On Your Market, Get Set, Otavalo!

by Rachel on Jan 6th, 2011 | Has 0 comments

The charming city of Otavalo, Ecuador, hosts one of largest, most colorful and untainted markets in South America. Otavalo may be one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador outside of the Galapagos; and yes, there are tourists, but it’s all relative. There are still no McDonald’s, and you won’t find a Hilton.

The market is a souvenir shopper’s utopia. On Saturday the streets surrounding Plaza de los Ponchos are closed and filled with stalls of local goods.

Shoppers can find indigenous tapestries, blankets, hammocks, scarves, jewelry and art. In addition to the craft market, visitors can wander farther to the food market and grab lunch and local spices, and to the animal market for chicks, goats, cows, pigs, and even dogs.

Arriving in Otavalo early Saturday, or even the night before, is worth it, and a pretty easy two-hour bus ride from Quito. The historical town is clean, and has plenty of places to stay, eat, and enjoy local musicians. Travelers should plan to spend at least the day; the market is a wonderful place to leisurely stroll and bargain for goods with locals and backpackers alike. Although gringos will always be charged more, start low when bargaining. Also, buying multiple items from the same vendor will garner larger discounts; I bought 10 alpaca scarves for $10, instead of $3 each.

The Spanish-American colonial Otavalo is not just for shopping; its colorful goods and traditionally dressed purveyors are also a photographer’s dream.

The Otavelenos are mostly in traditional dress: men wearing fedoras with their long hair in back, and women wearing long black skirts, embroidered white blouses and colorful woven belts. Before taking pictures, please be mindful that older Ecuadorians prefer not to be in pictures because of traditional spiritual beliefs. In addition, children may also ask for money after you photograph them.

I spent the following day venturing to surrounding villages to find beautiful wood carvings in San Antonio, and traditional leather goods in Cotacachi.