9 Best Shopping in The Northwest, Argentina

Just next to the plaza, Calchaquitos sells cookies and chocolates, local jams, wine, and clothes.

The shiny Annuar Shopping mall may stock regular high-street fare, but it's worth popping into for two reasons: first, to cool off with an ice-cream and some AC on a hot summer's day, and, second, for a different perspective of the Cathedral's steeple from the top floor. The mall also houses a movie theater showing latest releases.

When you fancy trying something other than wine, head to this Tolombón distillery to sample an array of grappas—one even made from coca leaves. The former warehouse is covered in vintage signs and distilling memorabilia; snap up local produce from nuts to olive oil and preserves that make for great gifts. 

Every Sunday, on Balcarce street between Entre Ríos and Ameghino, around 200 local artisans get together for this weekly handicrafts market. It's considered to be the most important in the north. Pick up ceramics, knitwear, rugs, shawls, and even furry llama toys. On Saturdays, there are similar if smaller markets, Feria de la Plaza Güemes and the Paseo de Arte y Diseño located at Paseo de los poetas.

For a time-warp trip, just step into this store. La Ultima Pulpería, which has barely changed since opening in 1923, is an Aladdin's Cave selling loose herbs and spices, animal hides, and fresh produce. If you can pry owner Miguel Dioli away from his regular Salta-brand beer-drinking customers at the makeshift bar, he's good for a chat in Spanish.

Although Salta has all the usual high-street shops where you can stock up on sundries, provincial villages are a better bet for souvenirs and regional products. There are, however, a few proud exceptions to that rule—including the huge 1882 Jesuit monastery that holds the Mercado Artesanal and the open stalls across the street. Look for emblematic red-and-black salteño ponchos, alpaca knitwear and weavings, leather goods, wooden masks, carved animals, and fine silver from around the province. Everything is open daily 9–9.

The modest Paseo de los Artesanos on Plaza General Belgrano has reasonable prices on all kinds of woven and handcrafted souvenirs. And those coca tea bags, imported from Bolivia, are a curiosity that's hard to resist. The small café at the back is ideal for a quick empanada pitstop.

A skill that’s taught from generation to generation, Celeste Valero Jujuy learned to weave, embroider, sew, and two-needle knit from her parents. Today the young weaver runs a collective with other jujeños from around the Quebrada and the Puna, whose llama and vicuña wool ponchos, scarves, and rugs express landscapes and emotions. Make an appointment to visit the showroom and pick up a unique piece. 

Plenty of wine stores have popped up of late in Cafayate but Vinoteca La Escalera is one of the more established ones. It carries a solid selection from around the valley.