Great place to learn all about the oxcart industry and to buy great souvenirs. Sarchi is a great town, full of interesting places.
I'm a souvenir hound. Wherever I go I have to bring back something for my best friends, which sometimes I wind up keeping for myself! This oxcart factory with local artisans producing bright, colorful take-home gifts is a real must-see. The craftsmanship is remarkable and you can chat in broken Spanish with the artists while they work their magic. An old water-wheel still drives the main shafts that power many of the woodworking machines. The souvenir section is big and bright with well-organized aisles and displays. The helpful staff speaks English and a few other languages. Paying is fast and your purchases are well wrapped. This place is a delight where you could easily spend half a day. So get there by any means -- tour bus, taxi, foot or... ox cart!
The craftsmanship of the woodworkers and painters here is amazing. You can wander through and watch the men in the wood shop and see the people hand painting items. Very well stocked gift shop. Some beautiful stuff in there. Good mix of quality hand made stuff and typical tourist stuff.
We stopped here and took a took of how oxcarts are made. Very interesting that the wood shop is still is run by water since the 1920's. It was very educational to see how the oxcarts are built. There were artists painting that we could watch. The store was huge filled with every type of souvenir one could want. This is where I bought all my items for myself as well as family & friends. When I say they have everything there, they so, amazing. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, so glad we stopped.
If you like handcrafts, woodworking or even an engenier this is a good stop. It’s mostly a store but you can visit the wood shop which is run by water power since 1920 and still woorks today. A good place to buy suveniers.
