This is the most important indigenous market in Ecuador and it has a centennial history of fair trade, community sense and pride.
The natural and biological richness of the city of Otavalo and its surroundings has made it possible for the establishment of one of the most important cultures of Ecuador and Latin America. The Otavalos, or Otavaleños, have lived for centuries close to the San Pablo Lake, where they have developed their artistic skills using the resources of their environment, learning the art of making handicrafts. The ‘Plaza de Ponchos’, the central square, is a meeting place of cultures, where handicrafts and products from different regions of the country are offered and which, for centuries, has been used for this purpose.
A tour for shopping lovers! We will have the chance to merge with the people and their culture by visiting the fruits and vegetable market to know the richness of products of this part of the world and, then, visit the handicrafts market where you can go crazy and shop till you drop!
On the way, we will visit the Quitsato Museum, an interesting site showing how an Ecuadorian scientist has developed a very easy and graphic explanation about the observations of our ancestors to find the exact middle of the world and how it was and still is related to the local culture and beliefs.
Includes: Private tourist transportation, certified bilingual guide and lunch
Excludes: Entrance fees, personal expenses, drinks and tips