5 Best Shopping in El Norte Chico, Chile

On the corner of Cienfuegos and Cantournet, this modern market housed in a pleasant neoclassical building sells dried fruits, handicrafts, and lapis lazuli jewelry. The Diaguita-style ceramics and the trinkets made from combarbalita, the locally mined marblelike rock, are particularly stunning. Don't forget to pick up some of the region's famous papayas, goat cheese, olive oil, and copao (a native fruit born from cacti).

The Casa de la Cultura has crafts workshops and a gallery displaying works by local artists.

On Friday locals pack the normally tranquil Plaza Juan Godoy for its produce market. This is a great way to experience Copiapó life as the locals do, and also where you can snag some excellent deals.

Fresh fruit marmalade, jam, and preserves are sold at Frutos del Elqui, just off the town's main plaza. It's been a local institution for over 18 years.

This sprawling, modern, 70-store mall is home to coffee and wine shops, international brands, and two movie theaters.