From the wind-swept vineyards of the Maipo Valley to the salt-hushed salt flats of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile unfurls a palette of colors and textures — deep lapis blues, woolly alpaca grays, the burnished sheen of copper, and the smoky tang of merken on the tongue.

Stroll through Santiago’s La Vega market, sip Carménère in a vine-shaded patio, or watch an Andean sunrise over the Atacama and you’ll feel why Chile’s craft and culinary traditions sing with place.

Whether you want something edible, wearable, or carved from stone, these picks are the best Chilean souvenirs to bring a piece of the country home with you.

1. Chilean Wine (especially Carménère)

Why pick this up: Chile’s wine regions — Maipo, Colchagua, Casablanca — consistently produce world-class bottles. Carménère is the country’s signature grape: plush, spicy and a perfect reminder of long Chilean afternoons.
What to look for: Reserve or single-vineyard Carménère from recognized bodegas (Concha y Toro, Lapostolle, Santa Rita) or small boutique labels; check vintage and storage conditions.
Price bracket (2025): $5.000–$30.000 CLP per bottle.
Where to find it: Wineries in the Central Valley (Valparaíso and O’Higgins regions), wine shops in Santiago (Lastarria, Vitacura), and duty-free at Santiago airport.

2. Pisco (Chilean style)

Why pick this up: A clear, aromatic grape brandy used in classic cocktails like the pisco sour; Chile’s coastal distilleries, especially around Coquimbo and Elqui Valley, produce distinctive piscos.
What to look for: Labels indicating grape variety and edad (age) for smoother styles; artisanal micro-distilleries from the Elqui Valley are prized.
Price bracket (2025): $8.000–$25.000 CLP per bottle.
Where to find it: Liquor stores in La Serena and Coquimbo, distillery tours in the Elqui Valley, and specialty shops in Santiago.

3. Lapis Lazuli Jewelry and Stone

Why pick this up: Chile is one of the few places in the world that mines lapis lazuli — the deep blue stone makes striking jewelry and inlaid objects that feel distinctly Chilean.
What to look for: Rich, even blue with flecks of pyrite (not overly mixed with white calcite); certified pieces from Coquimbo/Andean sources.
Price bracket (2025): $15.000–$120.000 CLP for jewelry and small carvings.
Where to find it: Artisan markets in La Serena, shops in San Pedro de Atacama, and jewelers in Santiago’s Bellavista neighborhood.

4. Alpaca and Sheep Wool Textiles

Why pick this up: From soft alpaca scarves to heavy Patagonian ponchos, Chilean textiles are functional, beautiful, and rooted in southern weaving traditions.
What to look for: Products labeled 100% alpaca or 100% sheep wool; handwoven pieces and brands from Chiloé, Punta Arenas, and the Lake District tend to be higher quality.
Price bracket (2025): $12.000–$100.000 CLP depending on garment size and fiber.
Where to find it: Artisan workshops in Puerto Varas, fairs in Coyhaique, boutiques in Punta Arenas, and craft stalls in Pucón.

5. Mapuche Silver Jewelry

Why pick this up: Mapuche silverwork is rich in symbolism and made by Indigenous artisans in the Araucanía region; rings, collars and fibulas carry stories woven into their designs.
What to look for: Hallmarks of authenticity, solid silver (plata) rather than plated pieces, and respectful sourcing directly from Mapuche communities or trusted galleries.
Price bracket (2025): $20.000–$150.000 CLP.
Where to find it: Temuco artisan markets, galleries in Santiago that specialize in indigenous art, and fairs around Lake Budi and Villarrica.

6. Merken (smoked chili spice)

Why pick this up: A Mapuche condiment made from smoked and ground ají cacho de cabra, merken is smoky, earthy and uniquely Chilean — perfect for slathering on meat or mixing into marinades.
What to look for: Small-batch, pure merken with clear labeling; sometimes mixed with salt and coriander for a ready-to-use blend.
Price bracket (2025): $3.000–$10.000 CLP per jar.
Where to find it: La Vega Central in Santiago, artisan stalls in Temuco, and specialty food shops across the country.

7. Manjar (Chilean dulce de leche)

Why pick this up: Creamy, caramelized milk spread — manjar is a pantry staple in Chile and makes a sweet, portable taste of home when you’re abroad.
What to look for: Artisanal glass jars from small producers in southern Chile for richer flavor; avoid damaged tins for travel.
Price bracket (2025): $2.000–$6.000 CLP per jar.
Where to find it: Supermarkets, local markets (Valparaíso, Valdivia), and confectioneries in Santiago.

8. Copperware and Mineral Specimens

Why pick this up: Chile is the world’s largest copper producer; beautifully patinated copper bowls, cookware and mineral specimens reflect the country’s geology.
What to look for: Solid copper pieces (not just plated), quality joins for cookware, and ethically sourced mineral samples from museum shops if buying specimens.
Price bracket (2025): $8.000–$60.000 CLP for decorative items; larger or museum-grade specimens cost more.
Where to find it: Shops in Copiapó and northern mining towns, artisan boutiques in Santiago, and museum gift shops.

9. Pomaire Pottery and Ceramics

Why pick this up: The clay village of Pomaire near Santiago has long produced rustic jars, cazuelas and decorative ceramics with a distinct Chilean folk aesthetic.
What to look for: Hand-painted motifs, thick-walled cazuelas for cooking, and sealed glaze suitable for food use.
Price bracket (2025): $4.000–$30.000 CLP.
Where to find it: Pomaire village shops (ideal for a day trip from Santiago), craft markets in Valparaíso, and artisanal fairs.

10. Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Wood Carvings and Art

Why pick this up: Rapa Nui art — from small moai replicas carved in wood to traditional tapa cloth prints — carries the island’s remote creative spirit. These are souvenirs with a strong sense of place.
What to look for: Contemporary, ethically made pieces (avoid ancient archaeological items); ask for provenance and prefer certified artisans in Hanga Roa.
Price bracket (2025): $10.000–$80.000 CLP depending on size and material.
Where to find it: Artisan shops and markets in Hanga Roa (Rapa Nui), galleries in Santiago that represent island artists.

A quick tip: haggle gently at open-air markets, always ask about materials and origin, and be mindful of cultural protections (avoid buying real archaeological fragments). Happy shopping — and don’t forget to pack a light suitcase for your Chilean souvenirs! 🌎

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!