With Summer vacation season near, Cartagena fills up with domestic and international tourists looking to relax among the streets of La Heroica. 

While the most common vacation plans include going to the beach, walking the historic center or experiencing some nautical sport, there will always be room in the agendas of visitors to buy souvenirs that will remind them of the Corralito de Piedra when they return home. 

If you are planning your vacation in the city and are interested in souvenirs to take home, here are three must-buy handicrafts: 

Bags and purses

Wayuu bags are originally from the Indigenous tribes of La Guajira, but Cartagena is a city where it is very easy to find them. In the town of San Jacinto, located just an hour and a half away, many artisans are dedicated to this type of ancestral weaving. 

The backpacks are characterized by their brightly colored yarns with various figures and rhinestones that give them a modern touch. 

Emeralds

When walking through the historic center, it is almost impossible not to go to an emerald jewelry store, as it is the flagship stone of Colombia. 

For those visitors who want a more luxurious souvenir from their trip through the city, some jewelry with polished or rough emeralds is the best option. 

Palm accessories 

Another type of fabric found in almost every store in the city is that made with Iraca palm or cañaflecha. 

Using this type of material, there are a variety of souvenirs, from bags and hats, to delicate accessories. 

Cartagena is a city full of history and tradition, and that is reflected in the different souvenirs tourists can take home as souvenirs.