The Otavalo Market is known locally as "Plaza de Los Ponchos" or the "Centenario Market". Located in the Imbabura Province, Ecuador. This place is one of the largest artisanal markets in Ecuador. It is a great place to get to learn about the people of the Andes. The market sells everything from blankets and ponchos to jewelry, paintings, instruments, wood and stone carvings, leather goods, and more. The most popular items are ponchos and colorful rugs made from dyed alpaca wool. Besides, local artisans paint bowls, plates, frames and more in bright colors that match those on the woven tablecloths.
Plaza de Los Ponchos opens every day from 7 am to 6 pm. Saturday is the best day to visit, Wednesday is the second option. It is normal to haggle prices at the market. About the currency, Ecuador uses the US dollar. If planning to visit the Otavalo market, don’t bring bills larger than $20. Most stores won’t accept $50 or $100 bills.
If you want to see more local products or buy some groceries, try the town's local food market "Mercado 24 de Mayo" (open every day). On Saturdays, there is also an animal market called "Animal Market" northwest of Otavalo, on the other side of the Panamerican Highway. The animal market is the place where local farmers buy and sell their livestock.
