle Poniente #25, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, +502 3095 2259
La Casa del Jade
Guatemala is known for its beautiful jade, which has played an important part in the Maya culture for thousands of years. Located inside the Casa Antigua El Jaulón shopping arcade, La Casa del Jade is the best place in the city to pick up some striking handmade jade jewellery. As well as being a jewellery shop, La Casa del Jade is a museum that displays pre-Hispanic jade trinkets, and it also has a workshop where you can admire the work of modern craftspeople.
La Casa del Jade, 4a Calle Oriente #10, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, +502 7932 5701
Luna Zorro
Another ethical shop where you’ll want to buy everything is Luna Zorro. Founder and designer Molly Berry produces lovely fair-trade pieces that are made to order by traditional Mayan weavers and showcase the culture and beauty of Guatemala. Her handwoven towels come in a variety of gorgeous colours and look just as good thrown around your neck as they do on the beach. If you’re looking for an authentic yet super-stylish poncho, this is the place to come.
Stela 9
At Stela 9 you can treat yourself to a gorgeous new look from head to toe, as this sleek boutique has a stunning showroom that’s home to a range of clothes, bags, shoes and accessories. The boutique itself is a joy to visit, and with their vibrant colours and unique patterns, the pieces are just as exceptional. Made ethically by local artisans, the handbags are particularly striking.
Stela 9, 3a Calle Oriente #43, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, +502 4217 6699
Algodones Mayas
Just outside the Santo Domingo Hotel, Algodones Mayas has a great selection of natural cotton items in an understated and elegant array of colours, as well as lovely woven bags and shoes. It’s a good place to pick up a light but warm cardigan or scarf – a necessity for Antigua’s chilly nights – and there’s also a stylish selection of men’s shirts.
Algodones Mayas, 3a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Adolfo Dominguez Outlet
Adolfo Dominguez Outlet is a Spanish chain that’s mainly aimed at a younger crowd. Though it’s popular for its cocktail dresses, there’s also a decent selection of informal wear, such as shirts, skirts and dresses. The shoes here are lovely, but bear in mind that Antigua’s cobbled streets don’t go too well with strappy sandals or stilettos!
Adolfo Dominguez Outlet, 3a Calle Oriente #22A, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
N.edition Boutique
This tiny boutique has a deceptively good selection of free-flowing clothing, and though there are only two racks of clothes, there really is something for every woman. From light cropped sweaters to subtle-yet-sexy sheer pieces, it’s the type of holiday purchase you’ll actually wear back home.
N.edition Boutique, 4a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala