Indian Markets

Explore and discover the fascinating cultural diversity found in the indian markets of Otavalo or Saquisilí

DURATION 1 day

DIFFICULTY Easy

TRIP OVERVIEW

Depending on the area where you want to explore, in between excursions we can organise a visit to some colourful indigenous markets of Ecuador. The most well known are Otavalo and Saquisili.

Otavalo Market
Otavalo is one of South America’s most important indigenous markets, and the most visited centre of ethnic tourism in Ecuador. The local inhabitants known as Otavaleños are proud and prosperous people, who have achieved international recognition not only as successful weavers and textile exporters, but also as a symbol of cultural fortitude among the indigenous people of Ecuador and the whole continent.
The Otavaleños are the descendants of former "mitimaes", people who were forced immigrants brought by the Incas as a way to establish political domination and control, when they invaded this part of the Andes just a few decades before the Spanish arrived.

In the market you will have a chance to buy local textiles and hand crafts. It is open every day, although Saturday is still the best day to visit. The textile industry is so big in this region, that the Plaza de Ponchos is now filled with vendors all the time. The Otavaleños also sell some textiles and crafts from other parts of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. If you plan to go there on a Saturday we recommend visiting first the interesting animal market as it starts very early in the morning. Bargaining is appropriated in the market and in shops.

The variety of shapes, colours, goods and people make the Otavalo market a paradise for photographers, who will enjoy a delightful experience.

Saquisili Market
If your itinerary includes some trekking or climbing around the Cotopaxi area, the Saquisili market on Thursdays would be a very interesting place to visit. The village is located in the middle of the Cotopaxi Province.

According to a local economist, Saquisili has been for many years the largest indigenous market of Ecuador. It is famous for the way in which it’s seven plazas and most of its streets become packed with people, many of them are local Indians of nearby villages, and some even come from other provinces attracted by the variety of products and good prices.

ITINERARY

DAY
01

Itinerary in Brief - One Day Otavalo Market

  • Pick up at around 7:30
  • Drive to Otavalo
  • Three hours approximately to explore freely around the market
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Back at Quito by 18:00

Activity: 3+ hours to explore the market

Transportation: 1 1/2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch

DAY
02

Itinerary in Brief - One Day Saquisili

  • Pick up at around 7:30
  • Drive to Saquisili
  • Four hours approximatelyto explore freely around the market
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Back at Quito by 18:00

Activity: 4+ hours to explore the market

Transportation: 1 1/2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Immense variety of local hand crafts, from hand-weaved textiles to jewellery
  • Fantastic opportunities for cultural photography
  • Chance to do lots of souvenir shopping
  • Less than two hours away from Quito
  • Great opportunities to practice your bargaining abilities
  • Interesting places to observe the cultural diversity of the Central Ecuadorian Andes

MAP

SHARE THIS TRIP

COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

We have designed these cultural excursions after being in the tourism industry of Ecuador for many years. We don’t just offer the classic cultural attractions of Ecuador by itself; we combine them as a rest day from our hiking or climbing excursions. The Andes of Ecuador are culturally very rich, by visiting a market we find that cultural interaction possible, people from the Andes are very welcoming and warm hearted!

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Driving to Otavalo or Saquisili regions and walk around the market

Terrain

Travel

We travel to Otavalo or Saquisili by jeep or a van

Weather

It is often clear in the morning with some potential rain in the afternoon

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

Close to Otavalo:

Cuicocha Lagoon Trek

Explore a crater lagoon from all its spectacular angles

Duration

1 day

Elevation

3.200 m / 10,496 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Imbabura Trek

A deity in the indegenous cosmovision will challenge you with…

Duration

2 days

Elevation

4.630 m / 15,190 ft

Difficulty

Moderate
Cayambe

The highest point on the surface of the Earth through…

Duration

2 days

Elevation

5.790 m / 18,991 ft

Difficulty

Intermediate