Shopping at the Otavalo Market
A True Local Experience and the Best Place to Shop for Souvenirs
Mar 23, 2008
Located near Quito, Ecuador, the Otavalo market is a world-famous outdoor marketplace run by Ecuadorian Indians who have been producing quality handicrafts and textiles for generations. It’s a wonderful way to experience some local culture as well as stock up on souvenirs and gifts for everyone back home!
About the Market
During the Spanish colonial era, the Indian communities to the north of Quito were trained to produce high-quality woollen textiles for use by the Spanish armies and for sale in Europe. Factories were set up and thousands of Indians were forced to work in them. When the Spanish colonial system was overthrown, the Indians were freed. They continued to work their looms and began to profit from their work. Now, the locals produce mass quantities of quality handicrafts and sell them all around the world. The market is the best place to buy them in Ecuador, as it is where you’ll get the best deals.
Getting There
Otavalo is a quick two-hour trip from Quito. If you’re on a budget, head to Quito’s main bus terminal (the “terminal terrestre”) and get on the next bus headed there: they go every 15 minutes or so and only cost a couple of dollars. If you have a little more cash, ask around in the tour agencies in the Mariscal area. You can usually find a day-trip with guide and bus to the market for about $40. If you have a car, head north on Eloy Alfaro street and simply follow the signs for Otavalo. You can also hire a taxi for the day to take you there and back. Find a taxi you like and negotiate a price: many will do it for about $80 or so.
When to Go
Saturday morning is the best time to go to the market, because that’s traditionally market day in Otavalo and the streets around the square will all be filled with vendors. There will be vendors on any day of the week, however, as the locals have learned that not every tourist can make time on a Saturday for a visit. In fact, many prefer to visit during the week, as the market is less chaotic and it’s sometimes easier to get good deals when there are fewer shoppers. You can visit the market any time throughout the year. You should plan on at least two hours to visit the market.
What to Bring
All shopping at the market is cash-only. A couple of the larger shops might take your credit cards, but you shouldn’t count on it. There are ATM’s in town, but they’re not convenient. Bring as much cash as you think you’ll need. The Otavalo area can get a bit cool: you’ll be comfortable in jeans, a t-shirt and some sort of sweater or sweatshirt you can remove if it heats up. Comfortable shoes are important, and you may want a hat or sunscreen to protect you from the sun. You’ll want a well-charged camera with lots of film or disc space, as the market is very picturesque. You may want a dictionary if your Spanish is rusty, although the vendors speak enough English to be able to close a deal.
What to Buy
The market offers a dazzling array of handicrafts, most of them textiles such as sweaters, ponchos, tapestries and embroidered clothing. You’ll also find teddy bears, jewellery, paintings, woodcarvings, hats and much, much more. There are no price tags: bargaining is the norm.
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