Shopping

Location
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Shopping

By Mike Karanicolas

Despite San Pedro's relative affluence, the downtown core is free of the large, boutique style shops that dominate so many other city centers. Instead what you'll find are countless small junk-shops, selling a variety of random items. If you need new sunglasses or a pair of flip-flops, these are the places to check out. It may take some searching, but you're almost guaranteed to find what you're looking for, at an absurdly cheap price. The highest density of shops are found in the streets a few blocks south of Parque Central.

If you're hunting for souvenirs, or even if you just want a taste of the local culture, you should definitely check out Mercado Guamilito (open 7am-4:30pm). As well as being an excellent place to pick up that machete you've always wanted, this sprawling bazaar offers every craft and knick-knack imaginable. On Wednesday afternoons a lively marimba band performs. Across from the market's entrance is a high-end shop specializing in liquor and fine Honduran and Cuban cigars.

Another craft market, Artesanias and Souvenirs, can be found two blocks north of Parque Central on Ave 3a NO. This small collection of shops caters mainly to tourists.