For those traveling to Ecuador, it is inevitable that you will spend some time in Quito. And although this high Andean city has plenty to keep an explorer busy, it is almost nice to escape the busy city streets for a taste of regional life. Otavalo offers a fantastic day trip from Quito. It is close by, its easy to get around, and it is home to the famous Otavalo markets. A day trip to the Otavalo markets is especially well timed just before you fly home from Quito – it is the perfect spot to finish all your souvenir shopping and gift buying.
Getting to Otavalo from Quito
It is extremely easy to get to Otavalo from Quito. Buses leave frequently (several times an hour) from the Terminal Carcelen station in the north of Quito. The company which operates this route is Cooperativa Otavalo and tickets cost a $2.50 for the one way, two hour journey.
We took a taxi to get to the station from the historic center of Quito, and it cost us about ten dollars each way.
When are the Otavalo Markets
The main reason to visit Otavalo is for the famous artisan craft markets which run everyday, but the main (and biggest) market days are Saturday and Wednesday. We recommend visiting on one of these days if you can, as it is these days where you will find the most artisans and the best prices. We visited on a Saturday.
What to do in Otavalo – Otavalo Markets
From the bus station is only a short walk to the area where the market is set up. The market takes over many of the streets in the center of town, and although we tried, it is almost impossible to see it all. We spent four hours at the market and didn’t see all the sections.
The market is known as Plaza de los Ponchos or Cententario market.
The majority of the items of interest to souvenir shoppers is located around Plaza de Ponchos and the sellers then radiate down many of the connecting streets. We found that the items for sale got a little less interesting as we moved away from the central hub around Plaza de Ponchos, but the composition of sellers could change on any given market day.
What can you buy at the Otavalo Markets
There is a real mix of items for sale at the Otavalo markets. Here you can find everything from locally designed and hand made treasures to the mass produced tourist tat which you see everywhere throughout South America. Pay attention to the quality and shop around before making a purchase. You will quickly be able to discover which products are better qualities than others. You will also be abe to easily distinguish the mass produced items from the one-offs as you will see many sellers hawking the exact same items.
Items which you can buy at Otavalo markets (and throughout South America) are alpaca sweaters, blankets, and ponchos. Although many of these items are mass produced, I actually quite like the designs, and some of them are still a decent quality. If you are from a cold climate, or about to go to one, then you might want to stock up here.
Other products are leather bags and backpacks. The quality really varies here, so make sure you properly inspect everything you are considering buying. Have a look at the stitching and the quality of the lining and the zippers or clasps before making a purchase. A lot of the leather goods at the market are mass produced, but there are a few sellers who are selling hand made and super high quality items. This is reflected in the cost though, so be prepared to pay more.
One type of item, which is typical to this region, and which you can only find at the Otavalo market are the gold beaded necklaces and bracelets. Have a look at all the local ladies wandering around the town. You will notice that they all have multiple gold beaded necklaces wrapped around their necks, and multiple bracelets wrapping up their arms. You can get the jewelry in all sorts of different colors, but the traditional ones are like this custom sapphire ring. I would recommend getting some of this jewelry if you like it, because I did not see anything like it anywhere else in South America.
These are some of the main things you will see at the markets, but in reality, you can pretty much buy anything and everything. It is the ultimate place to do your souvenir shopping.
What to eat at the markets
The markets at Otavalo are primarily a handicraft market, however there are some food sellers around the outside of the market. Here you can find makeshift BBQ’s selling a variety of different things, as well as plates with your standard Ecuatorian fare of pollo con arroz (chicken and rice). Coconut milk drinks are popular here, and you will find sellers walking around with a barrel of the stuff in their little cart.
If you are after a nicer, sit down food experience, then we would recommend La Cosecha Coffee café. Good coffee, cold craft beers, and fresh gourmet deli sandwiches are on offer. It’s not the cheapest food in Otavalo, but its good, and sometimes you just need a proper coffee to get you through your shopping experience.
Getting to Quito from Otavalo
Returning back to Quito is as easy as getting away was. Just head back to the bus station and grab the next bus back to Quito. The price is the same as getting out, $2.50, and the bus will take you back to the Terminal Carcelen Station in the north of Quito.
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