Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What to Buy in Argentina
Shopping is tremendous fun in Argentina given the wide
range of beautiful and unique items available. Major cities
have modern shopping malls and high-fashion boutiques,
while in provincial towns artisans' markets sell everything
from beautifully crafted gaucho gear to high-quality
weavings. Prices, including the cost of luxury items, are
low compared to those in Europe and the US. Some of
the bigger stores will ship purchases home and, if
requested, shop attendants will gift wrap the item.
Indigenous Handicrafts
Visitors will find artisans selling regional handicrafts
across the country - woolens made of guanaco and
llama wool in Patagonia, the Andean Northwest, and
Cuyo, and excellent ceramics in the Andean North-
west. Jewelry is another quality Argentinian product
and is available in a variety of designs and metals.
Warm woolen
gloves
Poncho woven with
traditional patterns
Indigenous pattern woven on
woolen polo bands
Woven carpet from
Purmamarca, Jujuy
Woolens and Weavings
Bright handwoven rugs, ponchos, and shawls are on offer, made
from a variety of wools, including the rare alpaca and vicuña
wools. Indigenous symbolism pervades many of the designs.
Jewelry
Artisanal fairs across Argentina offer exquisite jewelry
that is handmade from nickel, silver, or gold with
semiprecious stones and indigenous motifs.
Gold earrings with
semiprecious stones
Necklace with gold beads
Inexpensive silver pendants found
all across Argentina
Metal straw and scoop for
herbal tea
Two
mate
gourds
Ceramic item made by
indigenous people
Handmade
earthen pot
Mate
Mate
drinking is an age-old Argentinian ritual
and
mate
gourds range from highly wrought silver
to those crafted from calabash (pumpkin). The
bombilla
(drinking straw) is the main accessory.
Earthenware
Sold at crafts markets across the Andean
Northwest and the Northeast of Argentina,
ceramics are often embellished with indigenous
motifs and patterns dating back millennia.
