Shopping in Bogota

Bogotá's shops and markets stock all types of leather and wool goods designed for life on the high plains. Handwoven ruanas (ponchos) are popular; the natural oils in the wool make them almost impervious to rain. Colombian artisans also have a way with straw: toquilla, a tough native fiber, is used to make hats, shoes, handbags, and even umbrellas.