Travel Guide Otavalo

Welcome to the heart of a thousand-year-old culture that grows like an ancient and robust tree whose roots are nourished by the Pacha Mama, the nourishing earth. It is on these principles that the Inti Raymi is held every year, with the aim of celebrating the elements that have allowed the good harvest. Its market, the busiest in the country, is one of the most important in the South American continent in terms of handicraft production. This market - whose two most important days are Wednesday and Saturday - attracts all the tourists passing through the country, as well as all the souvenir sellers who come to buy from the craftsmen of Otavalo. With its mixture of tradition and commercial requirement, the atmosphere of the market is unique... and very touristy! Here everyone is a trader, and works only in the craft industry which is declined in all its forms: woolens (sweaters, hats, carpets, plaids in the colors of the rainbow), clothes in Ecuadorian cotton, hats in felt or in straw toquilla (panamá), costume jewellery, musical instruments, paintings... The choice is vast, even if among the hundreds of stands, it is difficult to find some originality so much the merchandise resembles! The Otavaleño merchants travel all over the world to sell their products. If you want to take pictures of people, ask your subjects beforehand.