A Trip to World-Renowned Mercado in Otavalo, Ecuador
It requires two hours going north from Quito by bus...by car, I'm sure it's less. Saturdays transform into an actual gathering of nations offering crafts, ponchos, capes, artifacts -- a shopper's delight. Peruvians have their space - lots of space - as do others... but mostly the market carries Ecuadorian goods. Even the uniform the Otavalo indigenous women wear proudly sells as a product all its own in this mercado. I had to have one. I'm showered with lots of compliments wearing it in my home town. 
Colorful purses, table covers, couch covers and so much more fill their cubby hole booths, tables and stores, covering more than the original square.
Streets spread out into outdoor shopping malls like spider legs. My closet contains many gorgeous ponchos, sweaters, wool and alpaca capes from here. I never lack for scarves. Prominent antique stores hold treasures for those who love antiques. Then, when hunger strikes, Inti Huasy (Sun House) Restaurant offers excellent risk-free delicious meals.
On Good Friday a candlelight procession of the Stations of the Cross fills the streets to capacity. A very special memory etched itself for keeps in my mind for future reference as Melva and I participated on a trip to Otavalo. -- The U.S. Embassy has issued a high crime alert for all of Ecuador (as of June 14, 2010) that includes Otavalo. -- In some villages in Ecuador - if the law doesn't take care of crime - the vigilantes will.
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It greets you as you're roaming through the shopping area right next to the stores. My wallet can afford to eat here easily.
