Alpaca clothing
Northwest Argentina is full of fuzzy alpacas and llamas, so it stands to reason there would be plenty of alpaca clothing up for grabs here too. Everything from beanies, jumpers, leggings, socks and scarves can be found for bargain basement prices. For the best quality, head to Ambay in the center and ask for baby alpaca which is more soft and fluffy than the regular stuff.
Ambay, Caseros, Salta, Salta Province, Argentina +54 387 431-7182
Alpaca goods | © David Adam Kess/Wikipedia
Handicrafts
For a stock standard souvenir, grab some regional artisanal products. The biggest range are sold in the Mercado Artesanal, something of a souvenir superstore which has the added bonus of being heavily regulated, meaning shoppers needn’t even bother to bargain. Samponia has a more upmarket selection of attractive pillows, utensils and sculptures.
Samponia, Deán Funes 550, Salta, Argentina +54 387 422-8333
Artisanals | © manguzmo/Flickr
Textiles
A number of interesting Inca designs are available to be bought in the form of textiles throughout the city. Tapestries, tablecloths and wall hangings with vibrant colors and intricate patterns prove all too tempting for many, with the Artesanal Market having the best range.
Mercado Artesanal Salta, Salta, Salta Province, Argentina +54 387 434-2808
Inca textiles | © McKay Savage/Flickr
Leather goods
Most of Argentina’s cattle are raised further south in wetter and more fertile lands. But that’s not to say the people of the north don’t know their leather. An abundance of high quality leather jackets, wallets, bags and shoes can be found in markets and fancy boutiques such as Torcivia throughout the city.
Torcivia, San Juan, Salta, Salta Province, Argentina +54 387 431-6181
Leather bag | © Free Images/Flickr
A Gourd
A classic Argentine souvenir, the gourd is a special kind of cup used to drink the popular herbal tea known as maté. Many are intricately decorated and bound in leather, making this an attractive souvenir even for those who aren’t a fan of the flavor.
Mercado Artesanal Salta, Salta, Salta Province, Argentina +54 387 434-2808
Gourd | © Travis Alber/Flickr
Maté
A gourd wouldn’t be much good without some maté, right?
Mercado Artesanal Salta, Salta, Salta Province, Argentina +54 387 434-2808
Mate | © Mitch Altman/Flickr
Wine
A bottle of vino is obviously the ideal gift for that friend who really loves a tipple. Opt for a local torrontés, the flagship white of nearby Cafayate. A decent bottle can be picked up almost anywhere but it’s always fun going to a specialty store like Bella Hortensia.
Bella Hortensia, Balcarce, Salta, Salta Province, Argentina +54 387 422-7474
White wine | © PROThank you for visiting my page/Flickr
Dulce de Leche
Dulce de Leche is to Argentina what peanut butter is to America or Vegemite to Australia. Ubiquitous. Sweet tooth travelers fall in love with this caramel-like spreadable delight, often taking a supply home with them to savor with friends. El Guachito Salteño sells the best stuff in town.
El Guacho Salteño, Caseros 760, Salta, Argentina +54 387 432-9459
Dulce de Leche | © Chun Yip So/Flickr
A music CD
Okay, we know, CD’s are like so 2001. But if you want to bring a little folklore music home with you, there’s not really any other option. Most bands playing in peñas as well as street performers have disks for sale and you can always burn them to MP3 and copy the tunes to your phone later.
A Salt Statue
At the entrance to the Salinas Grandes salt flat, entrepreneurial artisans sell figurines made entirely from salt. Salty llamas, cacti and other high altitude icons make for cute little decorations and the perfect mementos.
Salinas Grandes, Jujuy, Argentina
Salt Llamas | © Phil Whitehouse/Flickr