- Address: Av 10 de Agosto, Otavalo, Ecuador;
- Phone: +593 98 222 6933.
In 90 kilometers from the capital of Ecuador Quito is a small cozy town Otavalo . It is located at the very foot of the Imbabura volcano, in a picturesque valley. The main attraction of Otavalo is the Indian market, located on Ponchos Square. It is for his sake that tourists from all over the world come here.
Market in the square
Plaza de Ponchos has no traditional view, there are no monuments, chapel or government house, but there is a huge market, which is called "Indian". It's amazing that the market is so huge that it goes beyond the area. It is located along the entire road to the city, which means it leads to the square and to the most interesting rows. "The great Indian trade route" is an amazing sight filled with bright colors.
The most trading day is Saturday. It is on this day here you can buy interesting and worthwhile things. Friday for tourists is no less interesting day, because on the eve of a market day, crowds of Indians from nearby cities and towns are being pulled into the city. On the eve of Saturday, the calm Otavalo turns into a noisy, crowded city. Local residents support visiting merchants, dressing up in colorful traditional costumes, than simply captivating city visitors.
What can you buy in the market?
At Plaza de Ponchos, on a market day, you can purchase unique products of local artisans, handmade plaids, traditional lame wool ponchos, reed mats, medicinal herbs, ornaments, souvenirs, fruits, vegetables and much more. Here you will find truly exotic things.
Every tourist who came to Ponchos Square should know that in this market one can and should bargain. Indian merchants respect those who can throw off the price and go forward, giving a decent discount.
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