Distinctive markets

The best purchases in Cachi 

When traveling, @tripticity_ likes to shop. Not just for the sake of simple consumption: it' s a strong conviction that it is part of the experience. Whether it is a typical souvenir, a regional sweet or a unique discovery that always has the eye to find.

A visit to Cachi is no exception. On the contrary, the Calchaquí town offers a variety of options when it comes to shopping.

To begin with... the Municipal Market, which has a treasure trove of aromatic herbs, "yuyos" for infusions, dried fruits and nuts -especially the ones from its famous walnut trees-, legumes, dehydrated products, preserves, honey, among others? Oregano, cumin, paprika, anise... its production in the area guarantees its purity and freshness.

The variety of potatoes in large sacks of burlap (brown, pink, white, round, elongated, etc.) or the intense green of the fresh local beans is surprising.

The salesmen, eager to make a sale, enunciate the qualities of their products and even -if the visitor wins their sullen confidence- they dare to tell their own stories. Again: for @tripticity_ it's not about buying, it's about honoring the sacrifice that each product hides. It is a luxury to meet doña Dora Siares to tell the news of the Diaguita community, to share the latest weather updates with don José González, to know how was the last shipment of goods from don Fermín Burgos, to greet don Nicefor Vásquez again, or to ask don Mario Sajama about the last sweet that lady of the house made. They are natives of the valleys and proudly tell us how the cooperative works, the origin of their goods and their impressions of life.

Then the "Centro de Artesanías", on Ruíz de los Llanos Street, half a block from 9 de Julio Square, houses and exhibits the work of many textile artisans, potters and silversmiths from all over the area. The variety and price convenience are worth noting. It also offers cactus carvings and leather works. The loom-made tapestries, hung high up, stand out. A store in an iconic manor house in Cachi that stands as a custodian of living cultural heritage.

Another very interesting option, as far as ceramic objects are concerned, is the Municipal Workshop of Artisans in charge of the master Rolando Velásquez. The opening hours are a bit strange but it is an enriching experience to climb the stairs to meet the students at work and, of course, admire the shelves, full of pots and pans at very good prices. It is located on Benjamín Zorrilla Street, just at the bend where it turns west.

The select boutique hotel El Cortijo hides in its interior a magnificent sample of contemporary ornamentation that harmonizes with its surroundings. It also stands out for its little shop, with an important artistic collection. In "El Almacén" you can find design objects made by artisans and artists from the northwest of Argentina, as well as pure honey of its own production and the powerful "Cinco Papachos" tea, a perfect mix of herbs (arcayuyo, inca yuyo, paico, suico and muña muña) that achieve an unequaled digestive blend.

Almost on the corner of the square, another tiny store is worth a visit: La Casa del Pimentón, where you can buy the family spices (saffron from the valley in threads!) or the delicious candied nuts that the owner also makes.

And to honor Eusebio, the waiter who always serves affably at the Hostería del Automóvil Club, a visit to Cachi should include the purchase of pure honey from "Casita de la Miel", on Route 40, a couple of kilometers south of town.