Indian Markets Saquisili, Pujili, Otavalo and Zumbahua tours

Multicultural Ecuador invites to you to take part in a centuries-old tradition: weekly indigenous markets in many of Ecuador's provinces. These indigenous markets have a great economic, cultural, and social meaning; they are adorned with an immense variety of colors, music, sound, scenes, contrasts, and surprises.

Cotopaxi - 1 Day
After breakfast we will travel south on bus along the Pan-American Highway, also known as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," to Cotopaxi National Park. The park is at the foot of the snowcapped Cotopaxi Volcano, the world's highest active volcano. Then the trip brings us to the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon.

Latacunga - 1 day
The Pan-American highway takes us to Latacunga, the capital of the Cotopaxi Province. In this city you'll have an unforgettable day with a visit to the colonial center. Each Tuesday there is a charming Indigenous market in which all of the region's traditional handicrafts and artisans' work are on display.

Pujilí - 1 day
The village of Pujili is located 96km southwest of Quito. Each Wednesday and each Sunday there is an Indigenous market with traditionally dressed villagers offering colorful local handicrafts. Here the specialty is artistic works made from clay.

Saquisilí - 1 day
In the Cotopaxi Province, 76Km to the south of Quito, we find the small village of Saquisili. Each Thursday, Saquisili hosts the region's largest Indigenous market. The market is divided into five different squares, each square with its own special name according to the product, for example: the Potato Plaza. In these squares you can find virtually anything you might need--potatoes, clothes, tools, and an infinity of other things.

Ambato 1 day
In the city whose name is associated with Flowers and Fruit there is a fascinating market with these products, also vegetables, leather goods, and more. We will visit this market and also visit the house of the famous writer Juan Montalvo.

Province of the lakes Imbabura and Otavalo- 2 days / 1 night
Day 1: We will travel early in the morning on a bus north along the Pan-American some 96 Km to Otavalo from Quito. We'll visit an indigenous market and admire its folklore and woven products. The trip continues toward Peguche, where indigenous people weave their famous woven products, and onto the village of San Antonio de Ibarra where you can admire artistic wooden sculptures. We will spend the night in the Chorlav Hacienda.
Day 2: After breakfast the bus will take us to Cotacachi, a village where the people specialize in the manufacturing of leather products followed by a visit to the beautiful Quicocha Lagoon. In the afternoon, we will visit Calderon, a pueblo devoted to the manufacture of masapan figurines, the same figures that are exported to Europe.

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Otavalo - 2 days / 1 night
Day 1: Departure to the Imbabura Province where we will travel to the edge of the San Pablo Valley, where we'll visit the local people. We will stay in a hotel of the region.
Day 2: We will visit the indigenous market of Otavalo, with opportunities to meet and admire the Otavalenos, in their traditional dress. There is a chance to purchase leather articles, textiles, fabrics, wall carpets, "shigras," hand-woven purses of straw or fabric, and handmade wooden items. We'll visit the village of Cotacachi, where there is an incredible quantity and variety of leather articles for sale. On the return trip to Quito we will visit Calderon, a village dedicated to the manufacturing of masapan and wooden figurines, the same figures that are exported to Europe.

Market of Zumbahua - 2 days / 1 night
Day 1: Friday: Two hours south of Quito is Cotopaxi National Park. This fascinating region is quite pristine and is home to animals such as: llamas, rabbits, deer, and a great variety of birds, plants, fungi, and much more. With a clear sky there is a stunning view of the stately Cotopaxi Volcano. The afternoon is free and you can choose to visit the city of Latacunga. We will stay in a hotel in this region.
Day 2: Saturday: Early in the morning we will have the opportunity to observe the Indigenous people running the traditional market. The Andean landscape, with its incredible beauty, and the colorful local people make this an unforgettable and picturesque experience