Bookhtls.com
Guia de Argentina

The favourable exchange rate means that it is worth browsing the stores of Argentina's main cities for international branded goods. Wander down Buenos Aires's Calle Florida and Ave Santa Fe for the most upmarket stores in the country. Although the selection is unlikely to be anything different from back home the prices can be significantly less and you can obtain real bargains.

The best things to buy remain the traditional crafts that Argentines have made for centuries. Throughout the country you'll find fabulous leather work from bags, belts and accessories all the way to full coats. The quality is always excellent. The country also has a reputation for producing fine metalwork and intricate jewellery. Handmade bracelets and necklaces reflect traditional Latin American designs.

If you fancy going gaucho there are several items of traditional clothing that you could purchase, although remember that ponchos and traditional woven trousers might look fine on the Pampas but not so good wandering around the shops back home. Other gaucho items, although not of the most practical use make excellent ornaments and talking points back home. The tirador is the traditional wide belt worn by the gaucho. Made of leather it was the repository for the cowboy's wealth, and was decorated with coins according to the wealth and whims of its wearer. If you fancy a more macho example of the gaucho lifestyle you can purchase a cuchillo gaucho , the traditional knife of the cowboys, and used as tool and eating utensil. These are worn tucked into the back of the tirador and can be anything up to a foot in length. Antique cuchillo gauchos (also called facones in some places) make an interesting talking point on your return home, although make sure that you are permitted to import it home, and do not carry it in your hand luggage.

Many visitors also like to purchase one of the distinctive mate vessels . Although they can be made from all sorts of materials the best are the traditional fruit husks or wooden ones. The high plateaux of the Andes are famed for their tradtional textile industries with material woven from the flocks of sheep, llamas and alpacas that inhabit the high land. Tapestries, traditional ponchos and handwoven rugs can be found for sale in markets and tourist stores all over the country.

Of course besides this traditional merchandise you could always purchase an icon of modern life in an Argentine football shirt . The distinctive pale blue and white stripes are the most famous colours in football, besides the yellow of Brazil. The most famous number is "10" - Maradona's