The indigenous market and other attractions in the city

Markets and commerce have been part of the lives of the indigenous people of Otavalo, Ecuador, for centuries. Entrepreneurs by nature, the natives of this region located 100 km north of Quito are proud of their people and culture and, thanks to a great commercial skill developed over the generations, today they are the ones who supply a large part of the country with their crafts. An achievement that is due to a strong community network formed apart from the central political power and that places them among the most prosperous indigenous populations in all of Latin America.

Today, the Otavalo Craft Market is among the most famous indigenous markets in South America. But make no mistake, the true local wealth lies in its people. With their white pants and shirts, poncho and a black felt hat, the traditional clothing there, the Otavaleños are smiling and very aware of their history and traditions, which they seek to spread in the country and in other parts of the world. Since times before the Inca conquest, they have preserved a great talent for textile production, music, business (which, in the past, took place through barter, or exchange of goods) and for handicrafts.

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Textile production in Peguche, Otavalo district

What to do in Otavalo, Ecuador

• Shopping at the indigenous craft market
• Visit the authentic animal market on a Saturday morning
• See the El Lechero tree, which is believed to have magical powers
• View the ceremony honoring the dead at the cemetery
• Watch a performance of typical Otavaleña music with Ñanda Mañachi
• Get to know a little about local textile production at the El Gran Condor store/workshop

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Otavalo Indigenous Market

The 600 physical stalls that make the Otavalo Craft Market one of the largest indigenous markets in the world are open any day of the week in Plaza de los Ponchos, the city’s main landmark. However, it is on Saturday that the narrow corridors between the stalls fill with visitors and the adjacent streets are occupied by more vendors, arriving from other parts of the mountains.

The colorful labyrinths display all types of crafts, especially those made of textile material, a local specialty: blankets with typical prints from the region, clothes, bags, cushion covers and ponchos. There are also wooden crafts, such as decorative objects and musical instruments, and aisles with only typical ingredients and foods.

The market opens early, at 6 am, and closes in the late afternoon. In addition to the great diversity of products, the place is also one of the best places to buy Andean handicrafts at very attractive prices. As everything is produced in Otavalo and surrounding areas, it tends to be cheaper than other markets in the country. And you can still try to get a bargain, as this is a common practice there.

Otavalo Animal Market

Every Saturday, very early in the morning, another indigenous market stands the test of time and preserves local traditions. The Otavalo Animal Market is a meeting place for legal farmers and peasants to buy and sell their livestock and livestock. There it is possible to witness the true art of Otavaleño negotiation and the mercantile activity that shapes the customs of those people. Don’t be alarmed if you are one of the few outsiders there. The animal market, unlike the craft market, does not focus on tourism and is just a manifestation of the traditions of the Otavaleño indigenous people, from century after century.

Anyone with an anthropological interest in this activity can plan to arrive in Otavalo on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, around 7am, take a taxi from the city center and ask to be dropped off at the animal market. Afterwards, go to the craft market to enjoy your day and, perhaps, have lunch there. The hill behind the animal market is a good place for panoramic photos of the region.

More attractions in Otavalo

Although Otavalo is best known for its markets and many people choose to make a day trip from Quito, there are other points of interest if you want to stay longer. Outside the city is the The milkman (location), a tree that is known in the region for its magical and healing properties. You can get there by taxi (about $4) or walking. There are arrows indicating the path and the place is also a good picnic spot.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Otavaleños give another demonstration of their rich culture in Street of Souls, slope that leads to the local cemetery (location). There they share meals and offer flowers to the sound of folk music to honor departed loved ones.

Peguche is a district near Otavalo from which a small trail leads to a waterfall of the same name, 18 meters high. The place is considered sacred and has been a ceremonial site for locals for centuries. It is also in Peguche that most of the region’s textile art ateliers are located. If you want to learn a little more about the artisanal production process, the store The Great Condor demonstrates everything from separating cotton yarn to painting and making the pieces.

Musical performances and Ñanda Mañachi studio

In addition to commerce and crafts, music is an important cultural aspect of Otavalo. The Ñanda Mañachi group seeks to rescue and disseminate traditional Otavaleño music and instruments. Watching their performance is one of the best experiences you can have in the city. They also maintain a studio of typical musical instruments in Peguche (location).

How to get to Otavalo from Quito

Buses to Otavalo leave from Quito’s North Terminal several times a day and cost $2.70. There are several companies that run the route and the price doesn’t change between them, but when buying, ask if the bus leaves at the Otavalo terminal, so you don’t run the risk of taking one that stops on the road. The trip takes around two hours.

Where to stay in Otavalo, Ecuador

The good news is that, following the trend in the rest of the country, accommodation prices in Otavalo are quite low. It is possible to book a single room in a hostel, including breakfast, for around $10. Look for hotels that are close to Plaza de los Ponchos, both due to their proximity to the market and the main restaurants. The La Rosa de Otavalo and El Andariego hostels have excellent ratings among guests.

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