World Ecuador Quito

The Champagne Backpacker The Champagne Backpacker: Michael's Round the World Trip 2005-2007-- The Adventure of a Lifetime

Otavalo, Ecuador Apr 18, 2007

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2007. OTAVALO, ECUADOR. Otavalo holds one of the best markets in South America--It's largest day is Saturday. Due to our schedule, Jeff and I visited mid-week, when the market is quiet. Otavalo is 2.5 hours by bus north of Quito ($2). The main market area for crafts is Plaza de Ponchos. During our visit in the late afternoon, we saw only a handful of other shoppers. We had the whole market to ourselves, which has the advantage of ease of shopping, but the disadvantage of too much attention from the vendors. The Otavalo vendors were all friendly and quick with a smile. This was our final chance to shop in a major market in South America. I bought mostly Alpaca and wool scarves for $2 to $4 each--They make great gifts and are easy to carry in my backpack.