What is Otavalo famous for?

Otavalo is a town in Northern Ecuador. It has about 50.000 inhabitants and is the capital of the district of the same name. Otavalo is world-famous for its indigenous population, the so-called Otavalos, many of which are travelling around the world to sell their famous handicrafts or play in Andean Folk music groups.

Where do the Otavalos sell their textiles?

The indigenous Otavalo people are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market. Although the largest market is on Saturday, there is a very wide range of wares available throughout the week in the Plaza de los Ponchos, and the many local shops.

Where is Otavalo from?

Ecuador
The Otavalos are an indigenous people native to the Andean mountains of Imbabura Province in northern Ecuador. The Otavalos also inhabit the city of Otavalo in that province.

How old is Otavalo market?

The Otovalo Market is held on the Plaza de los Ponchos, was built with financing of the Netherlands in 1970 and designed by the Dutch architect Tonny Zwollo. It consists of 90 concrete umbrella-shaped stalls with benches. The famous Otavalo textiles are mostly made of wool, weavings in many bright colors.

Is Otavalo Ecuador safe?

SAFETY ADVICE Otavalo is definitely safer than any other bigger city in Ecuador, as usual, use your common sense, and avoid suburbs that are not well-lit. There are also many strayed dogs. The weather in the mountains is very changeable, so make sure you are well-equipped for outdoor adventure.

How do indigenous people dress in Otavalo?

The indigenous people of Otavalo are easily identified by their traditional dress. Women are dressed in intricately embroidered white blouses, woven black skirts, and shawls. Jewelry includes strings of necklaces with gold beads, and red coral bracelets.

Why is the Otavalo market unique?

Vibrant colors, friendly voices haggling, rough woven textiles and the wafting scent of cooking meat. Located in Imbabura Province of Ecuador, the Otavalo Market is home to the indigenous Otavaleño people, famous for weaving textiles of wool and selling them in the market, known to locals as the Plaza de los Ponchos.

What are Otavalo textiles?

On any given morning in the Ecuadorian town of Otavalo, Plaza de los Ponchos is a rainbow of textiles. Blankets, wall hangings, handbags, table runners, alpaca-wool sweaters and scarves beam as brightly as the equatorial sun, lighting up the largest and finest craft market in South America.

What language is spoken in Otavalo?

Most Otavalo are bilingual in Quichua and Spanish (castellano ) and a few also speak Portuguese, English, French, or German.

Is Otavalo worth visiting?

Towering volcanos, pristine lakes, unique culture, fabulous waterfalls and welcoming locals — these are just a few of the many reasons to visit Otavalo Ecuador. Located just a 2 hour drive north of Quito, a visit to Otavalo is an easy day trip away.

What kind of clothing do people in Ecuador wear?

Cultures and dress codes In the Quito area, men typically wear blue ponchos and calf-length trousers. Andean women tend to wear white blouses, colourful shawls and layers of gold and red coral bracelets.