MERCADO ARTESANAL
Read moreThis market is for all those who have not had the chance to visit Otavalo. You will find about a hundred stalls selling all the handicrafts made in the Quichua indigenous communities: bags, paintings, alpaca carpets, jewelry, sculptures, hats and even pretty embroidered masks... Very reasonable prices and a huge choice, but do not hesitate to negotiate a little, reasonably, the sellers appreciate the game and will perhaps make you discover some treasures of back shop if you sympathize.
CAMARI
Read moreCamari is a shop offering tempting food and many handicrafts from fair trade. The brand is indeed managed by a foundation that helps the artisans of the numerous indigenous communities in Ecuador. You will find all kinds of products: teas, cakes, handmade herbal soaps, delicious cocoa, coffee and chocolate, wooden objects, woven rugs, handmade paper, painted figurines... It is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs for your return.
HOMERO ORTEGA & HIJOS
Read moreOne of the most renowned sellers and producers of toquilla straw hats (the famous Panama hats). The family has been in business for five generations and uses only the best craftsmen selected from the Cuenca and Montecristi region. The selection is limited, but the hats are of high quality and the prices acceptable given the time it takes to make a genuine panama. In particular, you'll find the famous hats made in Cuenca, where the family business is headquartered.
GALERIA LATINA
Read moreA beautiful all-wooden boutique overlooking a garden. The owners began collecting folk art on a trip to Latin America over 35 years ago, and soon opened a store in Quito featuring objects by artists they had personally met in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and other South American countries. Excellent selection of handicrafts: high-quality jewelry and weavings, beautiful hats, vases and ceramics... Charm and good taste for original gifts on your return.
OLGA FISCH FOLKLORE
Read moreThis stylish boutique-gallery offers a superb selection of local crafts. Most of the items on display are made in the country, and many are exclusive. Ceramics, jewellery, sculptures in wood, stone and tagua, textiles, carpets and weavings, pre-Columbian figurines... The whole is well highlighted and each object is a temptation. It is far from the handicrafts sold in the street! The visit must be completed upstairs where there is an extraordinary private museum which is one of the best kept secrets of the capital.