Otavalo's Markets

Market, Info.

V!VA User‘s Description

The Otavaleños have been long renowned for their weaving skills, and over the last couple of decades have become the most successful indigenous group on the continent, thanks to the growing popularity of their weekly craft market. Although most still live up in the hills around the town, and wear traditional clothing, this doesn’t mean they are poor – it is not unusual to see families of six or seven loading rugs into their brand new LandCruisers at the end of the day, or women carrying baskets of grain up the hill while talking on their mobile phones.

The main market takes place on Saturday, with stalls in the Plaza de Ponchos and all the surrounding streets. Although it is possible to visit the market in a day from Quito (it’s only two hours by bus from the Capital), most tourists arrive on Friday night. Doing this will not only give you a chance to enjoy virtually-empty craft market before the day trippers arrive (and prices rise), but you will also be able to visit the weekly animal market on Saturday morning (see below).

Although haggling may feel uncomfortable at first, remember that it is commonplace here, and locals do it all the time. It is difficult to know what items should cost, but you can generally expect to pay half to two thirds of the original asking price. Offer half and settle at just above.

Saturday is the main market day, but the craft market continues throughout the week in the Plaza de Ponchos (albeit in a much smaller and less frenzied fashion). If this is how you prefer to shop then great – you’ll probably benefit from lower prices as well, thanks to the lack of tourists. But the choice of products won't be quite as varied as on Saturday.

The animal market also takes place on Saturday, and goes on from sunrise until around 9.30 in a grassy square on the outskirts of town - just follow the stream of locals, squealing piglets and braying donkeys. It’s a fascinating and noisy spectacle, and definitely worth the early start. It can be fun to stroll through the fruit and vegetable market as well - it's a few blocks south of the Plaza de Ponchos and provides a nice taste of local flavour as well as an escape from the crowded chaos of the craft market. It starts at about 8 am and goes on all day.

Traveler Reviews of Otavalo's Markets

Saturday Morning Fun!

Rating: 75%

The only day it's really worth visiting is on Saturday morning when the streets turn into a huge Market. Get there early on Friday so you can get lodging and leave Saturday when the markets is over. Otavalo is one of the must do's of visiting. You can buy many different types of beautiful original artwork...the more you buy...the cheaper the prices get. Don't be afraid to bargain!

By Suca from Owensboro, KY, May 06, 2007