As I headed further there's a real sweet mother and daughter booth. They are American and one sells beautiful handmade Shirts with designs from Margarita island in all sizes, next door to where she is (booth 81), is her daughter's booth # 80. This sweet young lady sells her own hand painted pottery vases & pots. She paints hibiscus and other flowers in different colors, photo frames, & magnets too. It's amazing to see her work while she is there and how she can turn a normal looking vase into a wonderful work of art!

Next door to her is another booth with handcarved stone figurines # 79. Here is a picture below to see the Artisan's work for yourself and a shot of other booths further away.

To continue on down the La Punta Boulevard I found beautiful necklaces, creations with pearls and stones. Pearls are their specialty. Yes, the prices are correct and the quality is good. Many people think that because the prices are so low that they aren't real. They really are! You can buy a lower quality strand of pearls for $6. Then there are higher qualities that go up from there. A good strand of pearls will cost you about $15-$20. There are lots of hematite jewelry, too. You can get those pretty cheap.

Look for lots of earrings, bracelets, sets of jewelry and more. I also found lots of beach sarongs, caps, beach towels, bags, figurines. I found myself seeing allot of variety even in the selection for jewelry. There are several people who make Negritas, which are clay black women figurines in folk/tropical dresses carrying plates of fruit and veggies; you'll see two photos in the slideshow. The island is very popular for that.

Hammocks are made on the island, so you can get a really nice one for a decent price. They even have the hammock that is the seat kind, where you're not laying down but rather sitting up. They are about 2/3 of the way down the avenue. About 1/3 of the way down is a booth that sells handmade woven baskets & hats. Some are collapsible, so you can pack them in your suitcase. Towards the entrance are also wind chimes made of flat stones, it looks delicate but so incredible to see it with your eyes. This gracious vendor also let me photograph her and her work. Down further more shirts but all different styles, I'm sure if you don't find the kind you are looking for right away you'll find one you 'will' like further on down the strip. I also found lots of ceramic painted face masks, dishes, shot cups for sale ect..

Pretty beach towels as seen above and a whole other different selection of jewelry to choose from at several booths. Also at booth # 27 Venezuela's best chocolate. El Rey! was being sold here. Lots of handcrafted bags, purses and hats to purchase as well. I have to say I most enjoyed the atmosphere. NONE of the sellers were pushy or after you 'so to speak' for you to buy anything. They were all very friendly and most kept busy as some also continue to work making their handcrafts while you are there shopping. Lots of music going on and plenty of drinks and food to choose from.

There is one guy who makes handmade cigars. His booth is on the small strip right across from the Port stores, he's in one of the very first booths down Punta Boulevard. It has been said that many men try his cigars and say that it is top quality. He sells individual cigars, too, so you can try one right there and decide if you want more. Some high government men come to the island to buy his cigars, so they must be pretty good. You will also find beer, wine, vodka, and rum are sold at a store in the building at the front of the port. They also sell rum at either bar. Below is a picture of the man, whose name is Francisco, which makes the cigars and below is Ricardo the store owner inside the Ports liquor shop.

For some reason unknown many of the vendors have been told by the people coming from the cruiseships that they are being told that Margarita doesn't have much to offer or that El Guamache isn't worth getting off to stop and visit. Time and time again it seems that this false information is given to the passengers and I'm glad that some just disregard what they are being told and still get off the ship to venture out to see what El Guamache has to offer.

Many tourist have stated just HOW MUCH Margarita has been the *BEST* part of their whole trip or one of the best Ports that they have gotten to stop at while on their vacation cruise. It's a very heartfelt appreciated comment by all vendors there who are working so hard to make your visit one to remember and enjoyable. Many do speak English and those who know a little will do their best to try with the English they do know. Again these are a great bunch of Venezuelans and you'll soon agree some of the most friendliest group of people you'd meet. There are a few American's working there as well I'm sure you'll meet some of them. They are full of information, friendly and helpful too.

Our Slideshow of El Guamache is now complete please click here to view the photos!