Otavalo and the artisan market

Otavalo is a largely indigenous town in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, well known for its Saturday market. The town, which is in a valley, is surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura, Cotacachi, and Mojanda volcanoes.

The Indians of Otavalo are famous for the weaving of textiles, which has a 4000 year history. The town has an expansive market, and, although main market day is Saturday, in the Plaza del Poncho there are wares available for tourists throughout the week. There are several hotels in colonial buildings and a number of restaurants.

As Otavalo is famous for its textiles, many of the nearby villages and towns are famous for their own particular crafts. Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins. In San Antonio, where the local specialty is wood carving, the main street prominantly displays carved statues, picture frames, and furniture.