Shopping in Guatemala is a varied, exciting experience, but it can also be extremely frustrating. Purchases, while universally cheap compared to American standards, exist at one of two extremes: the posh and overpriced artisan store, or the cheap but inconsistent street purchase. The buying process for artisan goods very often involves "regateando," or bargaining to reach an acceptable price. Many buyers utilize the walk-away, as sellers desperately yell lower and lower prices.

But overall, many of the goods available in Guatemala are unique and intricate, often encapsulating an entire culture in a huipil or corte. Perhaps the most important thing to remember when purchasing artisan goods is that they represent a people, and need to be respected as such.