How to visit the Otavalo Craft Market (Ecuador): opening hours

When planning the trip to Quito, a Ecuador, it was clear that one of the objectives was visit the Otavalo craft market, of which he had excellent references.

After the trip I will tell you that the experience is totally worth it.

La visit of the city of Quito It has the great attraction of being able to know its history colonial era heritage, but also the possibility of visiting its surroundings, where Otavalo occupies a prominent place.

Otavalo It is located just over 100 kilometers north of Quito, but about two hours of travel, and it sits in a valley where the Imbabura volcano.

Where is Otavalo and what is it like?

With a population of about 40.000 people, in the city of Otavalo is the majority indigenous population of the otavalos to kichwa, whose presence gives a special attraction to this market.

This indigenous population stands out for its, for Europeans, picturesque clothing.

Men usually wear a white shirt and pants, a blue poncho, a hat and an espadrille.

And the women will catch your attention with their white embroidered blouse, blue and black anaco, and a thick sash at the waist.

How to get to Otavalo from Quito

To make this visit you have the option of signing up for a excursion to Otavalo from Quito with the company of a guide in Spanish.

It is an eight-hour day in which, in addition to visiting the famous Plaza de los Ponchos de Otavalo, you will also visit an Andean instrument workshop, with the option of also visiting another city famous for its crafts, Cotacachi.

Another alternative to go on your own is to go to Otavalo from Quito by bus, for which you must go to the Carcelén Bus Station north of the capital.

What to see in Otavalo and its Plaza de los Ponchos

If you prefer Visit the Otalavo market on your own, you should know that its nerve center is known as Plaza de los Ponchos, where although it is celebrated every day of the week, its greatest splendor is reached Saturdays.

Indeed, every Saturday the aforementioned square and all the surrounding streets become a great flea market.

There you will find above all the textile products from Otavalo, such as hats, ponchos, scarves, shirts, pants, espadrilles...

But you can also buy other types of clay craft products, paintings, wood, jewelry, and goldsmithing, both originating from Ecuador and other countries.

And, of course, you also have areas where you can buy or taste locally produced meals and food products.

Otavalo Craft Market Hours

El Otavalo artisan market schedule It is from 7 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon.

Another reason to choose Saturday for your visit of Otavalo is that that day you have the opportunity to also visit the very curious Otavalo animal fair.

Of course, this popular fair is held very early in the morning, so you should not go later than 9 in the morning.

Tu walk through Otavalo You must complete it by visiting the food market, where you will also find very curious and popular scenes.

Photos from the Otavalo craft market

Here you have more photos of the Plaza de los Ponchos, where the artisan market in Otavalo, north of Quito.