After spending almost 6 months living outside of Otavalo, we have definitely had our fill of Saturdays spent perusing the many vendors that fill the town. We have some what of a Saturday schedule and definitely have some favorite vendors, beer spots, cuisine, and activities (many of which were suggests of Shawn and Lindsay – thanks you guys!).

Favorite Vendors.

Shigras.

There are only a few vendors that only sell shigras and they are only there on Saturdays. This guy in particular makes the trip to Otavalo every weekend from Cotopaxi to set up shop and sell his hand-made sisal bags. Obviously there is a range in price, size, and intricacy but overall each one is beautiful and unique. He will often offer the option to pick which straps you want and has even made some for me in the color or length I was looking for.

Bead man.

If you are into jewelry making or crafts this guy is definitely worth a visit. Super nice, not the least bit pushy, and has the nicest selection of beads in the market. He specializes mostly in Czech beads which are widely popular in this part of Ecuador for the wrap bracelets worn by the indigenous women. He and his wife run two separate stands in the market and make sales all over Ecuador and Colombia. After many weekly visits, he finally admitted to me that he was practically a neighbor and often saw us on the bus commuting to and form the Otavalo each day. He sent me off with a bag of beads as a thank you after my last visit.

Local goods.

Of all the places we’ve been I am most enamored with the culture of dress in and around Otavalo. There is still such a large culture bearing the indigenous wears which are well-made, have a little more meaning than your average llama hoody, and readily available on the outskirts of the Plaza de Ponchos. Some local wears worth checking out are the hats, ponchos, alpagados, belts, and blouses – so basically all of it.

Beer spots.

Tabasco’s.

If your looking for a good view of the plaza and its surrounding volcanic peaks, Tobascos is the place. Its on the third floor of a building sitting on the corner of Sucre and Salinas and is an excellent place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the market and enjoy a cold beer or fresh lemonade.

Juice ladies.

If your heading to the veggie and meat market, 24 de Mayo, belly up to the bar of one of these sweet juice ladies. If your Spanish is good enough you’ll have great conversation and she’ll have plenty of cold beers and fresh juice to keep you going.

Food joints.

Cerdo horneado.

Right next to the juice ladies is a entire row of vendors dedicated to the most amazing of Ecuadorian dishes which is essentially a pork plate. It is most definitely my favorite other than encebollado and there is no shortage here. Typically it is pulled pork accompanied by tortillas (fried potatoes), mote (hominy), a little bit of salad, and aji. Top it off with a limonada… Mmmm… Mmmmm… Makes me happy just writing about it.

Taco Bello.

If you’ve got a big appetite and a craving for Mexican food roll over to Taco Bello and pay Carlos a visit. This Mexican joint has been one of our favorite places and offers some of the best Mexican and margaritas I’ve had in America del Sur. The ambiance is something special as well, featuring back to back music videos of your favorite 90s hits and classic posters of Shakira, J.Lo, and all your other favorite Latina pop stars. Go for the almuerzo or merienda which will get you a soup and a Mexican plate of your choosing for $2.50. A delicious margarita will only set you back another $3.

Other Spots

Ecua volley.

Volley ball is surprisingly big in Ecuador and close to the 24 de Mayo market is a courtyard full of locals enjoying their Saturdays with some volleyball. They’ve got the cheapest beers in town and several games going at once. Sit back, pick a team, and enjoy.

Animal Market.

If you get an early start on the market this is a good place to begin the day. It is just what it sounds like with vendors for pigs, cows, chickens, even puppies. Its a good taste of the local flare.

Cock Fights.

Next to the 24 de Mayo market lies the cock fighting ring of Otavalo. Again cheap beers, lots of locals, and a good opportunity to make or lose some money on a rooster or two.

So that’s a basic rundown of our Saturdays in Otavalo…Below are a few more pictures from a recent Saturday visit while Brent’s brother Sam was visiting.