Otavalo Indian Market
The most famous indigenous market in Otavalo Ecuador is held here. Although the market is bigger on Saturdays, you can visit it any day and find an impressive variety of all kinds of Ecuadorian handcrafts. At dawn you may see indigenous people arriving the market place from many mountain trails surrounding the city. They come from nearby villages and towns such as Peguche, Agato and Iluman, to sell their products. One may visit the workshops of these local weavers working on back strap and Spanish treadle looms, as well as other artisans at work making felt hats, knitting sweaters or weaving straw mats.
Itinerary
Duration 8 hours.
In the morning depart to the north via the Pan American Highway, to cross the equatorial line at Cayambe with a stop at Calderon's ‘bread doll’ village. Then continue to Otavalo to visit South America's famous Indian market. The Otavalo Indians are the most ambitious and prosperous craftsmen/merchants in Ecuador. Ponchos, wooden goods, and Indian jewelry are sold here. Then visit the small Indian town of Peguche, known for its weavers and Cotacachi, known for its genuine leather work. Return to Quito.
- English speaking guide
- Private Transportation
- Meals
- Entrances fees
- Personal expenses
Otavalo Indigenous Market.- Otavalo is a small city of about 50,000 inhabitants. It lies at 8,300 ft above sea level in a spring-like valley, situated between the Imbabura volcano (15,118 feet) and the Cotacachi volcano (16,200 feet).
