Otavalo Market

August 29, 2018/in Ecuador

Otavalo Market on Plaza de Ponchos

Otavalo Market in the central Plaza de Ponchos is packed with traditionally clad indigenous townspeople selling colorful textiles and handicrafts. It is a major draw for tourists in Ecuador. But we found there to be only a dozen or so inspiring booths out of hundreds. The rest looked like they were peddling mass produced factory versions of the handmade goods, and most were duplicates of other booths less than 40 feet away. On a private tour thru the villages surrounding Imbarura Volcano we found authentic, beautiful weaving, embroidery, and wood carving and charming craftsmen and women.

Old Town Quito

August 26, 2018/in Ecuador

Cathedrals and terra cotta roof tops sprawl across the hillside in Quito. The streets are filled with vendors offering everything from fresh fruit, sunglasses to toilet paper. If you arrive at night, don’t be alarmed that it seems stark and boarded up. In the morning every single building has a store front that magically pops open and the cobble stone streets are filled with vibrant energy.

Basilica del Voto Nacional

August 26, 2018/in Ecuador

Basilica del Voto Nacional

This beautiful Neo-Gothic church has been under construction for more than 130 years. It’s impressive to observe by the main tour bus which does a loop around it. But best explored by climbing its many slightly sketchy ladders and scaffolding. The ornate exterior is decorated with native Ecuadorian animals in gargoyle fashion.