Colombia offers an abundance of affordable treasures, but we’re focusing on the best and easiest-to-find bargains. Of course, what’s considered a great deal can vary from person to person—so let us know your favorite budget-friendly finds in the comments!
For a quick price conversion, estimate 3,000 Colombian pesos (COP) per $1 USD.
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Best Budget-Friendly Buys in Colombia
When shopping for affordable finds in Colombia, one challenge stands out: authenticity vs. imitation. Many products here have lower quality, limited variety, or may even be bootleg versions. But the key to scoring great deals is knowing where to shop and how to spot the right items.
Coffee
Yes, it’s an obvious choice, but a must-discuss topic for coffee lovers everywhere! In Colombia, you can get a decent cup of coffee in small towns for just 1,000–2,500 pesos. If you’re used to classic drip coffee like Folgers, you’ll find a satisfying cup for around 1,000 pesos at local cafeterias, bakeries, or even from a street vendor on the corner.
If you prefer the rich flavors of specialty coffee, seek out independent cafés that source their beans directly from local and regional growers, ensuring quality from bean to cup. In small towns, expect to pay between 1,500 and 2,500+ pesos for a high-quality brew.
In larger cities like Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, and Cartago, a premium cup of coffee typically costs between 2,500 and 4,000 pesos—still an affordable indulgence in Colombia.
For a unique take on coffee culture in Manizales, check out this story: Unique Ways to Drink Coffee in Manizales.
Organic Fruits and Vegetables
With its incredible biodiversity and thriving agricultural scene, Colombia’s Coffee Region—and much of the country—is a haven for fresh, affordable produce. Compared to North American or European prices, Colombia is a paradise for health-conscious food lovers seeking organic fruits and vegetables at a fraction of the cost.
For a truly farm-to-table experience, look for a Mercado Agroecológico or Mercado Campesino—local farmers’ markets where you can buy directly from producers. In cities like Pereira and Manizales, the mayor’s office (Alcaldía) often organizes these markets, promoting them via Facebook.
Larger shopping centers, such as Mall Plaza in Manizales or Pereira Plaza, also host monthly farmers’ markets, offering a convenient way to shop for fresh, organic produce.
For even greater savings, visit the local wholesale markets, known as plazas de mercado or galerías, where produce arrives straight from the farms. These bustling, no-frills markets offer the best prices but require a bit of bargaining and a tolerance for the lively, sometimes chaotic atmosphere.
Shop Like a Local at La Galería in Manizales
Every day starting at 4:00 AM, local restaurants, food vendors, and home cooks flock to La Galería in Manizales to buy fresh meat, fruits, grains, and vegetables in bulk. This bustling marketplace is the heart of the city’s food supply, offering some of the best prices on fresh produce.
Insider Tip: Prices tend to rise as the morning progresses and more shoppers arrive. To get the best deals, shop early. Always stay aware of your surroundings, carry only the cash you need, and build relationships with trusted vendors. Over time, they can help you find high-quality products at fair prices.
For more expert tips on navigating Colombia’s wholesale markets (plazas de mercado or mayoristas), check out this guide: Buying Food at La Galería in Manizales – Expat Lifestyle
Meat in Colombia’s Coffee Region
While specialty meats like lamb, rabbit, venison, and turkey are less common, you’ll easily find staples like pork, beef, chicken, and fish—especially tilapia, trout, and mojarra. Halal and Kosher options are available but are primarily found in larger cities like Medellín and Bogotá.
In the Coffee Axis, most beef is sold fresh rather than aged. However, in recent years, local artisan butchers have started exploring the dry-aging process. Currently, some of the best-aged beef comes from Santa Rosa and Cartago. To find high-quality cuts, check with upscale restaurants or specialty butcher shops in the area.
#EatLocal #ColombianCuisine
Clothing in Colombia
Colombia has a thriving textile and fashion industry, with many materials imported from China. However, for artisan crafts and niche markets, you can still find locally sourced fabrics.
The two most common Colombian-produced textiles are linen and wool. While they may not always match the fine quality of European or North American fabrics, they can often be thicker and more durable, depending on their intended use. When shopping for locally made textiles, it’s best to evaluate each option individually to find the right balance of quality and craftsmanship.
Traditional Textiles & Embroidery in Colombia
In Marulanda, Caldas, you’ll find affordable yet high-quality, colorful wool ponchos—perfect for chilly nights in Manizales or as a cozy travel companion if you always need an extra layer.
Cartago is the embroidery (bordado) and cutwork (calado) capital of Colombia, known for its exquisite handcrafted cotton shirts for men and women. These garments, often worn by the ultra-wealthy, are sold in high-end boutiques in cities like Pereira and Cartagena, where prices start at 200,000–300,000+ COP. However, if you buy directly in Cartago, you can find them starting at around 70,000+ COP.
#BuyLocal #ColombianCraftsmanship
Read more about Cartago here: Cartago Travel Guide
Artwork in Colombia
Although it’s not often talked about, Colombia is home to stunning, affordable artwork that many travelers overlook until they see it firsthand. From vibrant street art to handcrafted paintings and sculptures, this is one of the best budget-friendly souvenirs you can find in Colombia. Whether you’re exploring local markets or galleries, you’ll discover unique pieces that capture the country’s rich culture and artistic talent.
#ColombianArt #SupportLocalArtists
From photography and paintings to indigenous handicrafts, Colombia offers incredible value for decorating your home while supporting local artists who need it more than ever. With the current favorable exchange rate, there’s never been a better time to invest in unique, culturally rich artwork that tells a story and adds personality to any space.
#SupportLocalArtists #ColombianArt
Top Local Artists in Colombia
Some of the standout local artists in Colombia include José Alonso Loaiza, Hernando Hoyos Baena, Constanza Chabur, and William Cardona, among many others. These talented individuals are shaping the Colombian art scene, and we’ve highlighted their work in a feature article from a few years ago. Check it out for more inspiration: Artists of Pereira
Shoes in Colombia
Shoe factories are abundant in Colombia, from major cities to small towns, offering everything from local artisanal brands to mass-produced, nationally distributed footwear. While comfort and arch support aren’t top priorities for most Colombians, these features are available—but they tend to be more expensive and may be better purchased via Amazon or other international retailers.
Colorful, stylish sandals are a common find on the streets of every major city, with prices starting at 20,000+ COP per pair. Cali is known for its leather sandals, while Manizales is famous for its high-quality leather boots.
The quality of shoes can vary widely, and counterfeit items are also popular. If you’re after brand-name imports like Nike or Adidas, expect to pay around 300,000+ COP, which is often double what you’d pay in the U.S.
#ShopSmart #ColombianFootwear
Bad news for those with larger feet—if you wear a size 11 or larger, you may have trouble finding shoes in Colombia. Due to the generally smaller stature of the population, many local stores don’t carry larger sizes, and these shoes can be harder to sell. Your best bet is to buy shoes in your home country or order them online. In a pinch, however, you might be able to find a dealer in cities like Medellín or Bogotá who can help source the right size for you.
Insider Tip: Manizales is famous for their leather boots, one shop in particular inside of Centro Comercial Sancancio which came highly recommended a.k.a “local secret,” is called Leather Time. The shop offers a 2 year guarantee on the soles!! This is not a paid ad, we are reporting a good experience that we had!
Hats and Sombreros in Colombia
A high-quality Sombrero Aguadeño can be found for as little as $50 to $100 USD, depending on where you shop. The key factor in determining quality is the tightness and richness of the weave.
To assess whether a Sombrero Aguadeño is a low-quality, budget option or a premium piece, hold it up to the light. If light filters through the holes, it’s a lower-quality hat, typically priced between 25,000 and 75,000 COP. A higher-end, well-made hat will block out sunlight and feature a finer interior finish, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000+ COP.
Where to Find Quality Hats in the Coffee Region
We’ve had excellent experiences purchasing our hats from Don Samuel in Salamina and Manizales, Caldas. Their Sombrero Aguadeño features a leather interior band and a high-quality, consistent exterior finish made from durable fibers.
If you’re looking for a more affordable, simpler cloth sun hat, you can find one at a flea market or while strolling through el Centro. For a higher-quality option, visit the Columbia Sportswear store at Centro Comercial Fundadores in Manizales, where you’ll find well-made hats—though they tend to be a bit pricier.
Real Estate in Colombia
If you’re looking to buy property in a small town (pueblo), you can find houses on lots or attached homes starting at around $30,000 to $40,000 USD. For a house or even a small farm, prices typically begin around $100,000 USD, depending on the location and the level of finishing work. In cities, houses in middle-class areas (strata 3 or 4) usually start around $50,000 to $100,000 USD.
#ColombianRealEstate #AffordableHomes #InvestInColombia
It’s important to note that Pereira has some of the highest land prices in Colombia, particularly in rural areas like Cerritos and Castillo. However, due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, prices can fluctuate significantly, and the real estate market is evolving rapidly as conditions continue to change
Insider Tip: If you DO decide to buy property in Colombia, INVEST IN A TITLE SEARCH. If you are not carefully researching exactly what the title says, where it comes from and what it includes, you are setting yourself up for problems with cheap things to buy in Colombia.If you decide to buy property in Colombia, always invest in a title search. Failing to thoroughly research the title, its origins, and what it includes could lead to serious legal issues down the line. Protect yourself by ensuring the property’s ownership is clear and legitimate.
Silver, Gold & Emeralds in Colombia
Colombia is rich in precious metals, including rare earth metals, and boasts advanced refining capabilities. A must-visit experience is the Exposición de Artesanías at the Feria de Manizales, an annual event showcasing local craftsmanship.
When it comes to jewelry, many shops in Colombia offer 18-karat gold at the price of 10-karat gold, making it a fantastic deal for those looking to buy quality pieces at affordable prices.
#ColombianJewelry #GoldAndEmeralds #BuyLocal
If you’re looking for beautifully crafted artisan jewelry at unbeatable prices, visit towns like Quinchía or Marmato. These pueblos are home to skilled artisans who create intricate pieces using techniques like filigree, a complex process of sculpting silver wire into delicate designs.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers would buy emeralds in Colombia and sell them for a profit in their home countries. Colombia is known for producing some of the rarest and most stunning emeralds in the world, particularly from the mines in Boyacá, a region famed for its potatoes and wool ponchos
he prices of gold, silver, and emeralds in Colombia vary depending on whether you buy from city retailers or directly from small-town artisans. In general, you’ll find that these precious items are significantly more affordable in Colombia compared to the US, Canada, and Europe.
Conclusion
As always, it’s crucial to do your research when shopping for affordable items in Colombia. Be mindful of the risks associated with counterfeit products, fakes, or low-quality craftsmanship. Learn how to assess the quality by examining seams and comparing price to value.
In Colombia, there’s a popular saying: “Bueno, Bonito, Barato,” which emphasizes bargaining for a “pretty” item at a low price. While negotiating is common, keep in mind that handmade items, especially those not mass-produced, are often the result of hard work by local artisans and their families. These creators rely on fair compensation to cover their bills and support their families—so is paying full price really such a bad thing?
Even if you’re paying a “gringo price,” it’s often still more affordable than what you’d find in your home country. Consider the context, the true cost of resources, and place your own value on the item. Living in Colombia offers a valuable education in understanding the actual costs of goods. While some things are cheaper, others can be more expensive.
Cheap items in Colombia are fun to discover and can even be great for resale. If you found this article helpful or have specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at coffeeaxistravel@gmail.com.
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Conclusion
As always, it’s crucial to do your research when shopping for affordable items in Colombia. Be mindful of the risks associated with counterfeit products, fakes, or low-quality craftsmanship. Learn how to assess the quality by examining seams and comparing price to value.
In Colombia, there’s a popular saying: “Bueno, Bonito, Barato,” which emphasizes bargaining for a “pretty” item at a low price. While negotiating is common, keep in mind that handmade items, especially those not mass-produced, are often the result of hard work by local artisans and their families. These creators rely on fair compensation to cover their bills and support their families—so is paying full price really such a bad thing?
Even if you’re paying a “gringo price,” it’s often still more affordable than what you’d find in your home country. Consider the context, the true cost of resources, and place your own value on the item. Living in Colombia offers a valuable education in understanding the actual costs of goods. While some things are cheaper, others can be more expensive.
Cheap items in Colombia are fun to discover and can even be great for resale. If you found this article helpful or have specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at coffeeaxistravel@gmail.com.
#ShopSmart #ColombianShopping #SupportLocalArtisans
