Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Touring & Sightseeing
Salasaca
On the way to Baños is the small town of Salasaca, a good
place to stop and check out high-quality tapestries . These
tightly woven tapices , made of wool that generally comes
from local sheep farms, often incorporate impressive ani-
mal designs. Although a bit modernized these days, the Salasacas
continue to dress in indigenous attire that, for the men, includes
black ponchos, white trousers, and handmade, broad-brimmed white
hats with the brims often tilted up both in front and in back. The same
hats identify the women, who wear colorful shoulder wraps around
long, dark dress-like anakus .
Victims of the Incas
Unique to this area, the Salasacas reflect a deep history of
forced migration by the Incas. Originally from Bolivia, the
Salasacas were victims of the Inca plan to uplift and move
people they conquered. The Inca strategy was to take their
subjugated neighbors out of their element and therebymin-
imize the chance of a revolt. The Salasacas have sincemain-
tained much of their cultural identity, but are now facing
other pressures. As Baños becomes increasingly popular
among tourists and affluent Ecuadorians, land issues and
modern cultural changes threaten to destroy the native
way of life. So far, they have held their ground.
You can't miss Salasaca on the way to Baños. Notably, the weavings,
the indigenous people and, more recently, the Otavaleño stands sell-
ing other goods are visible along the road.
Pelileo
Pelileo is a small town on the highway between Ambato and Baños,
famous for the denim goods manufactured there. Look out for (fake)
Tommy Hilfigers, Levis and Calvin Kleins. The streets are literally
lined with outlets and, if your bus slows down at all, peddlers will un-
doubtedly hop on and try to give you the hard sell, beforemoving on to
the next unsuspecting busload. I think the classic item is “Nike”
jeans, with a patch placed prominently on the apparel for all to see.
 
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