In all the Ecuadorian territory you will find all kind of Indian markets. Here the local communities leave their villages and go to the nearest town to sell or change their products, animals or handicrafts. You will find markets like Pujili or Saquisili which offer the visitors a variety of agricultural products and animals, also exists Indian markets which offers all kind of handicrafts and paintings like the Tigua market famous for its naif paintings or the Calderon market famous for its bread figures. The Guano market is well known for its pre-colombian rugs and the most important and more visited of all of these markets the famous “Otavalo”
Visit the largest and most famous Indian market in Latin America located at the El Centenario Plaza, also known as the Plaza of the Ponchos. Here, you will be able to admire and buy a large variety of textiles, tapestries, paintings, wood carved, ceramic and silver crafts at very good prices. More importantly, you will be able to see the great workmanship that is available in Ecuador.
Otavalo is located at 2,530 mts (8,031 ft) above sea level. It is in a valley surrounded by the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes, and the beautiful lake San Pablo. In its Indian market, you will be able to discover many of the indigenous communities of the area, mainly the Otavalo Indians who come from towns and villas such as Peguche, Agato and Iluman to sell their arts and crafts in the market.
Visit the surrounding communities close to Otavalo such as Olmedo and Zuleta, where you can see the daily life of its people, the famous city of Cotacachi, known for its leather goods, San Antonio de Ibarra, with its great articles made out of wood, or admire the lakes of the area such as the Cotacachi, Cuicocha, Yaguarcocha, and of course the San Pablo.
Cotacachi
Is located in the province of Imbabura at north of Ecuador. The area is renowned for the production of leather good. Where you will fine leather garments produced by skilled artists. Weekends are the best time to visit this market.
Calderon
This market is located 15 minutes north of Quito, it is famous for offer visitors its handicrafts made of the bread dough “mazapan”. Small colorful objects representing important figures from the country and other subjects are displayed along the main street of the town. This market is open every day.
Saquisili
Is located in the north of Latacunga in Cotopaxi province. At this market you will find all kind of agricultural products, cattle and sheep livestock are all sold. It represents one of the most renowned traditional markets in the central part of the country. The day of visit is Thursday.
Tigua
Tigua is part of the rural parish of Guangaje in Cotopaxi province. It is a traditional Andean population made up of small country communities dedicated to the art of painting. These skills have been passed down since the Tahuantinsuyo era by the area’s inhabitants, who use different colored enamels, all this paints are produced on sheepskin.
Pujili
This market is a renowned tourist destination in the Andes, is located in the Cotopaxi province. Its agricultural, cattle and handicraft products characterize it. Its painted ceramics and glass works are famous around the world.
Guano
It is located in the Chimborazo province. Its inhabitants fashion rugs and tapestries in a variety of formats and colors using pre-colombian and modern designs.
