Our travel may be temporarily interrupted, but we can still dream and plan. We’re here to bring you travel inspiration for the trips you’ll take (& the markets you’ll want to visit!) when life returns to normal. – TravelSquire Editors
Snuggled in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador two hours north of Quito is the small town of Otavalo. Here you’ll find the largest and most famous indigenous market in Ecuador and South America. Feast your eyes on the spectacular colors of organic fruits and vegetables grown in the surrounding fertile volcanic soil. They taste as good as they look, or unbelievably better! Watching the locals carefully choose and purchase their produce you’ll easily become immersed, stepping into their culture and way of life.
You could easily do a day trip from Quito, but why rush the experience? How much nicer to stay over a few days and discover what Otavalo and the surrounding villages have to offer. The ancient crafts and many of the textiles supplied to the market are made in these local villages.
Market Tips and Products
The market opens daily from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM. More vendors are on hand for the official market days, Wednesday and Saturday with Saturday being the busiest. Get up early to get the best prices before the tour groups arrive. Prices tend to go up after the buses show up.
Start your day first in the animal market with a hearty meal from a vendor. Once fortified, move on to the food and produce market. From there, continue browsing the textiles, crafts and artisans section. Here you’ll find musical instruments, wooden carvings, artwork and silver jewelry. Blankets and bolts of cloth are woven in the most brilliant of hues imaginable. Woven and felt hats and clothes are in abundance along with alpaca ponchos, t-shirts, backpacks and bags of every description and size.
Despite the name, Panama hats originated in Ecuador and make a perfect souvenir. Ecuadorians are proud people and dress in their best clothes and hats on a daily basis. Beautiful white blouses with exquisite colorful embroidery and black skirts represent traditional local attire worn by most of the women. These are also available at the market for purchase.
Do bargain … it’s expected. A little practice beforehand works wonders. Maybe use a mirror to fine-tune your facial expressions like ‘I’m not interested’ or ‘too much money.’ Even turning and walking away can produce a good bargain.
Ideal Climate and Amazing Roses
Ecuador has a wonderful spring-like climate year-round with the warmest months from July through September. Although situated on the equator, the high altitude keeps temperatures pleasant for much of the year.
Ecuador gives new meaning to the term long-stem roses. Would you believe the roses grow to five feet tall as they reach towards the overhead sun? Looking for a reasonably priced souvenir for yourself or a gift for someone special? Pick your favorite organic roses and have them shipped home!