Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you plan to photograph the Otavaleños, ask
their permission first. Don't be surprised if they
refuse. Camera-toting tourists and professional
photographers have accosted them for years.
The
Saturdaymarket
in Otavalo is the main attraction. It's become
such a big event, however, that you may wish to see it on any other
day of the week, when you'll find the same goods without the crowds.
If Saturday is your day, try to arrive on a Friday night and go to the
market early to beat the arrival of the morning tourist buses. The
other aspect youwill find only on Saturdays is the local market, cater-
ing exclusively to natives and selling everything from livestock, to
food and daily necessities. This begins and ends earlier than the tour-
ist market. If you're up for it, hike or catch a quick early morning taxi
back toward the highway to the main livestock market - well worth
the effort.
To guarantee a bargain at the market, shop
early. The superstitious vendors are more
inclined to cut a deal on their first sale of the
day, in the belief that this will bring them good
luck,
and
presumably
lots
of
buyers,
throughout the afternoon!
Poncho Plaza
is the hub of activity for travelers in Otavalo. Here,
you'll find everything from sweaters, hammocks, tapestries, and em-
broidered clothing to a variety of arts and crafts. The bargains are in-
credible! Expect to negotiate prices. Try not to bargain too hard,
though, as differences in price often boil down to spare change for the
tourist but may be a meal for the vendor. And during peak demand
periods, the locals will not barter as much.
The Saturdaymarket is one of the oldest, largest, andmost renowned
in all of Latin America. It originated when jungle goods from the
Oriente were brought in to trade for items from the Sierras. During
the colonial era, Spanish landlords exploited the indigenous exper-
tise at weaving. Their skills have since been passed down and used to
create products for today's tourist-oriented market.
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