| Main market days are on Saturday and Wednesdays although the latter is mainly for tourists who prefer a less crowded arena for their shopping spree although between the peak season June to August selling is continual daily. The
main Saturday market has three main plazas which spills out on to the nearby side streets although the Poncho plaza houses most items popular with the tourist selling a range of blankets, scarves, ponchos, sweaters, tapestries, sandals, shawls and embroidered clothing as well as jewelry. In addition this artesanías market also sells paintings, baskets, ceramics leather products, antiques and woodcarvings from throughout Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. But you are strongly advised to arrive on Friday evenings so you can get the best bargains early the following day before the swarm of tourists arrive. This
market actually begins at 07:00 and goes on till 18:00 so arrive just after opening time to avoid disappointment. The second market comprises solely of livestock beginning at 05:00 and lasts until 10:00 and it is on the outskirts of town in the Viejo Colegio Agrícola. To go there, head west on Calle Colón from the town center.The final market is a produce market and begins at 07:00 till 1400, it is located at Plaza 24 de Mayo. Bargaining for items is a normal expected practice and even though many tourists don't enjoy knocking a few cents off already well priced items it is considered normal practice by the locals, if you are buying several items from the same vendor discounts starting at 15% up to 20% are often given for purchasing in bulk. See also Shopping in Otavalo for the
best handcraft stores in town and other items. |
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