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Otavalo

Otavalo history

The conquest of Ecuador occurred in the early sixteenth century, and by 1535 Sebatian de Belancar had distributed encomiendas up through Otavalo.  In 1549, Sebastian de Belancar claimed the enormous encomienda of Otavalo, which was comprised of 1,500 to 2,000 Indians) for himself.

The encomiendas supported a non-resident Spanish population, and the Indians were forced to pay extremely high taxes, putting them into great debt.  By 1620, the tribute debts for the encomienda had reached 100,000 pesos. Indians were also assigned to work in obrajes making textiles, but the money earned through this work was not used to settle debts, rather it was a source of royal revenue. 

In the early 17th century the Spanish Crown tried to increase the number of Indian workers in the textile industry.  At this point, it became mandatory for Indians to settle in Otavalo rather than commuting from neighboring areas.  But the industry faced an overwhelming problem: a lack of workers. 

Have you planned to where travelling? Ecuador and its fantastic Galapagos Islands is the best option.

Ecuador travel tours