otavalo market

Otavalo, in northern Ecuador in the Imbaburra Province is known for its artisans. Although there is a market every day on Saturdays so may artisans pile in and set up their merchandise in the streets of Otavalo all around the artisans square. With the spring like weather and the pure mountain air and the indigenous people all wearing their native clothes it is a site worth taking in. I was amazed at the spice section. The smells were amazing and I didn't realize that this existed tin this part of the world. Most of this market consists of indigenous art. There is such a variety that you can look for hours and not exhaust you options. The prices are amazing as well. You can get something really creative and top quality for very little. When you get tired you can always duck into a nearby restaurant for some refreshment. If you get near this place you simply must go. It's known world wide.

We spent about 3 hours in this market during the week and not on a Sunday. The market was confined to the central square but there were lots and lots of goods available. There was a lot of repetition in the stalls. Everything from clothing to jewelry to leather goods to panama hats to artwork, etc, etc..The woolen goods and children's clothing caught the eye of our group and of course the panama hats.Check the goods carefully to make sure you know the quality of the items you are buying.I would recommend a visit if you are in the area.

Don't miss this. We were told it would be busy with tourists, perhaps February is a low season, we had the place to ourselves. It was full of colour, local people, hot food and amazing things to buy. The Alpaca clothes are very tempting as are the hats, bags, jewellery, belts and all. We also went to a nearby leather town where you can buy at amazing prices bags, jackets and shoes.

i went to Otavalo market to see the people. I am not a shopper but I couldn't resist to buy sone nice souvernirs. We visited the market on saturday and sunday morning. if you go early you see a lit going on. The tourist from Quito arrive around 10 am, so make sure you are there before.the indigenous people do not like to be photographed,so you have to ask for it.

I had a blast visiting this bustling market! Was nothing like I had ever experienced before! There are so many colors and interesting people! If you are up for it, you could spend hours wandering the endless lanes of the market. Sadly since I had a full bag, I wasn't able to purchase much. The only downfall is that, most shops will sell the same products, that from what I can guess are sold to the venders in bulk. Nevertheless the goods on offer are still high quality! Definitely recommend just for the experience!

You can find lovely scarfs of beautiful colors in light or heavyweight materials. I live in NYC where the winters are cold so I particularly look for the heavier material but I do buy lighter wieight for the spring and to give as gifts to my friends. I always visit the shop of Lucila Pineda on Bolivar Street. Last time I got two thick hats that cover my ears to block the icy wind in New York. Her prices are reasonable.

We took a private bus tour from Quito with 12 people and we had a fantastic guide, but it did get to be a bit of tedious drive by the end of the day. If you can do it, I would recommend staying here overnight so you can take your time to enjoy the market.

We had a great time shopping here, beautifully embroidered items, tableclothes, blouses, napkins, musical instruments, scarves and more scarves,, and lots of jewelry made from Tagua, a nut that looks like ivory. Had a wonderful cappuccino at a coffee shop at Plaza de Ponchos with spotless bathrooms called Cosecha Coffee. all vendors love to bargain and the children are adorable that come to work with their parents

Although it is no longer as "ethnic" as it used to be, it is now very accessible and carries more goods than before. Practically everything you could want to buy is sold here. Antique or reproduced metal Spanish stirrups, gold bead necklaces, tablecloths by the score, the inevitable T-shirt, high quality weavings (as well as cheap low-quality ones too)... The Otavalo Indians have been enterprising and innovative since I first knew them in 1964. Since way before that time, members of some extended families have been the salesperson for their clan and traveled all over South America, the U.S. and Europe! In the 60s, they had salesmen, dressed in native costume, in Paris! When I visited last, in August of 2014, fewer men wore the native dress, though many of the women still do. The town has grown enormously and is no longer just a friendly little market town, but a large metropolis. Some of the merchandise is now lower quality than it used to be. The beautiful tablecloth I bought turns out to be labeled "orlon", and is scratchy and stiff. It was very inexpensive, so check things out well before you allot space in your suitcase for them.BTW, I believe Pisac in Peru and Chichicastenango are the other 2 biggest and most important markets in Latin America.

The market is very interesting you can buy many arts and crafts. Found that their prices were high so you have you talk to them to lower it. Was able to buy many scarves and many gifts.

If you are in the market for fine woven garments and blankets, this is it. Llama, sheep, alpaca, locally sourced, locally woven, locally constructed goods. The price follows the quality, but even the best is 1/5 or less the going rate in most western stores. A wrap of ultra-fine, super soft alpaca with beautiful woven design that would cost easily $150-200 in the USA sells in Otavalo for $20-30.

Nice an colourfull market and it is cheap, so you have to go there. Saturdays animalmarket is also worth a vissit. Enjoy :-)

Came to Otavalo Market looking for bargains- found a few! Some of the vendors are very aggressive and will follow you around. Just say no and keep going. I found beautiful alpaca scarves and bought a bunch as gifts. Later while in Guayaquil wished I had more so I went to market there and found out what a great deal I got in Otavalo. Do your shopping here and buy in large quantity to get better prices. Such nice people.

We visited both the craft/gift market as well as the local market.Was fun to browse around and bargain for various items.People were very nice, not pushy at all.Had fun at the local market (2-3 blocks from the craft market) where the local people shops for grocery. Lots of produces, flowers, fruits, and meat.We got 5 lady finger bananas from one of the stalls, did not know how much, gave the lady $1 and she gave us back a bunch of changes. Very honest people.

The market is perfect to buy presents for the whole family or to decorate your home with handmade carpets. If possible get here on a Friday evening already to have the whole Saturday