Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shopping
T
his region is filled with artesanía villages and stores.
In Otavalo, there are far too many places to detail
here. In fact, you will see more wool sweaters than you
ever thought possible. The shops farther away from Pon-
cho Plaza tend to be more reasonable, but shop around as quality and
prices vary significantly. Also note that prices are typically higher on
market day, and you are better off early in the week. Various travel
and shipping agents can ship packages of souvenirs overseas from
Otavalo - a good idea if you do end up buying a lot. Tour operators can
arrange visits to the local communities where the crafts are made,
where they can often be purchased more cheaply than in Otavalo or
Quito. See pages 133 and 135 for a list of operators.
Nightlife
O
tavalo is a relatively sleepy town, but just keep your
ears and eyes open for the latest local scene. The tra-
ditional Andean music is always a highlight here, and
there are usually at least a couple of
peña
bars with live
folk music, at least on weekends.
Peña Tucano
, at Morales and
Modesto Jaramillo, is quite popular for loud salsa and the occasional
folk tune, as is
Peña Bar Chop
, just across the street. Both are loud,
especially on weekends, so don't pick a hotel close by. For more tradi-
tional folklórica, try the nearby
Peña Amauta
, on Morales and
Jaramillo. It's open on weekends. And be sure to catch the live show
at
Hotel Ali Shungu
.
In Ibarra, follow the university students on weekends for the best
nightlife, including
El Barbudo
, on the Plaza de la Ibarreñidad at
Moncayo and Sucre. It's closed at the beginning of the week; other-
wise, it's open as late as the locals want to indulge. For more of a
dance scene, try the popular
Tequila Rock
, at Oviedo and Sucre,
open Thurs-Sat nights until late.
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