TRIP OVERVIEW

Depending on the area where you want to explore, in between excursions we can organise a visit to some colourful indigenous markets of Ecuador. The most well known are Otavalo and Saquisili.

Otavalo Market
Otavalo is one of South America’s most important indigenous markets, and the most visited centre of ethnic tourism in Ecuador. The local inhabitants known as Otavaleños are proud and prosperous people, who have achieved international recognition not only as successful weavers and textile exporters, but also as a symbol of cultural fortitude among the indigenous people of Ecuador and the whole continent.
The Otavaleños are the descendants of former "mitimaes", people who were forced immigrants brought by the Incas as a way to establish political domination and control, when they invaded this part of the Andes just a few decades before the Spanish arrived.

In the market you will have a chance to buy local textiles and hand crafts. It is open every day, although Saturday is still the best day to visit. The textile industry is so big in this region, that the Plaza de Ponchos is now filled with vendors all the time. The Otavaleños also sell some textiles and crafts from other parts of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. If you plan to go there on a Saturday we recommend visiting first the interesting animal market as it starts very early in the morning. Bargaining is appropriated in the market and in shops.

The variety of shapes, colours, goods and people make the Otavalo market a paradise for photographers, who will enjoy a delightful experience.

Saquisili Market
If your itinerary includes some trekking or climbing around the Cotopaxi area, the Saquisili market on Thursdays would be a very interesting place to visit. The village is located in the middle of the Cotopaxi Province.

According to a local economist, Saquisili has been for many years the largest indigenous market of Ecuador. It is famous for the way in which it’s seven plazas and most of its streets become packed with people, many of them are local Indians of nearby villages, and some even come from other provinces attracted by the variety of products and good prices.