Travelers searching for that unique something to bring home should make a beeline to Tuten, Esmeralda 1140 (tel. 32/221-7941; www.tuten.cl), a new collective for regional artists and craftsmen of the Valparaíso area. Within the walls of Tuten, you'll find beautifully crafted, original, and high-quality carved wood items; jewelry handmade of glass, copper, and gold; glassware such as vases and plates; folksy art representing the Valparaíso area; children's items; copper; and gold. It's open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm.
For books, guides, and maps, head to the Fundación Valparaíso's Gato Tuerto Café & Bookstore, Héctor Calvo 205 (tel. 32/222-0867; Espíritu Santo Funicular), which also has a small arts-and-crafts store. Design For Valparaíso, Concepcion 154B (tel. 32/259-1868), has original designs of textiles and clothing woven from natural fibers found in Chile.
Plaza O'Higgins, close to the Congreso Nacional, hosts a weekend flea market purveying all manner of collectibles ranging from knickknack memorabilia to books, homemade jams, Neruda-themed souvenirs, and electrical items. You will also find local artistes selling their wares at stalls clustered close to the Neruda museum and along the Paseo Gervasoni.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
