2 Best Places to Shop in The Northwest, Argentina

Every Sunday, on Balcarce Street between 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.

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 10–8:30.