Exploring Otavalo

Despite it being a free day, we were up early, ready for breakfast in the hostel, the highlight of which was a delicious fresh blackberry juice with no added sugar.

After breakfast, we took some photos around the hostel and then went out to explore the town.

Otavalo is called the 'Intercultural Capital of Ecuador' for its cultural and historical richness, and for being the place of origin of the Otavalo Quichua people, famous for their textile and commercial skills, characteristics that have given rise to the largest indigenous artisan market in South America, called 'La Plaza de Ponchos'. This is where we headed first.

Despite Saturday being the biggest day for the market, there was still plenty to look at and shop for today. We spent two or three hours wandering around the stalls. There was clearly some imported tat, but there were also some exquisite Ecuadorian textiles, including blankets, ponchos, table runners, cushion covers, wall hangings, and scarves. I could have bought loads, but restricted myself to a warm jacket and a hat with a brim to give me some protection from the equatorial sun.Read more