Santiago gives you a mix of handcrafted goods, packaged foods, and small design objects that are practical to bring home. You can find both long-standing craft traditions and newer design shops across the city, not just on one street.

This guide covers souvenirs you’re likely to encounter around Santiago — from markets to museum shops — and how to judge and pack them for travel.

1. Chilean wine

• Why it’s worth buying: Chile produces wines with recognizable regional flavors and good value. Bottles make a clear taste-of-place souvenir for friends or your own cellar.
• Where to look: food halls and markets carry labeled regional bottles.
• Price range: $8–$50
• How to spot a good one: Choose bottles with a named valley on the label and recent tasting notes.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the bottle in clothing and carry it in the middle of your suitcase.

2. Pisco (Chilean brandy)

• Why it’s worth buying: Pisco is central to local cocktails and has a distinct grape character. It’s a compact gift that lasts well in transit.
• Where to look: independent shops and food halls stock local distillations.
• Price range: $10–$40
• How to spot a good one: Look for clear labeling of grape types and distillery information.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Buy a sealed bottle and use a padded bottle sleeve or clothing for protection.

3. Merkén (smoked chili spice)

• Why it’s worth buying: Merkén adds smoky heat to many Chilean dishes and stores for months. It’s small but very expressive of local flavor.
• Where to look: markets often sell bulk spices and small jars.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Prefer packages listing origin and no excessive additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put the jar in a resealable bag to avoid spills in luggage.

4. Alfajores (packed cookies)

• Why it’s worth buying: These filled cookies are a popular local sweet and make easy tasting gifts. They usually come wrapped for travel.
• Where to look: food halls and markets offer packaged batches for export.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Check production dates and intact sealed packaging for freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place them in a hard-sided container to prevent crushing.

5. Dried fruit and nuts

• Why it’s worth buying: Chilean produce dries well and provides a compact, nonperishable snack. They show local fruit varieties and processing styles.
• Where to look: markets and co-ops sell sealed bags of dried goods.
• Price range: $5–$20
• How to spot a good one: Choose clear packaging so you can see quality and pieces are uniform.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Use vacuum-sealed packs to save space and meet airline rules.

6. Lapis lazuli jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Lapis lazuli is a gemstone associated with Chile and makes striking small jewelry. A single pendant or ring captures local geology.
• Where to look: galleries and independent shops display polished pieces.
• Price range: $20–$200
• How to spot a good one: Look for deep-blue color with minimal surface flaws and a trustworthy maker.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep jewelry in a padded pouch inside your carry-on.

7. Mapuche silver or traditional metalwork

• Why it’s worth buying: Silver pieces reflect indigenous techniques and distinctive motifs. Small brooches or earrings are easy to wear and store.
• Where to look: co-ops and artisan markets sell authentic metalwork.
• Price range: $25–$150
• How to spot a good one: Inspect soldering, marks of craftsmanship, and ask about maker origin.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap metal pieces separately to avoid scratching other items.

8. Wool scarf or small poncho

• Why it’s worth buying: Wool textiles show local fibers and practical warmth for home use. A scarf or short poncho is wearable and compact.
• Where to look: independent shops and markets carry woven goods.
• Price range: $20–$150
• How to spot a good one: Check the label for fiber content and tight, even weaving.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll textiles to save space and place them near the center of luggage.

9. Leather passport holder or wallet

• Why it’s worth buying: Leather accessories are useful daily and often handcrafted with simple styling. Small leather goods last and age well.
• Where to look: independent shops and galleries offer crafted pieces.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Look for even stitching and solid edges without glue residue.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep leather items in a dust bag inside your carry-on to avoid scratches.

10. Small ceramics (mug or bowl)

• Why it’s worth buying: Local ceramics show regional glazes and are both decorative and functional. A single mug fits everyday use back home.
• Where to look: markets and galleries sell handcrafted pottery.
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Tap lightly — a clear ring and smooth glaze suggest quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Nest ceramics with clothing and seal them in a plastic bag for extra padding.

11. Small copper keepsake

• Why it’s worth buying: Copper reflects Chile’s mining history and polishes to a warm tone. Tiny cups or ornaments capture that material connection.
• Where to look: galleries and artisan markets often display small metalwork.
• Price range: $10–$70
• How to spot a good one: Check finish uniformity and ask whether the item is solid copper or plated.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap copper in soft fabric and store separately to avoid denting.

12. Prints, postcards, or stationery

• Why it’s worth buying: Paper goods show local artists’ views and are flat, lightweight souvenirs. They’re inexpensive and great for framing later.
• Where to look: independent shops and museum shops stock artist prints and cards.
• Price range: $5–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check paper weight and artist credit; limited-edition notes add value.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry prints flat in a document sleeve or in your carry-on for protection.

Quick buying tips for Santiago

• Carry some pesos; small stalls may prefer cash, but cards work in larger shops.
• Polite bargaining is acceptable at craft markets, but offer reasonable prices and respect.
• Wrap fragile ceramics in clothing, and carry them in a cushioned carry-on bag.
• Many shops can ship internationally; confirm rates and tracking before purchase.
• Look for artisan labels, materials lists, and contact details indicating made locally.
• Liquids and open foods are subject to airline rules; seal packages and check.

Where to shop in Santiago

Shopping for souvenirs in Santiago is spread across markets, craft plazas, museum shops, and several lively districts. Expect central market halls for food items, craft villages for handmade goods, and museum stores for curated design and prints.

• Mercado Central — best for packaged seafood, tinned seafood, and local pantry staples.
• La Vega Central — bulk spices, fresh produce, and small bags of dried fruit and nuts.
• Pueblito Los Dominicos — a craft plaza where you can find woven textiles and metalwork.
• Barrio Lastarria — design shops and bookstores offering prints, stationery, and small home goods.
• Bellavista area — artisan stalls and galleries that often sell jewelry and small ceramics.
• Estación Mapocho fairs — seasonal craft fairs with a wide range of artisan-made products.
• Museum shops at national museums — curated ceramics, books, and art prints by local makers.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Plastic keychains with city names; they are usually mass-produced and low quality.
• Unmarked “lapis” jewelry sold cheaply; color and polish can reveal imitation stones.
• Overly polished copper items without maker details; they may be plated rather than solid.
• Heavy ceramic sets from tourist stalls; they’re hard to transport and break easily.
• Unsealed or unlabeled food items sold without packaging; freshness and customs issues follow.
• High-priced items near major landmarks that offer less provenance and fewer maker details.

If you only buy three things

Chilean wine — a clear taste of regional producers and easy to share.
Merkén — a small, transportable spice that adds authentic local flavor.
Lapis lazuli jewelry — a compact, distinctive keepsake tied to Chilean geology.

FAQ

1. What is Santiago known for making?
   Santiago is a hub for Chilean wine, copper goods, and a range of handcrafted textiles and silverwork. Contemporary design shops and museum stores also highlight local artists and small-batch producers.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Santiago?
   Bottled wine and pisco are classic choices, along with packaged alfajores and merkén spice. Choose sealed, labeled packaging to keep items fresh and allowed through customs.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Santiago?
   Prices vary widely; markets and co-ops usually cost less than tourist shops or galleries. You can find both budget-friendly items and higher-priced artisan pieces depending on quality.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Santiago?
   Paper goods, spices, and small jewelry items are simplest to pack and carry. They’re light, compact, and rarely face liquid or fragility restrictions.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask for the maker’s name, look for artisan labels, and check materials listed on tags. Buying from co-ops, craft fairs, or museum shops increases the chance of authentic, locally made products.

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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