Otavalo Market
Otavalo Market
4
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This colorful indigenous market takes place each Saturday and features some of the finest woven products in the region including ponchos, sweaters, wall hangings and shawls.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Raymond S2 contributionsAn amazing trip to OtavaloSuch a beautiful tour! Irene was a fantastic guide, giving lots of explanations and putting a good spirit inside the group! Everything was amazing except perhaps the market, which, in my opinion is overquoted. But the rest was unique! And special thanks to our driver Andres!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 November 2023
- Cha CBoston, Massachusetts9 contributionsBeautiful and fun traditional marketBeautiful and extensive market with great prices and selection. Locals are friendly and not pushy about selling. Quality is very good. It is worth spending time here and doing a lot of shopping because the selection and price cannot be found elsewhere.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2024
- Leah L1 contributionOtavalo market and much moreDiego was our guide and he was terrific! He was knowledgeable, fun, and fit the tour to our interests. We really enjoyed the sights, tastes, and variety of stops on this tour. We all learned more about the history of the people and the region while having a good time. To our surprise we even purchased a few items at the market. Overall it was a great way to spend a day exploring outside of Quito.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,177 reviews
Excellent
515
Very good
420
Average
179
Poor
49
Terrible
14
DisgruntledScotLass
Edinburgh, UK111 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
I really enjoyed my visit to this market. I would advise others to go on a weekday as it's much quieter and you're more likely to pick up a bargain. Items such as alpaca blankets, alpaca scarves, alpaca jumpers and souvenir t-shirts can be picked up here. Make sure to haggle with the market traders. The market traders are friendly despite the lack of English.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
Parker, CO115 contributions
June 2021
The market is advertised as a Saturday market, but it is back to operating every day. Saturdays are busiest because of animal and increased produce sales, but the market filled the plaza square on the late-June Monday we visited. We spent a bit more than an hour there but I could have easily doubled or trippled that because of the variety of artisans - woodworkers, weavers, artists, potters, jewelery makers, and more. I can't speak to the textiles but I was impressed with the quality of the artisans I visited. The prices were amazing, too, and they are willing to negotiate. I bought two paintings but would have eagerly bought some of the wood carvings if I wasn't leaving the next day.
Plan to visit the towns/villages around Otavalo where permanent shops house some of the region's reknowned artists.
Plan to visit the towns/villages around Otavalo where permanent shops house some of the region's reknowned artists.
Written 2 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK6,890 contributions
Jan 2023
Covering a plaza 100m x 100m there are an amazing amount of stalls across the grid of paths between them. Lots sell the same jumpers, zipped jumpers, scarves, hats etc. But between them every possible colour is available. Prices seem not that different from Quito, but you've travelled this far to see the colour and at-mosphere of the market so you just have to buy something. Everyone was friendly and helpful, no pushy hard sell at all.
Very quiet at 10.30 on a Friday in January, with very few tourists some negotiated bargains were had.
Very quiet at 10.30 on a Friday in January, with very few tourists some negotiated bargains were had.
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salinas de Guaranda
Salinas, Ecuador55 contributions
Apr 2022
The "Plaza de Ponchos" in Otavalo is the main cultural fair in Ecuador. It is open all week, but on Saturday the place is full of people and also they use 5 o 6 streets around the square. You can find a huge amount of handicrafts from Otavalo and also from other places in Ecuador, most of artisans understand English spell, but you also need to practice some spanish phrases. Near to "Plaza de Ponchos" is de food market where you can taste a lot of traditional and exotic dishes, like "Churos", "Fritada", "Tripa Mishqui", but if you have a delicate stomach, it is not recommended.
Along the streets you can find all necesary services like: Internet, Restaurants, Drugstores, Hotels, Money Exchange, Spanish classes, Taxi, Gourmet places, etc.
If you come to Ecuador and need some tips write me on twitter @tomabelastours
Along the streets you can find all necesary services like: Internet, Restaurants, Drugstores, Hotels, Money Exchange, Spanish classes, Taxi, Gourmet places, etc.
If you come to Ecuador and need some tips write me on twitter @tomabelastours
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariuxi Bolaños
Otavalo, Ecuador9 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Otavalo is the Imbabura province This city is very famous for tourist. It known as Valle del Amanecer there are many places for visit how Peguche waterfall,Plaza de los Ponchos ,San Pablo lake.When you travel to Otavalo you can found typical food .The typical food of Otavalo is Yamor the dish has fritada,mote,salad,tortillas,empanadas of rice and the Yamor chicha other dishes how potatoes with cuy and hornado.
I loved to visit the San Pablo lake because I can feel the breeze from the lake also I can ride the boat and I play on the swing.
If you want to have a good moment you must visit Otavalo . It's the best city in Imbabura.
I loved to visit the San Pablo lake because I can feel the breeze from the lake also I can ride the boat and I play on the swing.
If you want to have a good moment you must visit Otavalo . It's the best city in Imbabura.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred G
Milton, Canada581 contributions
Sept 2022
We were a group of sixteen travelers from Canada, and visited this local artisans market while in the area. Lots of colourful stuff available-my wife picked up a few souvenirs. Bought an Ecuador soccer shirt at a reasonable price.
Very busy place, although there was a great similarity in items sold.
Very busy place, although there was a great similarity in items sold.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim G
Toronto, Canada1,656 contributions
Nov 2020
This was a fair size market. The people of the region make up all the vendors. They have quite a variety of things on offer. Lots of clothing and alpaca accessories. Also hand made jewelry and artwork. There are a lot of repeated products but also some very unique options if you look.
It was very quiet when we there - no other tourists. The vendors are willing to bargain and you can get some great deals for souvenirs to take home.
It was very quiet when we there - no other tourists. The vendors are willing to bargain and you can get some great deals for souvenirs to take home.
Written 4 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazon Andy
Ottawa, Canada45 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Eventhough rain was in the forecast all week, every morning there was some sunshine and this was Carnaval week. The food was $2 for a full fish and sides. You must negotiate hard. I got a large blanket that started at 35 and I got for 20. There's the streets and then the poncho square, all walkable and pretty safe.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I13JAmarym
Palm Desert, CA2,656 contributions
Nov 2022
We chose to go to the market on a quieter day. We were very aware there would be some merchandise that was imported from China. It was a great experience because it was not hot, it was not crowded, and vendors were happy to have customers. I did some shopping for souvenir little stuff-I wanted to bring back some alpacas as gifts. I had a great time bargaining respectfully with the vendor. She was great and we spent a lot of time laughing. I also found a pair of earrings and some little reminders of the Galápagos Islands. I did buy a pillow cover, fully aware it was machine made but it was priced fairly, made in Ecuador and I love it.
Take small bills and don't carry much else with you.
Take small bills and don't carry much else with you.
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agent5aq
Atlanta, GA99 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Highly overrated - in my humble opinion. If you are stopping at this market on your way to another city, then it might be worth it. However, if you are visiting from Quito - it’s a full day of travel in a car to find items that you can find all across Quito. I recommend the Mitad del Mundo village over the Otavalo Market - much better experience and much better selection of items.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Does anyone know if the market is still open now during this pandemic?
Some markets in Quito are open, just wasn’t sure about making the trip.
Written 15 September 2020
Does anyone know if the market is open during these times?
Thanks
Written 13 July 2020
I am heading to Ecuador in 2 weeks from home in Melbourne, Australia, and I am just wondering about the pricing of things at Otavalo Market... I understand about the bartering etc etc and I am not new to market shopping, but I literally have no idea what sort of price range to expect for things like alpaca blankets and I want to make sure that I have budgeted enough to be able to bring at least one of those home with me!
Anything you could share with me would be much appreciated!
Josie
Written 13 August 2019
It sounds like you are well-prepared already. Keep in mind that goods are priced with tourists in mind. Some items there are so reasonable I didn't even try to get a better price. What you will see marketed as "alpaca" blankets might be anywhere from 10% - 50% alpaca. That does not take away from their beauty, warmth or quality. As our guide told us, "When you hear baby alpaca, think maybe alpaca." I would plan on getting one of those for around $25. Jewelry sells anywhere from around $8 for a small or not fancy piece, up to around $35 for a necklace with several strands of beads. Jewelry with stones will cost more. Another thing to remember is that a lot of what you see in Otavalo is only found in Ecuador or Peru, so if you like something, don't count on being able to find it elsewhere. Otavalo is best on the weekend if you are a serious shopper. If, on the other hand, you get overwhelmed in a market atmosphere (as I do) you are better off going during the week, when fewer vendors are present. Finally, make sure you see the artisan's market in the Mariscal district if you are going to be in Quito anyway. I like the clothing there better than what I saw at Otavalo. I got three gorgeous peasant blouses there for around $18 each. (Oh yeah, prices come down if you are buying more than one.) It's a smaller market, but easier to navigate. I have quite a few Ecuador reviews here on TA which I hope you will find helpful (and please give me a helpful vote if you do.) Let me know if you need anything else, and have a WONDERFUL time there. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people.
Written 13 August 2019
Is the market on monday worth the trip?
Written 27 March 2019
Is the market on monday worth the trip?
Written 27 March 2019
Wann würdet ihr auf den Markt gehen?
Am Wochenende? Oder unter der Woche?
Written 17 January 2019
queria saber si hay mucha diferencia entre ir un sabado o cualquier otro dia. Se que el sabado es el mercado de los animales,no nos interesa, pero los demas dias, hay alguno mejor, o son todos iguales??? Gracias
Written 12 September 2018
We went on a weekday and there were no animals.
Written 15 September 2018
What is negotiated price range of items like blankets or hats? Is it better to "bundle" items to get good price? Do you need to carry your own bags?
Written 22 May 2018
Very much the same as some of above responses.
The biggest market day is Saturday ( heaving..and has the rather unplasant animal market). On Wednesday it is slightly quieter ( but by no means quiet).
Start by looking around to orientate yourselves and ask some prices to have an idea of what to expect. Sellers generally pitch high to tourists ( helps if you speak some Spanish). Generally it is best to counter at ca. 50% lower than their opening price and don't look over keen. Putting a number of items together from same stall will enable you to get a "bundle price" but make sure to ask for individual price of each item before "opening negotiations" over bundle price. If you don't reach the figure you have in mind..walk away..they will generally follow and lower price levels. Usuallly they have bags but taking 1 or 2 of your own fold up bags would be a good idea.
Written 6 March 2019
Do you recommend visiting Otavalo market only on Saturdays? I arrive Quito late on Saturday night (in mid April) and wanted to visit Otavalo on Sunday or Monday but not sure if it's worth it. Thanks in advance. MAC
Written 26 March 2018
Sorry it’s taken so long, I don’t get on trip advisor very often.
The biggest day with all the vendors is Saturday but you can go anytime and still get a great selection of local crafts. They have good prices but do negotiate. I recommend going to Octavia for the shopping also there is a beautiful waterfall about 15 minutes from town. We stayed at B & B next to the waterfall and it was a very good experience.
Written 10 April 2018
Our current itinerary for Otavalo means we will be there on Thursday and not Saturday. Is it worth visiting to see the market or should we try to juggle things around?
Written 6 January 2018
I think that any time you go you will find deals just different types of deals. I was very taken back by what they had.
Written 20 January 2018
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