Otavalo Market, Otavalo

Advantages: Come armed with dollars and haggling skills!
Disadvantages: You wont want to leave, until you are broke!

...I went to Otavalo on a trip to Ecuador whilst at uni, and it was one of the best markets I have been to.It is rated one the premier markets in South America. As a keen shopper and bargain hunter, i had to go!! Otavalo is north of Quito city, and takes about 2 hours. I remember leaving Quito city at 4am in the dark to get there and start the market before it got too hot and to see the beginning of the animal market. The best day to go to the market is on a Saturday where indigenous Otavaleno Indians come to trade and buy from miles across the country. The indigenous folk are called Otavaleno Indians, and they speak in an incan dialect called Quechan, which is spoken in most Incan countries. They are proud of the heritage that they have and always wear traditional dress. The ladies have very delicate embroidered blouses, with many... Read review

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Advantages: pleasant climate, lots to see, bustling with local activity
Disadvantages: usual big city issues - traffic, smog, beggars, street vendors

...the morning. By the afternoon, however, the clouds will race over the summit obscuring all in their path. The "Crater" restaurant is a popular place for lunch. The Otavalo Market is one of the best known Ecuadorian attractions and has been around for at least 4000 years. It is located about 100 km north of Quito and forms the social and economic centre of the northern highlands. It is best visited as early in the morning as possible before the tourists begin to outnumber the locals. The market covers all sorts of food, clothing and general goods - plus handicrafts for the tourist. Everyday is market day, but Saturday is the biggest. As in all crowded places, beware of pickpockets.... Read review

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Advantages: Wonderful insight into South America all in one small country.
Disadvantages: Poverty and associated social impacts.

...offered by the hotels. Its also a nice day out to travel the Avenue of the Waterfalls. Mountain bikes are rentable or for the more lazy like us try "La Chiva" a mad open sided disco music pumping bus! A great day out but expect to get wet and cold, dont miss the optional cable car (a box on a rope) journey over the canyon. Food in Banos is cheaper than Quito, not many places seem to add the tax. We had lasagne x2 and beer for under $11, Cafe Cultura did an amazing breakfast for $4, try the set menu at Lilas- beers, margarita, steak, crepes less than $12. You can party hard and safely in Banos! The volcano Tungurahua is still active although the promised views of spitting red hot flames are exaggerated by the local travel agents. Off to Otavalo via Quito for the market. Stayed in hotel Valle de Almanecer. Rooms are small and basic but around... Read review

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