We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
What’s a trip without souvenirs? Boring! While many people prefer to save space in their luggage for all the clothes they pack, I like to keep some room or bring an extra bag to bring back souvenirs. Argentina has some of the most original souvenirs you can find. Here are the best souvenirs from Argentina.
PRO TIP: Argentina’s exchange rate is a mess! The official exchange rate while I was there (February 2023) was $190 pesos to $1 US dollar. The “blue dollar rate,” unofficial black market, was $380 pesos to $1 US dollar. Try to access the blue dollar rate (your hotel and tour guides will give you recommendations) by bringing US cash and avoid using your credit card! You can send yourself money through Western Union to get a rate close to the blue dollar rate if you’re uncomfortable using the unofficial exchangers.
BEST AUTHENTIC SOUVENIRS FROM ARGENTINA
1. Mate & Yerba
Argentines grow up drinking yerba mate (similar to tea) from an early age. Mate has also become popular in the US, but the original comes from Argentina. You can’t go wrong with buying a mate gourd with a metal pitillo (straw). Yerba is available in US grocery stores if you prefer not to have your suitcase and belongings smelling of mate.
Where to buy: any grocery, tourist shop, and duty-free shop at the airport
2. Alfajores
The traditional alfajor comprises two cookies held together by a layer of dulce de leche. They can be coated with chocolate or include different flavors inside. I prefer the uncoated ones with dulce de leche filling. These sweet snacks are easily transported and gifted.
Where to buy: Grocery and snack stores everywhere, as well as the duty-free shop at the airport.
3. Postcard from the End of the World (from Ushuaia)
If you’re traveling to Antarctica, you’ll be stopping in Ushuaia. If you’re in Ushuaia an extra day before or after your cruise, take the opportunity to visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The post office at the end of the world sits at the southernmost tip of the Tierra del Fuego National Park and is an excellent place from which to mail a postcard home.
Where to get it: Post Office in Tierra del Fuego National Park
4. Passport Stamp from the End of the World (from Ushuaia)
Visit the Tourist Information Office in Ushuaia with your passport. It’s located just outside the port gates. They have several different stamps available that say things like “Antarctica,” “End of the World,” and more. Memorialize that you traveled all the way south!
Where to get it: The Tourist Information Office is located just outside the cruise port and is open late (until 8:30 pm).
5. Leather Goods
Argentina is known for producing fabulous leather, used in making all sorts of goods, belts, and handbags being the easiest to carry and give. These gifts are high quality and will last for an incredibly long time. Just double-check that they are Argentine products and not a cheap knockoff.
Where to buy: Stores everywhere, including a store on the airport’s lower level, before security.
6. Alpargatas
Alpargatas are the original Tom’s but lighter and more comfortable. They come in lots of different colors and styles. Because they’re lightweight, they are an easy gift to bring back for yourself or anyone whose shoe size you know.
Where to buy: Many stores, including a store at the lower airport level, before security.
7. Inca Rose Jewelry
Jewelry is one of my favorite souvenirs. Argentina’s national gemstone is called Inca Rose, though its formal name is rhodochrosite. Buying jewelry is unique because when you wear it, people will ask you where you purchased it, and you can tell them about your marvelous adventure!
Where to buy: San Telmo Market (Saturdays) or the Piedras Argentinas stores everywhere, including at the airport, just before security.
8. Dulce de Leche
This traditional sweet from Argentina is the equivalent of Nutella in Europe (IMHO). This caramel is like heaven on a spoon. I grew up spreading it on my toast for breakfast (no wonder I have a sweet tooth!). Remember that if you bring back dulce de leche, you must place it in checked luggage, as TSA in the US considers it a liquid. (Don’t ask me why since it is thick, just take my advice!)
Where to buy: Any grocery store, tourist store, and the Duty-Free Shop at the airport.
9. Futbol Jersey and Other Items
The 2023 World Cup Champions team merchandise is a hot commodity!
Where to buy: San Telmo Market (Saturdays) and tourist shops.
10. Argentine Wine
I’m not a wine drinker, but I appreciate that Argentine wine is world-renowned, especially for its red wines though it also produces white wines. Multiple regions in the country grow grapes suitable for high-quality wines. Fans of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot have lots of options to choose from. The local white wine grapes, called Torrontés, give a tropical, lightly floral flavor.
Are you buying alcohol at the duty-free shop? The store delivers your bag to you on the gangway of your flight. If you have a connecting flight in the US, you must place the liquids in a checked bag.
Where to buy: Grocery stores and duty-free shops at the airport.
11. Local Souvenirs
After the great listings above, it seems silly to recommend the standard souvenir keychain, fridge magnet, or snowball, but many people are collectors, so if you have someone like that on your list, don’t miss out.
Where to buy: San Telmo Market (Saturdays), tourist stores, and shops at the airport.
Final Thoughts on the Best Argentina Souvenirs
Bring back a wonderful souvenir of your trip to Argentina for yourself or friends and family. No matter which items you choose, they are ideal because they are small and lightweight. So don’t hold back and load up those bags with souvenirs!
The popular areas of Buenos Aires and Ushuaia feature loads of tourist shops where you can shop. The good news is that the shops at the Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires sell almost all of these items, both before and after security, so if you still need to do it earlier, you can get your souvenirs right before boarding your flight.
Check out these additional posts:
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Save this “11 Best Argentine Souvenirs” for later – pin it and share it!
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.