10 Best Flea Markets In Colombia

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I am enamored by the possibilities.

Who knew that Colombia, South America is such a hotspot for street market shopping?

It is hard for me to choose the 10 best flea markets here.

I will do my best.

I usually pick the ones that offer the most unique experience near cultural and natural sites of interest. 

The 10 Best Flea Markets in Colombia

1. Indigenous Market (Silvia, Cauca, Colombia)

I chose this one first because it depicts the local Guambiano indigenous culture well.

Vendors dress up in purple dresses and/or shawls complete with the hat and scarves indicative of this area’s history.

It seems like such a fun place to visit too.

They have a bus that conveniently transports people back and forth from one of this area’s mountain villages.

I would consider that a chance to converse with and get to know the people who live there. 

One visitor said you only need about an hour or two to walk through the booths.

That depends on the person though. I’d probably spend more time than that if I am interested in getting to know the locals. 

Items sold at the Indigenous Market include a plethora of fruits and vegetables.

They also sell handmade backpacks and other homemade textiles and crafts. You won’t leave hungry when you visit this market either.

2. San Alejo Flea Market (Bogota, Columbia)

The San Alejo Flea Market (Mercado de las Pulgas de San Alejo) offers one of the best opportunities I found second to the Indigenous Market.

It is located east of the Hotel San Francisco and almost right next to the Bogota Planetarium & Cultural Center to the west. 

Tronco Call 26, a major highway, separates the Planetarium & Cultural Center.

It will serve as one of your main driving travel routes if you want to explore this area’s history. 

About the San Alejo Market

I’d say the San Alejo Market is a large affair.

It usually includes about 300 flea market vendors and offers an extensive variety of collectible antiques and books.

I could also see this as a place I would want to shop if I need some new art for my walls.

Home decor also comes to mind. 

I would have fun picking from the old-world furnishings and room accessories this market would have to offer.

If I have enough money, I may end up here all day if I were to visit. 

3. Pasaje Rivas (Bogota, Cundinamarca, Columbia)

One visitor said that if you find the Pasaje Rivas flea market you are in luck.

It does represent the local history well, and it offers a multitude of home, artistic and collectible goods. 

I would see myself possibly buying a souvenir from here.

However, I would hope to acquire one of the items locals have made and not the mass-produced items most large-chain stores sell. 

You would probably find artwork, clothing, woven baskets and bags, small wooden furnishings and shelving, and toys.

I noticed in some photos guitars and other musical instruments and multicolored ponchos and wraps.

I think I also noticed some keychain trinkets and religious wall artifacts. 

The Pasaje Rivas Market is on the “Carerra 10” street.

It is across from the Puerto Lindo Shopping Center (Centro Comercial Puerto Lindo).

The listed operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 6.45 p.m. on most days.

Sundays it is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

4. Mercado Bazurto (Cartagena, Bolivar, Columbia)

I describe the Mercado Bazurto in the Cartagena province of Bolivar, Columbia as a place for people who thrive on “hustle and bustle.”

Perhaps you could call it the country’s “New York City.” 

It’s an extremely busy market, and there is no end to the type of goods you can find here.

You can acquire some quality fish at reasonable prices, for example.

Moreover, you can also drink a beer or two, dance, laugh, and enjoy the music and festivities. 

You can buy other types of meat and oils, fruits and vegetables here too.

A signature item offered here is the “bora berry” which buyers will use to turn into juice for sale. 

I think I wouldn’t mind walking along the nearby waterfront while here too.

The sad part of this touring location is some of the areas where you will notice poverty in plain sight.

I’m talking about “dirt poor” conditions in some neighborhoods, but that is part of the learning experience of visiting a new place. 

Listed market hours range from 4 a.m. to 9 pm on most days.

On Mondays, it is open 24 hours. 

5. Las Pulgas Market

I do not see much information about Las Pulgas Market.

The most recent Facebook post is from 2019.

They maybe have been canceled for a while because of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. 

I included this on my list because I am always looking for new opportunities.

Some of their posts offer a welcome message to people who have goods to sell that they would like to feature.

If you happen to be a seller, this could open up a door for you if you connect with this market’s owners. 

It is in the Special District of Columbia section of Bogota.

I am not sure right now what the current operating hours are.

They do have some hours listed on Google Maps, however.

There, it says that it is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

6, De Raka Mandraka – Talento Colombiano

Like the Las Pulgas Market, the De Raka Mandraka flea market is not as well known.

It does not have many (if any) ratings listed for it yet.

I can’t help but develop a curiosity about anything new, which is why I decided to mention it. 

It appears to be active because it does indicate “open now” according to at least two sources.

If it is, the typical daily hours are 11 a.m. every day to at least 5 p.m. on most days.

On Fridays, it stays open until 5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, it stays open until 6:30 p.m. 

7. Columbia Vintage Market 

You’ll find this within the La Puerto De La Sol Shopping Center in Bogota.

It’s across the street from the Crepes & Waffles restaurant on Cale 140 Street.

They sell vintage clothing, footwear, and accessories. 

I used to work at a thrift store in New York City (Staten Island), so this would interest me.

I love anything to do with timeless fashion and clothing history.

It’d be an excellent place to find theater or TV and movie outfits for characters too. 

Items I noticed from photos include vests, sunglasses, and plaid shirts.

I’ve also noticed some interesting suede and floral jumpsuit and skirt outfits.

I haven’t found a website listing, but they do have a Facebook and Instagram page. 

8. Placita de Florez

Primary items at the Placita de Florez include fresh produce, flowers, souvenirs, and fish.

They also have other meats and offer gift items for sale.

The listed operating hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week. 

Here’s. the listed address: Cra. 39 #50-25, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.

It seems like a well-rounded place with a variety of items, so why not? 

9. Passage Leclerc (Pasaje Leclerc in Cartegena)

If you’re already going to Cartegena in Bolivar anyway, you might as well make a stop at this one too.

Of course, it does have to be open.

A Google Maps user suggested slightly different hours than what is listed. 

It apparently used to be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Sunday, the day it was closed.

Now, it may be also open on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You may want to contact the establishment to find verify operating hours. 

I’m not sure why it’s listed as a flea market. However, it is in a shopping district.

It’s a place to lounge and eat indoors.

I think it’s a restaurant actually, but I did find a picture of some fabric handbags and other items for sale. 

They have several business listings and a phone number but no website.

It’s listed on Facebook as a specialty store and shopping center.

They sell food and liquor here, according to some of the FB photos I saw. 

10. El Mercado Nuevo (In Riohacha)

El Mercado Nuevo (New Market) in Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia does provide exactly that.

It is a new experience.

It looks like they have an Instagram and Facebook account but not much activity on it. 

El Mercado Nuevo does have a contact phone and these listed business hours are 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

Some people come here for the purpose of buying goods directly from indigenous Colombian people. 

They have more than 1,000 reviews on Google Maps.

They’re active but not on many social media or a website.

I’m fascinated, and the little online presence doesn’t scare me away.

Some areas of the world are more remote and/or private than others. 

The 10 Best Flea Markets In Colombia – Summary Table

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Safety Index:

42

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: HIGH
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: HIGH
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM