Shopping in Chiapas

The weavers of Chiapas produce striking embroidered blouses, huipiles, bedspreads, and tablecloths. Other artisans create leather goods, homemade paper products, and painted wooden crosses. Lacandón bows and arrows and reproductions of the beribboned ceremonial hats worn by Tzotzil indigenous leaders also make interesting souvenirs.

Chiapas is one of the few places in the world that has amber mines, so finely crafted jewelry made from this prehistoric resin is easy to find in San Cristóbal—as are plastic imitations sold by street vendors. San Cristóbal is also known for the wrought-iron crosses that grace its rooftops. Although many of the iron-working shops have closed, you can still find the crosses in a few old-fashioned stores. Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Palenque, although not known for crafts, have a few shops selling quality folk art from throughout the state.