ECI Indian Markets

 

The Indian markets in Ecuador are well known for their colourful and diversity. In every region, each community has its own traditional costumes, crafts and cultural characteristics that distinguish it from other towns.  Visitors can hope to encounter everything from wool textiles, native fruits, fresh vegetables and flowers to jewellery, ceramics, baskets, wood carvings, local paintings, embroidery, tools and even animals of all shapes and sizes!

A trip to any of the abundant indigenous markets in the country is a step back in time, allowing the traveller the opportunity to gain an insight into the traditional way of life of the Andean village people.

 

Market Calendar:

·        Monday:   Ambato, Otavalo

·        Tuesday: Latacunga,  Guano, Otavalo

·        Wednesday: Pujili, Cotacachi, Peguche, Otavalo

·        Thursday: Saquisili,  Cuenca, Guamote,  Otavalo

·        Friday:

·         Saturday: Otavalo, Zumbahua, Latacunga, Guaranda, Salasacas, Cotacachi, Guano, Loja

·         Sunday: Pujili, Saraguro, Gualaceo, Chordeleg, Guano, Loja, Peguche, Otavalo

        

ECI01   Otavalo  Market Classic        1 Day

Driving north from Quito, your trip begins in the town of Calderón, where the famous bread-dough figures and decorations (“masapan”) are made.  We will then head for Cayambe, where we invite you to savor the local specialty biscuits or “Bizcochos” before we arrive in the province of Imbabura, also known as “the Province of Lakes”. As we approach Otavalo, you will have stunning views of San Pablo Lake with the high peak of Imbabura Volcano behind it.

Our next stop is in the city of Otavalo, home of the largest indigenous market of its kind in South America.  You’ll arrive just in time to bargain for vibrant and beautiful tapestries, local paintings, hand-knitted wool sweaters, socks and gloves, wood carvings, silver jewellery, embroidered blouses and straw hats, to name few of the items on offer.

After a delicious lunch in one of the local haciendas, we’ll head for Cotacachi, a town renowned for its handmade leather goods.  If time allows, we’ll also visit Cuicocha, an ancient, eroded volcanic crater famous for the deep lagoon found within it.

Included: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.

 

ECI02     Latacunga Market    1 Day  (Every Tue & Sat)

Latacunga is the scene of a colourful Saturday market and a smaller weekday market.  Here it is possible to buy a variety of crafts, including small string bags known as “shigras”.  A special indigenous festival, La Virgen de las Mercedes, is held in the town on 23rd and 24^{th of} September.  This “fiesta” is commonly called “Mama Negra” (“Black Mother”) and is a lively event with processions, colourful costumes, Andean street music and fireworks.

Included: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.

 

ECI03   Saquisili Market   1 Day (Every Thu)

Saquisili is considered the most important Indian village market in the country and is the destination of the inhabitants of remote villages who flood into town to buy or sell everything from bananas to piglets.

Included: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.

 

ECI04      Pujili Market   1 Day (Every Wed & Fri)

Pujili is another colourful and varied market in the highlands.  It is basically an agricultural market, where visitors are able to gain an insight into the traditional way of life of the Andean village people.

Included: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.