What do you do when you find yourself in the largest artisan fair in northern Ecuador? Shop! Anyone who knows us, knows that I’m not the shopper in the family…but Bob loves this market. At the Plaza del Ponchos in Otavalo you can find an enormous assortment of merchandise and all at reasonable prices (some bargaining is recommended to achieve the best price however). So if shopping for local products is on your “to do” list while in Ecuador, this is a good place to start.
I highly recommend you read the information at THIS LINK from the Otavalo travel website which tells you all the details you need to know about directions, days and times, what to wear, and what cautions to be aware of.
Just a word of caution from me: we never go on the recommended days of Wednesday and Saturday. It’s way too crowded! They do have more stuff on those days, but they have a ton more people too. And I’m not a crowd person. So you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Happy Shopping!
Lynn, Bob and Niele
For great info: http://www.otavalo.travel/sitios-y-lugares-turisticos-de-otavalo/plaza-de-los-ponchos.html