Markets in Ecuador

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Otavalo Market

Colourful and buzzing, Otavalo market is the biggest indigenous market in South America. It is held daily, but the most important day is Saturday. The market is based in Plaza de los Ponchos and extends far into the local streets on a Saturday. During the rest of the week, the market is pretty much confined to the Plaza, but you’ll still find a variety of fine products, less stalls and gringos to contend with, and a more relaxed atmosphere. It is often possible to barter for better prices on days other than Saturday due to the smaller number of buyers.

For a unique cultural experience visit the animal market on the outskirts of Otavalo, located in a field. It is also held on Saturday mornings and starts in the wee hours. This is not for late-risers – if you get there after 9:30 a.m. there will be little left to see. For a few hours the field is a throng of pigs, sheep, goats, cows, chicken and bartering, along with a rather unsavoury-looking selection of food stalls. It you want to visit the animal market it is probably best to stay overnight in one of the many Otavalo hotels to avoid a very early start.

Saquisili Market

At Saquisili, about 2.5 hours from Quito the market kicks off at 7 a.m. on Thursday mornings and is pretty much over by 2 p.m. This is one of the largest markets in the Ecuadorian highlands and vendors travel from miles around to display their wares. It is possible to get a bus from Quito, or there are tours available. Alternatively, stay nearby overnight in one of the hotels in Latacunga. As well as being a food market, there are a wide variety of arts and crafts on sale. There is also an animal market a short walk from the main market, best visited before 10 a.m.

Cotacatchi Leather Town

The leather-making towo of Cotacatchi is worth a stop. Cotacatchi is about 11 km from Otavalo and is renowned for its leather goods. Market day is Sunday, but if you can’t get there on a Sunday it is not a big deal because on 10 de Agosto street it is possible to pick up all variety of good quality leather items all week long. Products available include jackets, shoes and boots, bags, wallets and belts. This street is also is the centrepiece of the Sunday leather market.

San Antonio de Ibarra

Also near Otavalo is the small town of San Antonio de Ibarra. This village, located about midway between Otavalo and Ibarra, is known for woodcarvings. There is no market per se, but there are several shops that sell a variety of intricately carved wooden items, such as bowls, religious figures, boxes, chess sets, flowers, and much, much more. The gallery of Luís Potosí is located on the main square and in general probably has the best items, although there are little treasures to be found in each of the shops. As usual, bargaining is the norm: never pay the first price offered, even in the fancier galleries. Check out hotels in Otavalo or Ibarra as an overnight stay is recommended.

Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal

In Quito, visit Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal at Reina Victoria y Jorge Washington to pick up arts and crafts. Panama hats can be purchased here, along with woodwork, weaving, jewelry and tagua items. In the centre of the Mariscal, the market is very accessible and is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

Parque El Ejido Market

Opposite the Hotel Hilton Colon in Parque El Ejido a small market is held on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Paintings are the main focus here, and if this is your interest, it is worth a visit. Other hotels in Quito are nearby if the Hilton is out of budget.

Mercado Santa Clara

For a taste of the real Ecuador in Quito, stop at Mercado Santa Clara at Versalles and Ramirez Davalos. This is just hopping distance from the conveniently-named "Santa Clara" trole stop on 10 de Agosto. On the ground floor, sellers vie for your attention to sell you a mysterious-looking selection of fruits and vegetables, many of which don’t have English translations. If your stomach can handle it, upstairs is the meat and fish market. It is better to visit before 2 p.m. as the market starts to wind down after that. You can also find some basic artesanía here, such as fine hand-made baskets.