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Shopping in Quito Colonial, Mercados and the Malls

Shopping is easy in the historic center even before heading for the mercados. Every street has stores that keep me going and going like the rabbit in the TV commercial. I just weed out those that are definitely not Ecuadorian.

I always seem to need their unique quality Ecuadorian made sweaters.

Fabric stores drape the area. Tailors wait to create whatever your heart desires from their seemingly infinite supply of fabric.

Fresh, and I do mean fresh, flowers of all kinds are sold in El Mercado Central all the way down Esmeraldas Street on Pichincha. Eight beautiful roses sold for $1.00 last time I checked.

For safety you may want to take a taxi. Just ask the driver for El Mercado Central on Esmeraldas y Pichincha. Personally, I walk.

Mercados

MERCADO ARTESENAL MARISCAL SUCRE

This mercado occupies Jorge Washington on Reina Victoria. Two blocks across from El Ejido (The Chosen) Park, down the street from the hotel Hilton Colon, it is open daily.

Once you know, I mean really know, the exact location, you can take a brisk walk from the colonial center.

I hop on the trole (trolley). Two stops and I'm there...almost. At least, I'm at El Ejido Park. Of course, how many stops can depend on where you board. Then, I just keep walking.

I follow one rule anywhere I'm not familiar with: Just ask at any store for the direction if you think you're lost, and it helps to know where you're going!

You know you've arrived when you find yourself surrounded with almost everything that's in Ejido Park on the weekend and so much more.

The sunburst mirrors, leather clocks and tahua miniature carvings are my very favorite. Tahua is a vegetable ivory.

Very interesting and welcome gifts to give to anyone on your list any time patiently wait for a buyer. Any occasion presents an excuse for a gift!

I do all my Christmas shopping in the mercados of Quito, no matter what time of year. The prices make my heart sing, "Oh, the money I saved, ka-ching, ka-ching."

EL EJIDO PARK MERCADO

Tents stretch across the park like a giant green caterpillar every weekend offering everything from world-renowned Otavalo up north.

Any taxicab driver knows where El Ejido Park is. Again, just be sure the taxi has a big number on the windshield, a running meter and the name of the taxicab company on the side of the cab.

From any park entrance, paths lead to the long train of tents that display Panama hats (they're made in Ecuador, you know), scarves, ponchos, capes, leather wallets and coin purses, alpaca goods, wood carvings, and the list is endless.

Artists display and sell their masterpieces all across the park sidewalk as you are led to the main entrance.

Andean music soothes the senses as musicians play intermittently hoping to sell their CD's.

Browsing and shopping in the mercados glide you on a journey through a culture unequalled.

Then, if you still have money and time to splurge... you can go shopping at the malls.

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