Chilean Crafts

Although Chile is not especially famous for its handicrafts, a strong tradition exists in more remote locations such as Chiloé Island. The towns of Dalcahue and Castro each have markets on the waterfront with charming knitwear, yarn, baskets and wooden serving dishes (in addition to mass-produced trinkets). Alternatively, Origen Sur, occupying an atmospheric Castro stilt house, has an expensive but carefully curated selection (Ernesto Riquelme 1180B). In Santiago, I liked the selection of textiles, wood and ceramics at ONA (Victoria Subercaseaux 295). If all else fails, Fundación Artesanías de Chile has an excellent and surprisingly well-priced selection at its shop in Santiago’s airport, downstairs near gate 12B.