Otavalo

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I have always loved decorating my home.  Coming to Ecuador was especially exciting for me as we would be purchasing everything from scratch.  One of my favorite places to visit was Otavalo.

Otavalo has the largest indigenous markets in South America.  The best day to come is on a Saturday. The artisan markets are located at the Plaza de Ponchos but stretch up and down the streets.  During the week it is just limited to the Plaza de Ponchos square.

The Otavalo Indians are famous for the weaving of textiles.  The practice of weaving goes back over 400 years.  The colors are very bright and vibrant

There are also Otavalenos who sell their crafts in the San Franscisco Markets in Cuenca.  This is where I bought three large colorful weavings. These I then made into wall hangings for the main bedroom and dining and living areas.  The three hangings cost me US$150 and the framing for all three US$50.

The paintings in Ecuador are quite beautiful.  There are many available in Otavalo but also at special celebration times in places like Cuenca.  A good time to go shopping in Cuenca is when they have the “Tres de Noviembre” celebrations on the 3^rd of November.

Here are some more photos of other items you can purchase in the Otavalo markets including some wonderful silver and spondylus jewellery.