From the mirror-white salt flats of Uyuni to the braided markets of La Paz, Bolivia is alive with color, clack of weaving looms, the tang of toasted quinoa, and the metallic scent of centuries-old silver. The highland wind carries the songs of charango players while down in the Yungas you can smell fresh coffee drying in the sun — it’s a country where every object tells a story.

Whether you want handwoven textiles, Andean flavors, or artisan instruments, these Bolivian treasures make meaningful Bolivian souvenirs to bring a piece of the high plains home with you.

1. Alpaca and Llama Wool Ponchos & Scarves

Why pick this up: Soft, warm and featherlight, alpaca and llama wool are tailor-made for the Andean climate — perfect as a cozy reminder of chilly mornings in La Paz or a sunlit sunset on a Salinas plateau.
What to look for: Hand-spun or labeled 100% alpaca (more lustrous) vs. llama blends; tightly woven seams and natural dyes. Look for tags showing origin (Altiplano, Oruro, Potosí).
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 80–1,200 (scarves Bs. 80–350; high-quality ponchos Bs. 400–1,200).
Where to find it: Mercado de las Brujas and El Alto markets in La Paz, artisan workshops in Sucre and Potosí.

2. Aguayo and Indigenous Woven Cloths

Why pick this up: Aguayos — the bright, striped carrying cloths used across the Andes — are emblematic of Aymara and Quechua culture and make vibrant throws, wall art, or picnic blankets.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving, traditional geometric patterns, and natural dyes; genuine handwoven pieces will have slight irregularities that add character.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 30–300 (small pieces Bs. 30–80; larger throws Bs. 150–300).
Where to find it: Street stalls and cooperatives in El Alto, La Paz’s Sopocachi boutiques, and Cochabamba artisan markets.

3. Charango (Andean Ten-String Instrument)

Why pick this up: The bright, plucked sound of a charango is the voice of the Andes — a musical souvenir that sings of festivals in Potosí and mountain nights in Sucre.
What to look for: Traditional shell-backed instruments are rare and regulated; look for solid wood craftsmanship (walnut, cedar), good fretwork, and even string action; ask about maker and region.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 400–3,000 (student-grade Bs. 400–900; artisan hand-carved instruments Bs. 1,200+).
Where to find it: Luthiers’ shops in Sucre, artisan stores in La Paz, and cultural markets in Potosí.

4. Silver Filigree and Traditional Jewelry

Why pick this up: Bolivia’s silver legacy — from Potosí’s mines to colonial street markets — produces delicate filigree earrings, crosses, and statement pieces that age beautifully.
What to look for: Hallmarks or seller certification, fine filigree work, and secure clasps; ask about sterling content (925) if you want higher purity.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 150–2,500 (simple pieces Bs. 150–400; larger or antique pieces Bs. 800–2,500).
Where to find it: Potosí’s artisan shops, Sucre’s Calle Jaén boutiques, and jewelry stalls in La Paz’s historic center.

5. Bolivian Chocolate and Cacao Products

Why pick this up: Bolivia grows some of the world’s prized cacao (Yungas, Alto Beni); bars and single-origin beans capture rich, floral Andean notes.
What to look for: Single-origin or micro-lot labels, cacao percentage, and bean origin (Yungas, Caranavi); look for bean-to-bar producers in La Paz and Samaipata.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 30–150 (artisan bars Bs. 30–80; gift boxes or specialty blends Bs. 100–150).
Where to find it: Specialty stores in La Paz, Sucre chocolate shops, and farmers’ stalls in the Yungas region.

6. Quinoa, Kañiwa and Andean Grains

Why pick this up: Packaged quinoa, kañiwa, and other native grains are healthy, shelf-stable flavors of the altiplano — perfect for foodies who want to recreate Andean dishes at home.
What to look for: Organic or fair-trade seals, labeled origin (Altiplano, Oruro), and sealed packaging to ensure freshness.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 25–120 per kilo (bulk Bs. 25–50; specialty heirloom varieties Bs. 80–120).
Where to find it: Central markets in La Paz and Cochabamba, eco-stores and cooperatives throughout the highlands.

7. Cholita Dolls and Traditional Figurines

Why pick this up: Cholita dolls dressed in polleras and bowler hats celebrate indigenous dress and make charming, colorful keepsakes. They’re often hand-sewn and styled like the Cholitas of El Alto.
What to look for: Hand-stitched clothing, cultural detail in accessories, and fair-trade or cooperative labels if supporting local artisans matters to you.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 50–300 (small dolls Bs. 50–120; elaborate handmade figures Bs. 150–300).
Where to find it: Markets in La Paz (Witches’ Market), Sucre craft shops, and artisan stalls at festivals.

8. Yungas Coffee and Tarija Wine

Why pick this up: Bolivia’s Yungas coffee and Tarija’s high-altitude vineyards both produce expressive, terroir-driven beverages — great gifts for connoisseurs.
What to look for: Roast date, single-origin or cooperative branding, and estate or varietal details for coffee; for wine, vintage and winery notes.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 40–250 (coffee Bs. 40–120 per bag; boutique wines Bs. 80–250 per bottle).
Where to find it: Coffee co-ops in Caranavi and Yungas, specialty shops in La Paz and Cochabamba, and bodegas in Tarija.

9. Salt and Salt Sculptures from Salar de Uyuni

Why pick this up: From gourmet pink salt to whimsical salt lamps, items from the salt flats are literal pieces of Uyuni’s landscape — crystalline and memorable.
What to look for: Packaged, food-grade salt for consumption; sealed lamps and sculptures for decor; avoid large or fragile pieces if you’re flying.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 20–350 (small gourmet packets Bs. 20–80; decorative salt lamps Bs. 150–350).
Where to find it: Uyuni town shops, artisan stalls on the road to the salt flats, and La Paz travel boutiques.

10. Bolivian Opal, Amethyst and Semi-Precious Stones

Why pick this up: Bolivia yields striking opals, amethysts and other stones with deep Andean hues — set into jewelry or sold raw for collectors.
What to look for: Certification for gemstones, reputable dealers, and clear descriptions of treatment or enhancements; inspect settings and ask about return policies.
Price bracket (2025): Bs. 200–6,000 (small gems or set pieces Bs. 200–800; high-quality opal jewelry Bs. 1,200+).
Where to find it: Gemshops in Potosí and Sucre, markets in Oruro, and authorized dealers in La Paz.

For the best finds, haggle respectfully in markets, ask about artisan cooperatives, and pack fragile items carefully — these Bolivian souvenirs carry the landscapes, hands, and stories of the Andes with them. ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!