Otovalo is an an Ecuadorian city located at a 2 hours drive away from the capital city of Quito that has become a tourist attraction chiefly for the because of its unique market place. This Otovalenos people deserve appraisal for flaunting with pride, their native customs and indigenous culture. The color, the music, the language, the dressing, all reveal that American-Indian flavor that has evolved over centuries. If you are planning to take back souvenirs from Ecuador, then there can be no better and cheaper place than the Otovalo market place. It is advisable to travel during one of the many festivals of Otovalo.
Festivals to Look out For in the Otovalo City:
- Inti Raymi
- Fiesta de San Pedro and San Pablo
- Fiesta de San Juan
- Fiesta del Yamor
- Colla Raimi
- Mojandas Arriba
The Otovalo market place has in store all kinds of attractive but cheap goods like sweaters, tapestries, hats, ponchos, rugs, dolls, food, blouses, jewelery and what not at unbelievable low price. Even bargaining with the natives is a fun thing to do. The people are friendly and usually don a sense of humor. Transaction would not be difficult because the Otovalenos people speak English and Spanish. Spanish infiltration during the last few centuries has contributed positively to the business development but not at the cost of the Otovalenos culture.
