***My patented pre-visit tip: Bring bags or be prepared to shell out a buck for a reusable shopping bag, they don't use paper or plastic shopping bags!*** Look, who doesn't want to nab some souvenirs to take back to the fam when they're on a trip? Easy. Pop into any gift shop, grab some clam shells with googly eyes, a velour bag of polished rocks, and a novelty t-shirt that informs people that the wearer received nothing from your visit but its lousy self. Look at the labels on those items. Where were they made? I'll bet they were made in China, just like the other 92% of stuff you own. Those clam shells? They're the same ones you'll find at gift shops from Puerto Rico to Florida to Maine. I absolutely sh*t you not, on our trip to PR, I found some resin elephant statues emblazened with "Puerto Rico" banner stickers glued to the bases. Seriously. Elephants. Everyone knows Puerto Rico has been elephant free ever since the Great Elephant War of '72. So stupid. This shop (and its sister) features items made in PR by PR folks. From postcards to coffee to instruments to ceramics to knit doll clothes to cigars and candy, everything you find here is made locally. It's a bit spendy compared to the crap in the standard souvenir shops, but it's worth a few dollars and/or cents more to help the local economy and to support local artists and farmers. This store is always well-staffed, and although some of the attention they pay you is clearly because they want to make sure you're not filling your pockets with merchandise. That said, they are extremely knowledgeable about their products and helpful. Keep Chinese-made souvenirs for your next trip to China. When you're in PR, stop here for quality and authenticity. And be sure to ask them about elephant statues. read more

Artesania Mundo Taino in San Juan is a great gift shop to find items made in Puerto Rico for those on your gift list. I really like their selection of different items and the variety that they have available here. I was able to find exactly what I was looking for. The staff here is very knowledgeable and attentive. I was happy with all of my purchases. read more

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Great customer service where the staff helped me select a handmade bracelet just for me. I loved the coqui rain sound effects. It looked like you were outside but still remained indoors. Great craft work. I'd definitely recommend coming here from a break of the touristy shops and get a local taste of the island. read more

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It's easy to pop-poo the Gift shops in Old San Juan. Most of them sell the same cheap souvenirs, tshirts, ashtrays and shot glasses. But Mundo Taíno is different. Every time I come to OSJ I come here.Everything here first of all is a genuine Puerto Rico handicraft. Your purchase supports local artists. Second, everything is beautiful and classy - from the housewares to the jewelry, you can't go wrong with a gift bought here. Finally, the service is excellent, and since you will likely purchase something decorative that is breakable, know that they will wrap that for you ever so travel-perfect! Never a bad experience. read more

I highly recommend the Mundo Taino to buy souvenirs from Puerto Rico. This store is the only one that I visited in my 5h trip in Old San Juan that sells local handicrafts with some quality for a good price. I prior visited stores that were selling pieces with labels from Peru (Made in Peru). read more

I went to Mundo Taino II which I think is the sister location in southern Viejo San Juan. I bought some rum here that I saw in the duty free shop at the airport for $5 cheaper and no tax on my way home. Just an FYI. However, the flavored liqueur rum at this place was not in the duty free shop. The coffee I bought here was not sealed and who knows how long it was sitting on their shelf exposed to air. read more

Greeted with the sound of Coqui (Puerto Rico's tree frog) as you pass by the shop. Puerto Rico's only shop in Old San Juan that caters to LOCALLY produced crafts (artesania) all by local (Puerto Rico) artists and all hand crafted souvenirs among many other things like t-shirts, magnets, and trinkets. If you are tourist or on a cruise this is a must stop shop for all things locals. English & Spanish is spoken here. I am from San Sebastian (fathers side) and my mother is from Luquillo. I have seen other products from street vendors, side shops, and malls that DO NOT compare to this location in Old San Juan. NOTE: PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEOS ARE NOT ALLOWED! Therefore, I do not have any photos of this place and cannot share the level of quality that goes into every product.. This is the BEST place to get an Authentic Pilon (mortar & pestle) from Puerto Rico.There are other shops that sell products made China, Dominican Republic, and other places. Let's talk pricing now, the prices are slightly higher due to the fact that each item is uniquely made and hand produced. NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE PLACE TO BUY LIQUOR-i.e. Puerto Rican rum etc.!!! Inside the the store you will find an assortment of handcrafted products of clay, stone, wood and painted rocks exclusive to Puerto Rico & Taino cultures. Step inside and make your purchases then ship or carry them in your luggage. Parking is VERY scarce so walking in OSJ is a must. read more

Looking for items not made in China and slapped with "Puerto Rico" on it? This is THE place. They have a host of various craft and food items Made in Puerto Rico. The prices are fare and the quality is great. The staff are very very helpful and explain each item with love. read more

Have a good collection of masks. Every time that I travel to Puerto Rico, need to stop at Mundo Taino to pick few masks for family souvenirs. Love the place read more

To me, this was the only place in Viejo San Juan that had locally made crafts. It reflected the true history of Boriken. The cultural aspect of the island before the arrival of the Spaniards. The gentleman I met told my family and I stories of how the tribes and the people lived back then. Through oral traditions is how it was passed down for generations. There are cultural books on the people and lifestyle, sounds of the coqui when you enter and the ambiance of the original people of the island. read more

One of my favorite shops in San Juan. Beautiful art and masks everywhere. Everyone is friendly and super helpful.

All items are locally made in Puerto Rico. Great place to buy unique gifts. They have artisan crafts and foods, toys and books. I like to stop by every time I'm visiting old San Juan to take a piece of the Island home with me. read more

I went to this store to purchase gifts before I left to come home. The clerk wrote each item down. Then as she processed my debit card the lights went out. She apologized and said the credit card machine was not working. We left. That afternoon the charge was taken from my bank account. It has been almost two months and the store owner continues to lie about reasons why he cannot put a credit back on my card. That is if I catch him in the store. I am reporting to BBB along with Wells Fargo. read more

This place is terrible. I bought a really nice, expensive ($200 plus $75 for shipping) taíno chef's seat (sillón de jefe del taíno) and they said they would send it to me. 2 months later, nothing. I've called three times, and every time it's a new excuse..."the owner was sick", and, "it was christmas vacation (for two months?!?)". Funny how I paid for the shipping and there's (gasp), no shipment! And there were a lot of employees, pretty sure one of them could have made a run to UPS. Don't shop here unless you want to get taken. read more

Let me begin by stating that when I first found this quaint little shop I was delighted to find so many handmade items made by local artisans with local materials. It was quite a contrast compared to the majority of souvenir shops in Old San Juan that stock products (or should I say junk) mostly mass produced in China. Now I must discuss my ultimate huge disappointment. I bought a cute little purse and several other items. I used the purse, with a velcro closure, the very next morning, and quickly discovered the velcro was coming apart. I walked from our hotel to the shop hoping to simply replace the broken purse (I really loved it) only to be told in a rude manner, "Our receipt clearly states no refunds or exchanges." When I asked, "Even for defective merchandise?", I was told, "I can't do a thing for you." This policy wasn't discussed when I paid, and was not posted anywhere I noticed in the store. I would have checked my items carefully had this policy been made clear. I have never experienced such a policy dealing with defective merchandise before. This is the worst case of poor customer service I have experienced in my travels. The bottom line is buyer beware, and check your merchandise carefully! read more

Mundo Taino - The cute defective purse I bought and could not exchange. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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I travel to Puerto Rico often and I was so pleased to find a store (actually 2 locations in San Juan) which support local artisans and provides art from the island to non-locals who take home some of the islands beauty. This is my one stop Borinqueño shop for all things authentically artistic. read more

This store is a must-go-to when in Puerto Rico. Not only do they have an impressive selection of beautiful and one of a kind items that I did not see any where else during my travels, the staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. When you first step into the store, the ambiance is truly something to admire. The sounds of coqui, the smell of coffee, and a beautifully decorated store filled with artisan goods and art. The owner clearly takes pride in the store, and the merchandise and art that they sell. If your travels ever bring you to the San Juan area, Mundo Taino is a store you must visit. read more

I'd bought a Taino god figurine which they helped wrap for my journey- after having unwrapped it, noticed a crack which had been elaborately concealed. I tried talking to the owner who refused to communicate and insisted I had caused the damage. I found the experience rude and inhospitable. Not recommended!! read more

My experience at Mundo Taino was extremely disappointing. I bought a statuette which I took great care on the flight back home. When I was home, I noticed a crack at the back which was obviously glued up and not something that the shop should have attempted to sell in the first place. When I attempted to return/settle this issue, the owner avoided my calls. I used my CC company and he provided elaborate disclaimers and insisted I'd caused the damage. This fraud should be avoided altogether. read more

Theres too much "Made in China" "souvenirs" in Old San Juan on little shops mostly managed by foreigners. Mundo Taino is one of the real deals. Authentic made in Puerto Rico goods. read more

I went to see the souvenirs at the store and the lady who was working there was really rude, following us around and looking at all we did. It felt really uncomfortable, so we went to another shop nearby and found things from this shop at a better price and much more polite. read more

Very dissapointing, the customer service was sad and the prices too high. And when i was getting out from the store, an artisan was arguing the owner didnt want to pays for his work. Thats not fair. read more

Mundo Taino (I) in San Juan has some expensive, interesting souvenirs; however, please be very cautious of touching anything. I visited the store on 8/5/14 and on the bottom shelf they had a small cloth coffee filter on a wood rack with a small clay cup. The cup was not glued to the rack and when I picked up to check the price (price was on the bottom of the rack) the cup fell off and broke. For this accident I was forced pay $58.79, although, the piece probably cost $7. to make. They didn't have any signs on the door advising tourists that "if you broke it, you bought it". The only sign the sales person showed me after the accident was 5" label on the top shelf. I understand that the owners need to make money to stay in business but they should have at least met me half way, after all, the cup was not glued to the rack (this was an ornament and not for daily use). I would have gladly purchased additional souvenirs from this store but was totally bummed out after being forced to pay $58.79 for a useless souvenir. Instead, I felt like returning my other purchases but decided not to have to deal with the unsympathetic and rude cashier again. read more