Shopping

Other Activity

By Richard McColl

From the polished marble surfaces in the ultra-modern shopping malls in the north to the street markets in San Andresito, there are shopping opportunities to be enjoyed and taken advantage of in Bogotá. Should you need hiking equipment, be lusting after new books in English, require repairs for your iPod or simply wish to pick up some local ground coffee and Colombian keepsakes, all can be found here in Bogotá with relative ease.

Centro Comercial el Andino, Cra 11 No 82-71, 571-621-3111 An incredibly popular shopping center in the heart of the Zona Rosa. Centro Comercial el Andino offers everything from quality clothing stores to designer sunglasses emporiums. What makes this mall a destination for the visitor is its six-screen cinema and enormous food court. Just a few streets over, on Calle 81, is the Atlantis Plaza, another mall with more cinemas and similarly styled stores.

Herencias de Artesanías y Café de Colombia, Calle 16 No 4-92, 571-243-0195, herencias_artesanias@hotmail.com There is no doubt that you can find tourist trinkets and ground coffee cheaper in nearby galleries located close to the Museo del Oro, but if you are in a hurry, have no time to bargain and need some high quality and nicely packaged and presented goods, this is a good option. The shop stocks high quality coffee and interestingly crafted Colombian artesanias.

Authors Books, Cra 7 No 70, 5-23, tel 571 217 7788, www.authors.com.co Authors Books stocks new releases, classics and a healthy variety of English language magazines, though the books here have been marked up significantly. If the prices here are too steep then try your luck in Tower Records in Atlantis Plaza and Centro Comercial Andino, where there are some limited English-language offerings. One reason to try Authors books – the shop has an attractive café, a great place to grab a drink and peruse before you buy.

San Andresito, Cra 38 No6 More a collection of warehouses than a store, San Andresito is spread over four or five square blocks and sells just about everything from knock-off shoes and clothes to the latest consumer electronic devices. Cheap alcohol, cheaper DVDs and vendors at every turn are the sum of San Andresito. Negotiating is a necessity, and be sure to compare prices between stalls before making a final purchase. Be advised to watch your belongings here.

MacTools, Calle 90 No 13-53, 571-622-3188, camilovega@cable.net.co, www.applemactools.com Since most every traveler or someone they know possesses an iPod, iTouch or iPhone of some shape and description, it is worth noting that there is an Apple Certified Technician in Bogotá who can tend to any problems and glitches. Of course they also stock all the new software for Apple products.

Centro Comercial Hacienda de Santa Barbará, Cra 7 No 115-60, 571-612-0388 Yet another enormous shopping center in Bogotá, the Hacienda Santa Barbara is located in Usaquen in the north of the city. Part of the shopping mall has been fashioned out of what remains of a vast and sprawling colonial building that would have been a weekend retreat for a wealthy Bogotano in times past. The number of shops, cafes and eateries is astounding. Any trip to Usaquen should include a brief gander through the Hacienda Santa Barbara.

Usaquen Flea Market, Calle 119B Usaquen Not far from the amenities of the Hacienda Santa Barbara and the delightful Usaquen plaza, surrounded by restaurants and artsy cafes, can be found the Sunday flea market. Artists, designers and craftsmen all display their curios here. T-shirts, shawls, carvings, organics and other items are up for negotiation here.

Nomada, Calle 45 with Avenida Caracas, 2nd Floor. While some of the larger supermarkets such as Exito in Chapinero stock some items supplied by specialist camping stores, it is worth knowing that there is a camping supply store in Bogotá. Aside from stocking climbing, hiking and camping equipment, the Nomada shop also has lists of credible mountain guides and can offer advice on treks and hikes throughout Colombia. It’s probably worth your while to check here before heading out.

Flea Market, on Cra 7 and Calle 24 This flea market occupies a parking lot near Museo Nacional on Sundays and offers general bric-a-brac. Flea market enthusiasts can find some real steals here, or just while away a few hours sieving through antiques and trinkets.

Emeralds, Avenida Jimenez and Cra 7. Gathered like children with dirty secrets, the famed emerald vendors of Bogotá fill the corners of Avenida de Jimenez and Carrera 7 Monday to Saturday. Just by showing up you will likely be approached by a number of salesmen with folded slips of paper proffering green slivers of the stone. It’s best to not get involved or purchase emeralds here, but it is worth standing back and observing all the same. If you are keen on buying an emerald, head to Cra 6 between Calles 10 and 12.