Quito’s markets and shops reflect its long craft traditions and local food scene. Walking the city you’ll find textiles, ceramics, coffee, and small things made by local artisans rather than mass-produced trinkets.

This guide covers souvenirs you can find across Quito, not a single street or store. Use it to pick items that travel well, show local skills, and last beyond the trip.

1. Hand-woven alpaca scarf

• Why it’s worth buying: Alpaca fibers are warm, light, and naturally soft. A scarf shows local weaving techniques and color patterns.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $25–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check the label for fiber content and feel for even weaving and no loose knots.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll the scarf and tuck it into your carry-on to save space and avoid creasing.

2. Toquilla straw hat (Panama-style)

• Why it’s worth buying: These hats are flexible, breathable, and linked to Ecuadorian craft. They travel home as wearable, durable pieces.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $40–$300
• How to spot a good one: Look for tight, consistent plaiting and a firm brim that keeps shape.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wear the brimless crown on the plane and pack the brim with soft clothing inside the hat.

3. Hand-painted ceramic mug

• Why it’s worth buying: Small ceramics show local designs and make daily use of Quito motifs practical. They last if glazed and fired correctly.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: Tap the base—solid sound and smooth glaze with no hairline cracks signal quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the mug in clothing and place it in the center of your suitcase for cushioning.

4. Silver or silver-plated jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Jewelry captures regional metalsmithing styles and can be a compact, meaningful keepsake. Choose simple designs for easier wear.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $20–$200
• How to spot a good one: Look for maker marks, consistent soldering, and secure clasps on necklaces and bracelets.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put pieces in a small padded pouch or pill case to prevent tangling.

5. Packaged specialty coffee

• Why it’s worth buying: Ecuador produces coffee with local flavor profiles; beans or grounds travel well when sealed. Freshly roasted packs keep longer.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Prefer sealed bags with roast dates and origin notes for fresher coffee.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep coffee in checked luggage if space allows, or carry in hand luggage for aroma preservation.

6. Bean-to-bar dark chocolate

• Why it’s worth buying: Small-batch chocolate highlights local cocoa and often uses few ingredients. It makes a tidy, edible souvenir.
• Where to look: co-ops.
• Price range: $5–$30
• How to spot a good one: Check ingredient lists for cocoa percentage and minimal additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store bars in insulated packaging if traveling in hot weather to avoid melting.

7. Hot sauces and ají condiments

• Why it’s worth buying: Sauces capture local flavors and spice blends that are hard to reproduce at home. Bottles are useful gifts.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Look for sealed bottles, ingredient lists, and a production or bottling date.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles in plastic and clothes, and place them in checked luggage to avoid spills.

8. Small carved wood figures

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand carving shows regional woodwork and makes compact decorative objects. They age well when finished.
• Where to look: artisan fairs.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Check for smooth finishes, tight joints, and carvings that feel balanced, not rough.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pad each piece separately and nest them among soft items in your bag.

9. Leather wallet or card holder

• Why it’s worth buying: Small leather goods are practical and reveal local tanning and stitching methods. They last with normal care.
• Where to look: co-ops.
• Price range: $25–$120
• How to spot a good one: Inspect stitching, edge finishing, and the leather’s supple texture rather than plasticky look.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put leather in your carry-on to protect it from extreme temperature changes.

10. Linocut or hand-pulled print

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints are lightweight and show local scenes or designs by regional artists. They fit easily into frames later.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Look for edition numbers, artist signature, and consistent ink coverage across the sheet.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry flat in a portfolio folder or roll in a tube to prevent creasing.

11. Local spice blends and dried herbs

• Why it’s worth buying: Blends add authentic flavor to home cooking and store well when dry and sealed. They’re space-efficient.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $4–$20
• How to spot a good one: Choose sealed packages with ingredient lists and a best-before date for freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Cushion packets in checked baggage and keep them sealed to avoid odor transfer.

12. Small pan flute or charango accessory

• Why it’s worth buying: Compact musical items reflect Andean musical traditions and make memorable, portable souvenirs. They’re decorative and usable.
• Where to look: artisan fairs.
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Check tuning and neat construction; holes or strings should be evenly spaced.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap instruments in clothing and carry them on to avoid rough handling.

Quick buying tips for Quito

• Carry small bills; many stalls prefer cash rather than card for quick payments.
• Haggling is common at markets; start lower and be polite while negotiating prices.
• Wrap ceramics and glass in clothes, then pad with soft layers for protection.
• Many shops offer shipping; confirm costs and delivery times before purchasing items.
• Look for ‘made locally’ tags, artisan signatures, or materials lists to verify origin.
• Pack sauces and oils in checked baggage if sealed; declare liquids for flights.

Where to shop in Quito

Shopping options are spread across Quito, from the historic center to market halls and cultural zones. For souvenirs, focus on market stalls for food and textiles, co-ops for artisan-made goods, and museum shops for curated design items.

• Centro Histórico (Historic Centre) — traditional crafts, prints, and small textiles near public plazas and churches.
• Mercado Central — food stalls and packaged goods like coffee, spices, and chocolate.
• La Mariscal district — independent boutiques, leather items, and contemporary craft shops.
• La Ronda street and nearby old streets — small workshops offering handmade jewelry and carvings.
• Artisan fairs and weekend markets near cultural centers — seasonal textiles, hats, and instruments directly from makers.
• Museum shops at major museums — sturdy books, well-made souvenirs, and design-focused objects.
• Central market halls and food halls — sealed condiments, sauces, and local drinkware.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Plastic keychains and magnets with glossy city names, because they are mass-produced and low quality.
• Unmarked “silver” pieces without hallmarks, since plating can wear and reduce value.
• Heavy, poorly finished wooden items that will crack or cost extra to ship home.
• Handmade claims with no maker information, because origin and craftsmanship then remain unclear.
• Perishable produce sold as souvenirs, as freshness and transport conditions vary widely.
• Souvenirs sold at inflated prices right next to major tourist sites, since better value exists elsewhere.

If you only buy three things

Alpaca scarf — useful, shows local weaving skills, and keeps you warm at home.
Packaged coffee — easy to store and gives a real taste of local agriculture.
Bean-to-bar chocolate — compact, stable, and a direct example of regional cocoa.

FAQ

1. What is Quito known for making?
   Quito is known for a range of traditional crafts, including woven textiles, silverwork, and small carved objects. The city also has a growing scene of small-batch food producers, such as coffee and chocolate makers.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Quito?
   Packaged coffee, sealed chocolate bars, and dry spice blends travel well and showcase local flavors. Choose sealed packaging with ingredient lists and roast or production dates when possible.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Quito?
   Prices vary widely: small items can be inexpensive while handcrafted textiles and finely made hats cost more. Shopping at markets and co-ops usually offers better value than tourist-only spots.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Quito?
   Small packaged foods like coffee and chocolate are among the easiest to pack, since they’re flat and sealed. Prints and jewelry are also compact and carry-on friendly.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for artisan signatures, “made locally” labels, material lists, or cooperative tags identifying the maker. Ask about production methods and provenance if that information matters to you.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

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!

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