4 Best Places to Shop in The Central Valley, Chile

For a souvenir you can't find elsewhere, head to La Lajuela, a hamlet 8 km (5 miles) southwest of Santa Cruz. Residents here weave chupallas, straw hats made from a fiber called teatina that is cut, dyed, dried, and braided by hand.

This central market has stands filled with ceramics, copperware, baskets, and other handicrafts.

Do you like your fine wines at outlet store prices? This excellent shop on the road into Santa Cruz has knowledgeable staff who can help you stock up on bottles, direct you to nearby wineries, or provide you with a card that will let you uncork your purchases free of charge at some of the valley's top restaurants. There are often wine tastings here, too.

From ceramics and textiles to soaps, jams and scented oils, this small artist-run store offers only products that have been made by hand in the region. You can pick up supplies for your charcuterie board as well as one-of-a-kind gifts to take back home.