Argentine handicrafts are plentiful and usually of excellent quality. There are many different gaucho-related crafts including mate gourds and bombillas (straws), leather waistcoats, belts, boots, hand-woven ponchos, saddle mats and even saddles. A lot of leather goods are also made from the tan-coloured stippled hide of the carpincho (capybara), the largest rodent in the world and native to Argentina. They use it for a host of products including shoes, jackets, belts and gloves. Hand-made rugs - some in the traditional Mapuche weaves - and jumpers made from llama or vicuna wool are popular as are sheep skins and cured cow hides.

Outdoor and Indoor Markets
Feria de Mataderos on Avenidas Lisandro de la Torre with Avenida de los Corrales has more than 100 handicraft stalls. Here you can buy traditional mate gourds, leather wear, ponchos, jewellery and more while gauchos (cowboys) and folksingers entertain the visitors. Open Apr-Nov Sun 1pm-9pm, Dec-Mar Sat 6pm-midnight. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4687 5602. Website in Spanish only.

Feria de San Pedro de Telmo spills over from Plaza Dorego on to Defensa every Sunday. Here, among the antique sellers, you’ll find stalls selling all sorts of crafts. Open 10am-6pm.

La Feria de Plaza Francia, also known as Plaza Intendente Alvear, in Recoleta is one of the city’s largest artisan fairs. Open Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. More details on its website (Spanish and English).

Centro Cultural de los Artistas on Magallanes 861 in La Boca is a former tenement now handicraft market. Open 10am-6pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4301 1080. There is also the Vuelta de Rocha Handicrafts Market in La Boca where local artists sell their work.

Mercado de las Luces on Peru with Alsina is a small craft market held within the Manzana de las Luces. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sun 2pm-7pm.

Where to Buy Fine Quality Crafts
Arte y Esperanza on Balcarce 234 sells fine handicrafts from northern Argentina and returns any profits to the craftsmen/women. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4343-1455.
Arandu on Parguay 1259 in Palermo is a great place to go for typical pampas-style goods, including polo boots. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-8.30pm. Sat 8.30am-1:30pm Tel: +54 (0) 11 4816 6191.
Carpincho on Esmeralda 775 stocks a range of products made from the carpincho hide. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4322 9919.
El Remanso on Esmeralda 1018 in Retiro specialises in Argentine ware. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4312 1879.
Humawaca on Posadas 1380 in Recoleta sells high quality leather bags. Open daily 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4832 2662.
Kelly’s on Paraguay 431 stocks a range of Argentine crafts from mate gourds to ponchos. Open Tues-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-8pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4311 9339.
La Casa de las Botas on Paraguay 5062 makes handmade riding boots. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4776 0762.
Pasion Argentina on Emilio Ravignani 1780 in Palermo Viejo sells arts and crafts from northern Argentina. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm. 
Rossi and Caruso sells good quality belts, boots and bags. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4811 1965.
Tierra Adentro on Arroyo 946 sells finely crafted wall hangings, blankets, silver jewellery and furniture. It works with non-profit making organizations which help indigenous peoples throughout South America. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4393 8552.