20 Best Things To Bring Back From South America

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South America is a diverse region of cultures, people, and traditions. Therefore, you shouldn’t think twice about scheduling a trip to a few South American countries. 

To motivate you, even more, South America is beautiful, and the countries share some of the most impressive landscapes ever imagined. But there are also plenty of things to bring back from South America and create beautiful memories. South American countries have no shortage of traditional souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

To make selection easier, here are the things you should bring back from South America.

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The 20 Best Things To Bring Back From South America

Things to Bring Back from Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It is the home of the Amazon river and to millions of people. Brazillian culture is inherently tied to Christianity. So expect plenty of religious-themed items to bring back with you. Here are the best. 

Brazilian Coffee

There is a lot of great coffee in South America, but the best coffee is from Brazil. Brazilian coffee has a unique dark roast with a strong flavor. It is the coffee to try if you’re someone who loves a strong cup. Brazilian coffee is also a great gift for someone who is generally a coffee lover, and the coffee can be easily found all over Brazil.

Add to the fact that the coffee is inexpensive, and you’ve got one of the perfect things to bring back from South America. 

Christ the Redeemer Memorabilia

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Brazil is Christ the Redeemer. The statue is located in Rio de Janeiro and overlooks the city. You’ve all seen this statue in movies or other forms of media. What makes Christ the Redeemer such a special place is that it symbolizes the nation’s religious dedication. Also, it’s a great place to take pictures and buy souvenirs. 

There are many Christ the Redeemer memorabilia items available for purchase, including t-shirts, keychains, and magnets.

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Canga

The canga is a traditional Brazilian sarong. It is made of a lightweight fabric and is brightly colored. The canga is worn by both men and women and is often used as a beach towel. You can also use the canga as clothing. 

The canga is one of the best Brazilian things to bring back from South America because it is both unique and useful.

Sand Bottle Art

Sand in a bottle is quite an unusual gift to bring back from Brazil. It is a popular gift as Brazilians love decorating their homes with these small sand-filled bottles. The reason why you should get this item is that it’s the perfect souvenir. 

Brazilians will often fill small bottles with various sand colors and create art in a bottle. These gifts look absolutely amazing, and they’re excellent as home decor.

Sand bottle art sets can be found everywhere in Brazil, from street vendors to specialized shops. You can also buy sand bottle sets in different quantities, colors, and bottle sizes.

Things To Bring Back From Argentina

The second-largest South American country behind Brazil is Argentina. The land of Diego Maradona and Lionell Messi is far more than one big place where football reigns. 

Argentinian customs, traditions, and culture are unique, with some descending from the Inca Empire, which also stretched into Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. However, Argentina also has a large European influence. It is estimated that 62% of the population is of European descent. 

Here are the best things to bring back from South America, Argentina. 

Alpargatas 

Alpargatas are a type of Argentine espadrille, and they make for a great souvenir from Argentina. They are comfortable and stylish and can be worn in a variety of different ways. They are also relatively inexpensive, which makes them a great gift for friends and family. Alpargatas are available in various colors and styles, so you are sure to find a pair you love.

Mate & Yerba

One of the most popular beverages in Argentina is mate. Mate is a strong black tea brewed from the yerba mate plant. Yerba mate is a thorny shrub found in Argentina and Paraguay. The tea is brewed using hot water, sugar, and a few drops of Mate de Yerba.

The tea is delicious, and you will want to drink more. You should pick up a box of Mate & Yerba from your trip because they are one of the most exciting things to bring back from South America.

Inca Jewelry

Jewelry is a popular souvenir to bring back from Argentina. Many different types of Inca jewelry are available, making it a great gift for friends and family. Some of the most popular items include pendants, earrings, and necklaces. There are also a variety of different colors and styles to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect item for someone special.

Inca jewelry is inexpensive, widely available, and the perfect item to bring back from your trip to South America. 

Dulce De Leche

Dulce de leche is a popular sweet treat in Argentina. It is made by slowly heating milk and sugar until it forms a thick, caramel-like sauce. Dulce de leche is often used as a filling for cakes and cookies or a topping for ice cream. It is also available in jars and can be eaten straight with a spoon.

You can pick up Dulce De Leche from any supermarket or grocery store in Argentina. Dulce De Leche is inexpensive and widely popular across Argentina, so it would be a shame not to bring back a jar of Dulce De Leche to enjoy with your friends and family at home.

Things To Bring Back From Colombia

Colombia is yet another large South American country. You shouldn’t hesitate to visit Colombia, as it offers plenty to avid travelers. Colombians are welcoming people; you’ll have no shortage of things to purchase during your travels.

Here are the best ones. 

Tango Shoes

In addition to being some of the most beautiful shoes in the world, Colombian Tango shoes are a staple in the country. These shoes are made out of leather, and they are often decorated with colorful flowers and sequins. They are perfect for dancing the tango and look great on any woman.

Tango shoes are widely popular across Colombia, which makes them one of the perfect things to bring back from South America.

Cowhide Rugs

Cowhide rugs are a home decor staple. There are many different types of Colombian cowhide rugs, which makes them great things to bring back from South America. As the name suggests, cowhide rugs are made out of leather from Colombian cows. 

They are often colorful and intricate. They are perfect for adding a bit of color and texture to any room in your home, and they look great on any floor. The cowhide rugs are also a great gift for friends and family, and they are sure to love them.

Gaucho Knives

Another popular Colombian souvenir to bring back is a Colombian gaucho knife. The gaucho knife is a type of knife that the gauchos use. The gaucho knife is a curved knife made out of steel. The knife is often decorated with silver or gold, and it is a great gift for friends and family.

Gaucho knives also come in a variety of sizes and shapes and for different uses. You can easily find a box set of gaucho knives for cutting steak and for various uses throughout the kitchen. 

Ruana Poncho

A popular item to bring back from Colombia is a Colombian Ruana Poncho. The Ruana Poncho is a type of cape made out of wool. The Ruana Poncho is warm and comfortable and a great accessory for any cold day. The Ruana Poncho is also available in a variety of different colors and styles, so you are sure to find the perfect one for someone special.

You can find a ruana poncho anywhere in Colombia. Both street vendors and shops sell it all across the country, but you’ll have an easy time finding one if you’re traveling to Bogota.

Things To Bring Back From Peru

Peru must be on your South American travel bucket list. The country is quite mountainous, but there’s no shortage of things to see. In addition, there is no shortage of things to bring back from your trip.

Here are the best ones. 

Chullo Hat

A Chullo hat is a trendy piece of clothing in Peru. These hats are made of wool and have two earflaps to protect your ears. The earflaps can also be tied under the chin to keep the hat on your head. Chullo hats come in all kinds of different colors and patterns. The unique designs are what make this item such a great purchase. 

Luckily for you, Chullo Hats are easily found throughout Peru. They’re more popular in mountainous regions, as they’re primarily worn by the locals living in the colder regions. You can also easily find chullo hats in the big cities. 

Carved Gourd Gifts

Carving gourds is a traditional Peruvian art form. Allegedly, this type of art dates back 3,500 years. Carved gourd items can be used as home decor, and they’re often used as Christmas ornaments. 

You will find all kinds of carved gourd gifts. But some goods are definitely worth the purchase. Fortunately, carved gourd items are available throughout the streets and shops of Peru; both street vendors and gift shops have them in abundance.

So next time you enter a gift shop, pick up a pair of carved gourd figurines to improve your home decor. 

Pucara Bulls

Pucara Bulls hold a special place in Peru. These bulls come in different sizes, from miniature figurines to a 1:1 life-size of a real bull. A Pucara bull is a traditional gift given at weddings. 

But since you won’t be attending Peruvian weddings soon, you can find plenty of Pucara bulls on rooftops and parks. There is a belief that a Pucara bull will bring your family prosperity, fertility, and happiness. Others believe the Pucara bull will keep you from harm’s way. 

So pick up a Pucara bull if you’re looking for a good-luck charm to bring back from your trip to South America. They are mostly found in gift shops and antique shops. 

Ekeko Figurine

Ekeko, the Smoking God of Prosperity, wears a Chullo hat and brings fortune to your home. The Ekeko figurine is a similar item to the Pucara bull and is very popular in Peru. If you have friends in Peru, they most likely have an Ekeko figurine at home.

However, the Ekeko figurine is usually gifted to someone. You’re supposed to gift the figurine to someone close to you to whom you wish happiness and success.

So that makes an Ekeko figurine the perfect Chilean souvenir to bring with you and give as a gift to someone you love. 

Things To Bring Back From Chile

There are unique places in Chile that make it stand out from all neighboring countries. So naturally, Chileans have a way of making you want to remember your trip to Chile by purchasing some extraordinary souvenirs and items. 

Here are the best ones. 

Stone Statues

Even modern historians cannot logically trace the origin of The Easter Island Stone Statues. You’ve probably seen these by now, but did you know you can take one back with you?

Easter Island Stone Statues memorabilia and souvenirs are hugely popular across Chile. In addition, you can pick up keychains, garden accessories, home decor, etc. You can find these souvenirs throughout Chile, which are not expensive. 

Lapis Lazuli Jewelry

Lapis Lazuli jewelry is very popular in Chile. This is because Chileans believe in the magical properties of the gemstone, which is said to make any jewelry look irresistible. 

You will find Lapis Lazuli jewelry anywhere across Chile. The locals are very into gemstones and create all kinds of jewelry. Be sure to enter one of the local gift shops to browse their collection of Lapis Lazuli jewelry. 

Chilean Wine Kit

Chilean wine is world-famous. More specifically, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Therefore, it would be a shame not to try Chilean wine while on your trip to the country.

However, it would be a bigger shame not to bring back wine with you. But let’s take it a step further. Why not bring a Chilean wine kit? Not only will you have all the ingredients and instructions to make your own Chilean Merlot, but it will also be a memorable experience.

Chilean Clay Pig

The Chilean Clay Pig is also known as Chanchito. Chanchito is a three-legged pig made from clay. Chileans believe that the Chanchito brings good luck. It is a traditional gift the locals give to those they love.

These small clay pigs can be found anywhere across Chile. They’re primarily handmade, which makes them one of the best things to bring back from South America.

Best Things To Bring Back From South America: Conclusion

That concludes our guide on the best things to bring back from South America. We’ve included several countries on our list, with each one getting its own section of items, gifts, and souvenirs.

We hope you like our list and are eager to know if we’ve missed out on some unique gifts. Let us know in the comments below.

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