Otavalo Travel Guide

Otavalo lies in northern Ecuador's Andean highlands, embraced by volcanoes and lakes. It is an important center of South American indigenous culture and handicrafts, famous for its massive, world-renowned indigenous handicraft market, its brilliant traditional textile crafts and beautiful Andean scenery. Mild year-round, the Saturday market is grandest. Its most famous draw is the handicraft market—considered one of South America's largest and most famous indigenous handicraft markets; its core Plaza de los Ponchos (especially grand on Saturdays) gathers indigenous artisans selling a dazzling array of hand-woven textiles (blankets, shawls and ponchos), clothing, handicrafts, panpipe instruments and silver and leather goods, like a sea of color (Otavalo's indigenous people are known for superb weaving and business acumen). Locals in traditional dress keep a living Andean culture (please respect it). Surrounding scenery is beautiful: San Pablo Lake at the foot of a volcano, the crater lake Cuicocha, and Peguche Waterfall. The official currency is the US dollar.