Quito

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Otavalo

Otavalo Ecuador

Otavalo is located two hours north of Quito in Ecuador's Andean highlands. About 50,000 people reside in the town from where the famous market took its name.  Surrounded by volcanoes, the market place is in a beautiful setting. People from all over the world come to see the famous market, where an abundance of handicrafts can be found. However, unlike other markets, the handicrafts available at Otavalo are not commercialized versions of authentic traditional weaving styles that are found in many other market places.  Rather, Otavaleños pride themselves as successful and intelligent business people who have over the years continued to make a livelihood off their craft skills.

Otavalo's artesan market

There are two parts to the Otavalo market, for it is both tourist and traditional. Otavaleños are responsible for much of the business carried out in Otavalo. They buy and sell chickens, pigs, vegetables, parts for their looms and yarns there. 

The sections of the market where food and animals are found are rarely visited by the tourists though.

What to do in Ecuador?, visit Otavalo and the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador travel tours