Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Traditional Products
Many shops in Buenos Aires sell
authentic gaucho ware and items
decorated with brightly colored
fileteado
. Quality and prices can
vary from shop to shop, so it is
best to look around before
buying anything. Traditional
gaucho ware may also be found
at estancias all across the country,
especially in Patagonia.
Fileteado
Art
Filete
is a flamboyant folk
art that has adorned
shop fronts, buses, and
tango halls in Buenos
Aires since the 19th
century. It typically
sets elaborately
designed calligraphy
within a stylized border
of climbing plants, flowers,
or even dragons.
Wall-hanging embellished with
elaborate
fileteado
design
Gaucho Ware
Coltskin boots, sombreros, and
bombachas
(cotton trousers) are typically worn by the
cowboys.
Facones
(knives) and
espuelas
(spurs) are their accessories.
A typical gaucho hat
Traditional belt worn by cowboys
A pair of leather boots
Well-carved gaucho knife
Traditional spurs
Souvenirs
Fine wines and authentic leather goods make interesting
souvenirs. Wines are available at any shopping mall in
Buenos Aires. However, the best option is to visit a
vineyard in the Cuyo region or less well-known vineyards
in Salta to buy directly from the
bodegas
. Exotic leather
goods are available, mainly in the Northeast, but visitors
have to be careful about fakes.
Wines
Wines are labeled according to region and grape. The signature
red grape is Malbec from Mendoza and the Cuyo region. The
pick of Argentina's white varieties is Torrontés, particularly
from the vineyards of Salta.
White wine from
José L. Mounier
Red wine made with
Malbec grapes
Leather Accessories
Most leather goods are handmade
from cowhide. Exotic leathers from
the Northeast, used to make luxury
gifts, include caiman and lizard
leathers.
Belt with pampa
pattern
Leather handbag made from cow
and capybara leathers
Leather dog collars commonly sold in street
stores in Buenos Aires
