Los Dominicos Handicraft Village

The basics

Although Los Dominicos is right in Santiago, it feels very much like a small town, with quiet lanes lined with small whitewashed buildings. Here you'll find housewares, children’s toys, and jewelry made of local materials (think copper and lapis lazuli). There are also a few food vendors selling local treats such as empanadas and mote con huesillo (a drink dessert made of peaches, sugar, and husked wheat).

Things to know before you go

• Bring cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.

• While it’s OK to politely ask for a small discount if you’re buying multiple items, Chile doesn’t have the same bargaining culture as many other countries in Latin America.

• While the market sits on flat grounds, parts of the paths are unpaved.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to the village is by taking line 1 of the Santiago Metro to Los Dominicos Station. Once you exit the station, head east and look for the green-domed Church of Los Dominicos. The entrance to the handicraft village is on the right of the church.

When to get there

The market is at its busiest on weekends, so if you're planning a Saturday or Sunday visit, it's wise to arrive early. If you'd rather beat the crowds, opt for a midweek visit instead. Just keep in mind that some shops may be closed.

Lapis lazuli

If you love jewelry, or semiprecious stones, you may want to pick up something made of lapis lazuli. This vibrant, deep-blue rock is primarily mined in Russia and Chile, and was used by Inca people for carvings for centuries. It's often combined with copper, another major Chilean export, to make rings and bracelets.