Otavalo: Heart of Culture and Tradition
Located in the Andes, 2,532 meters above sea level, in the province of Imbabura, Otavalo is a destination that will captivate you with its rich culture and tradition. Known for its handicraft market and animal market, this place offers tourist attractions and beautiful green mountains that will enchant you.
Colorful Culture and Emotional Tradition
Otavalo’s culture is deeply rooted in the lives of its inhabitants, easily recognizable by their traditional dress that reflects their identity and cultural practices. Men wear blue or gray ponchos, and white pants and wear a long braids, while women wear white embroidered blouses, black skirts called “anaco”, and gold and coral jewelry. This dress is not only a tradition but a manifestation of their indigenous pride and ethnicity.
The Kichwa language, widely spoken in the region, is proof of cultural resistance to colonization and highlights the heritage of this community.
Authentic Otavalo Flavors
Otavalo’s gastronomy is closely related to its agricultural tradition. Among the local delicacies that you must try are the corn quimbolitos, the potato locro soup, and the roasted guinea pig, which are great delicacies that you must try if you visit this city.
The Ponchos Plaza
In the center of Otavalo is the Plaza de Ponchos, an artisan market and one of the largest in Ecuador. Here, Otavaleño artisans sell a wide variety of products, from colorful ponchos and blankets to tapestries and jewelry. This market has its history, dating back to the time when barter (exchange) was practiced between the highlands and the coast.
Animal Market
The Otavalo Animal Market is a place where people from the surrounding area gather to buy and sell animals, from cows to guinea pigs to chickens and so on. Rows of vendors offer agricultural equipment and food, but most come to trade animals. This market is authentic and full of life, with the bustle of transactions and conversations, an ideal place for you to see the great variety of animals that inhabit and coexist with this ancestral people.
Mojanda Lagoon
Otavalo is not only about culture and handicrafts; it also offers impressive natural landscapes, such as the Mojanda Lagoon. With its crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains for nature lovers. Here you can enjoy hiking, picnics, and bird watching.
Simply Otavalo’s Charm
From its handicraft market to its natural landscapes, Otavalo is a destination that combines cultural authenticity with natural beauty. This place in the province of Imbabura invites you to immerse yourself in its culture and folklore. Meet the warmth of its people and do not miss the opportunity to visit Otavalo on your next trip to Ecuador, let yourself be enchanted by its magic.