Traditional handicrafts
To find South American handicrafts, Buenos Aires is certainly not the city to put at the top of your itinerary. If the open air markets are numerous, often displaying and selling beautiful antiques, the handicrafts are mainly produced in the interior of the country. The Pampa, the Northwest and Patagonia have authentic handicrafts, and one can find a good number of folkloric objects, colorful clothes and sculptures. Outside the capital, at the Feria de Mataderos (gaucho market in the southwest of the city) or in San Antonio de Areco, for example, you will be able to find the perfect gaucho outfit: boleadoras (a kind of lasso), knives, goldsmith's work, elaborate mats, clothing(bombachas de campo, belts, berets, etc.). The must is certainly to offer yourself a gaucho knife, with armadillo shell handle from the village of San Antonio de Areco. And the country of the gauchos is known for its leather, one of the most beautiful in the world: inexpensive and of great quality, the Argentine leather is worked with a unique know-how. Jackets, belts, bags, shoes, leather can be found in all its forms, but be sure to look for imitations. Look for labels confirming the type of material used, check the linings and above all use your nose: the smell of real leather is easily identifiable! To get a good deal, stay away from the capital. If you go to Salta, for example, the choice will be much wider and the prices cheaper. The handicrafts are more colorful and are similar to those of the Andean countries. In the northwest of the country, a jar or salt shaker made of dried cactus, found in the quebradas, is one of the main handicrafts that can be found everywhere. A hanging of Pumamarca is very typical of the Andean villages: to put on an armchair or to hang on a wall to dress a whole room! Still in the region, in Salinas Grandes, at an altitude of 4,000 m, sculptors carve in blocks of salt magnificent small sculptures in the shape of cactus or llamas: a unique and not too bulky souvenir! In the Aripuca of Puerto Iguazú, in the North-East, we will opt for the wooden jewels made by the Guaranis Amerindians. Finally, the emblematic poncho can be found almost everywhere, but beware: each region has its own poncho! In Salta, the poncho is dark red, decorated with bangs, while in the province of Santa Cruz, it is more like a tunic, covering part of the legs and all the arms. Ponchos, ruanas and other chamantos combine folklore and fashion, they are made of llama, alpaca or even vicuña wool, from the most kitsch to the most refined, the patterns vary as well as the cuts and materials. You can also be tempted by embroidered scarves or multicolored shoes with an ethnic style. Cultural heritages and unique pieces, these are often objects that tell stories and will allow you to understand even more the essence of Argentina. And then, in these times, what better way to support the local economy? Beware of "Made in China" manufactured products and go to the markets of small villages as well as to small artisan stores.
Buenos Aires, shopping destination
In addition to soccer, shopping can be a real national sport: in August 2005, the city of Buenos Aires was proclaimed the first UNESCO City of Design: a novelty driven by the energy and innovation capabilities recognized in this contemporary sector. With this highly symbolic gesture, UNESCO recognizes one of the strongest and most productive design industries in South America, especially in the fields of fashion and design. The district of Palermo, in ebullition and at the forefront of the hype, is naturally a breeding ground for this field. There are many dedicated stores, a number of small designers of fashion accessories, inspired interior decorations, chic clothing boutiques... Some very high-end stores in the capital specialize in luxury leather goods. For those who are thirsty for shopping, you can choose between modern shopping malls, open-air shopping or more classic ferias. For an American-style shopping trip, go to the capital's behemoths: you can linger in the 174 stores of the Abasto, former Art Deco halls converted into a shopping mall, or go through the Galerias Pacifico, classified as a historical monument thanks to its architecture and its artistic frescoes created by a collective project. Many fashion boutiques are also present in the Recoleta Mall, a shopping center inaugurated in 2011 and one of the largest in the capital. If you prefer trendy stores, head to the streets of Palermo Soho (Avenida Córdoba or Avenida Santa Fe), to find stores with unique and original products. For more authenticity and impromptu shopping, stroll through the Mercado de las Pulgas, a flea market, where you can find many small treasures, or head to the Feria del Mercado de las Luces, where you can find a variety of antiques. And then, when you think of Buenos Aires, you think of the nostalgia of a glorious past carried by the tango. On the side of San Telmo, music lovers will easily find a vinyl or a CD of Carlos Gardel, great figure of the Argentine tango. Or opt for a record by Narcotango or Tanghetto, electro-tango groups in the same trend as Gotan Project. Literature lovers will want to pick up a comic book by Quino, the world-renowned creator of Mafalda, the anti-conformist little girl who remains a symbol of the fight against injustice and inequality. San Telmo is also famous for its fair, where you can find all kinds of antiques and handicrafts, such as these small wooden panels painted in the art of fileteado porteño. And, of course, football fans will be able to buy a Boca Junior or Albiceleste jersey. It's up to you to choose the player and the number you want to wear, but as a good Puerto Rican, we will always recommend Maradona's number 10 on the back! You'll be spoiled for choice in the Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
Gourmet Flavours
It's impossible not to be tempted by the flavors of Argentina! Although its gastronomy is often summed up in its parrilla, its pizzas and its empanadas, the country has other surprises in store for your taste buds. So, why not bring back a few products in your suitcases to continue the culinary adventure once back home? Although it is not suitable for all palates, mate has convinced a good number of travelers who trade their tea for a calabash and a bombilla (metal mate straw). A symbol of conviviality, mate is enjoyed and shared with others. You will find mate absolutely everywhere, even in supermarkets: it is no less good than elsewhere and just as tasty. Carnivores will also be able to buy supplies to continue enjoying the tenderness of Argentine meat at home. Be careful, however, to respect one condition: make sure you buy your meat vacuum-packed and respect the cold chain. If you like more noble products such as wine, then you will not escape the great Argentine wines. In a country where good meat is a must, it is not difficult to find the right wine to go with it: the most prized, with a more characteristic taste, are wines made exclusively (or almost exclusively) from a single grape variety, called varietales. In red, the most common are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This is followed by Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Barbera. Malbec is the specific and emblematic grape of Argentina, some good bottles are the malbec of Cavas Weinart, the malbec of Viniterra, the rutini malbec of Bodega La Rural, and the malbec of Fabre Montmayou. The 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon from Finca Catena Zapata is considered one of the best wines in Argentina, and one of the most expensive. More economical are the Finca Flichman Cabernet Sauvignon also from Finca Catena Zapata, Reserva Privada from Navarro Correas, the Cabernet Sauvignon from Fabre Montmayou, the Cabernet Sauvignon from Cavas Weinart, and the Cabernet Sauvignon from Michel Torino. White wine lovers will get a bottle of torrontés from Cafayate, there is even a small store in town that offers ice cream with this flavor, a malbec from the Mendoza region, for red wine lovers. As for sweet treats, don't forget to bring back some dulce de leche. This culinary specialty, a kind of milk jam, is not likely to gather dust in the cupboard and goes equally well with pancakes and toast. The unavoidable chocolate of Bariloche, the best in the country, will seduce you as much as the alfajores, pastries that often serve as dessert. Finally, in Patagonia, several delicatessens prepare special packs that are easy to slip into your suitcase: trio of trout, wild boar and deer pâtés, southern spices (merkén is a must to integrate into your cooking!), honey, calafate jams, rose hip tea... to be enjoyed without moderation!
