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Market · Otavalo, Imbabura
Plaza de los Ponchos
Otavalo's craft market square, with stalls of ponchos, rugs, wool blankets, embroidered items, hats and instruments, which spread through the downtown streets on Saturdays.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plaza de los Ponchos
Plaza de los Ponchos is in central Otavalo and is the site of the craft market, one of the best-known in South America. The square has covered permanent stalls in concrete kiosks, selling products by Kichwa Otavalo artisans and from other regions of Ecuador. The market operates every day.
On Saturdays it expands and fills the surrounding streets, with hundreds of stalls. There are ponchos, rugs and wool blankets made from sheep and alpaca, sweaters, scarves, embroidered blouses, felt and straw hats, seed- and stone jewelry, hammocks, ceramics, paintings and Andean instruments such as panpipes and charangos.
The vendors, many in traditional dress, sell in Spanish and Kichwa. Near the square, the food market has stalls with fruits, vegetables, grains and typical dishes like hornado (roast pork) with mote and llapingachos. Early Saturday morning, on the outskirts of town, the livestock fair takes place, with cows, sheep, pigs and chickens.
The square is busy and colorful, and it's worth wandering without hurry.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 3 hours.
Best time
Saturday morning, when the market is at its largest; arrive early to see the stalls being set up. On other days, mornings are quieter.
How to get there
In downtown Otavalo, about 1 km from the bus terminal, within walking distance.
Tip
Combine your visit with the animal fair early Saturday morning and have lunch at the food market. Bargain politely and carry small US dollar bills.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza de los Ponchos
Does the Otavalo market operate every day?
Yes, at the Plaza de los Ponchos. On Saturdays it expands and fills the downtown streets.
What to buy in Otavalo?
Ponchos, wool blankets and rugs, alpaca sweaters, embroidered goods, hats, costume jewelry and Andean instruments.
Where is the livestock fair?
On the outskirts of town, early on Saturday morning; ask at the hotel for directions.