Los Cabos is not just proud of its own charm; it also offers many handicrafts and goods from around the country. Here's a handy guide to help you figure out what to ask for and what to take home.
Alebrijes: Colorful wood or papier-mâché figures, usually in the form of real or mythological animals. They make excellent souvenirs.
Algodón: Cotton. You'll find beautiful cotton shirts and dresses, often made in Oaxaca.
Ámbar: Mexican amber is considered one of the best in the world and comes from Chiapas State, yet can be found right here in Los Cabos at a number of stores. Amber is made of translucent fossilized resin and can be millions of years old, but its array of colors (Chiapas amber alone is said to have 48 tones) makes for dazzling pendants, earrings and more.
Amolita: One of nature's most exotic stones, ammolite is, in essence, the fossilized shell of a marine animal, yet is amazingly beautiful and comes in many colors. Feng Shui practitioners believe ammolite carries positive energy and has the power to enhance one's well-being; it's often called the "Seven Color Prosperity Stone."
Botas: Boots come in different styles in genuine Mexican leather. Sombreros (hats) too!
Cerámica Mata Ortiz: Contemporary hand-made pottery originated by Juan Quezada in the 1970s and coming from the village of Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua State. These designs have become renowned throughout the world. Also known as Casas Grandes pottery, it's modern, yet reflects the spirit of indigenous folk art.
Cochinitos: Pigs or, most typically, piggy banks, made from clay and painted in bright colors.
Dulces típicos: Traditional candy from different regions, made of chocolate, nuts, sesame, corn and other indigenous ingredients. All delicious!
Esqueletos y Calaveras: Skeletons and skulls. Mexican culture celebrates El Día de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead — a mix of Christian and pre-Hispanic traditions — to honor those who have passed, yet is a festive time. All manner of skeletons can be found throughout the year — bride-and-groom skeletons, diva skeletons with poofy hair and skeletons coming back from market, to name a few — and come in all sizes. Most are made from papier-mâché or clay. They are really beautiful and even humorous, a true representation of this colorful country.
Guayabera: A traditional shirt, usually white, worn by Mexican men, especially along Mexico's coastline. It's made of linen or cotton and often embroidered and plaited.
Huichol: The Huichol Indians of Western Mexico are known for their yarn paintings with shamanic images, representing their relationship with the gods.
Huipil: A woven blouse worn by Mayan women for centuries, embroidered with symbolic motifs.
Jorongo: A shawl made of cotton or wool with an opening in the middle for the head. Some people might refer to it as a poncho. Jorongos are often embroidered with indigenous designs.
Máscaras: Masks, which are abundant in Mexico. Many are reproductions of pre-Hispanic pieces, while others depict more modern eras.
Muñecas: Dolls. Hand-made dolls are one of Mexico's specialties and come in all colors, shapes and sizes.
Nacimientos: Nativity scenes; popular buys for the Christmas season that are sold year-round and are coveted by collectors. They're most often made of clay, wood or tin.
Papalotes: Kites, often hand-made in gorgeous designs and colors.
Papel amate: Bark paper, usually sold in the form of bookmarks or paintings and decorated with forms of imaginary animals and more.
Plata: Silver! Mexican silver is one of the most popular buys here, yet you must make sure you're buying the real thing. Look for the 0.925 and 0.950 and "Mexico" or "Mex" stamped on silver jewelry, jewelry boxes, figurines and more.
Rebozo: A traditional woven shawl made of silk or cotton, with string ends. It's one of the most typical clothing pieces in Mexico among indigenous women.
Talavera: Glazed ceramic painted by hand in the style of Spain's Talavera region. Spaniards brought this art to the town of Puebla in the 16th century, and it's still created using the same techniques. Most true Mexican Talavera still comes from the town of Puebla and adorns buildings throughout the country. It can be bought in the style of tiles, urns, plates, etc.
Vidrio soplado: Hand-blown glass items, including the very popular clear drinking glasses with blue or green rims.
Virgen de Guadalupe: The Virgin of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint, also known as La Virgen Morena. Her image is sold as wood statuettes, leather engravings and paintings.
Click here to browse the shops in Cabo and other areas of Baja, Mexico.
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