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Lake on the outskirts of town
In Central Plaza
Sacred Waterfall, Peguche
some of the beautiful crafts at the market
The saturday market in Otavalo is a must see. This is the home of the Otavaleno Indians . It is recommended that you arrive at the market as early as possible . We did not arrive at 6:00 am but we came close . Just Google " Otavalo " for info on accomodations . You will have to spend friday night in Otavalo or near by.
To me, visiting a local market is the best way to see the locals in their daily life. You can see the locals selling animals, vegetables or clothing. Also you can learn a lot on local vegetables.
And with a big lens, it is possible to make pictures without disturbing this people.
After walking around for a few hours at the local markets and in the streets of Otavalo, it was great to sit down on a bench for 15 minutes and to take a small rest break.
Like this it was also great to sit and see daily life of the local people pass by. The main plaza is often the beating heart of a village or city. It was great to see the local people walk by, wearing their colourful dresses.
The dollar goes a lot further down there than you can even realize. I made a mistake by bringing any cash in the form of twenties. It is difficult for vendors to make change even from 10 dollar bills. I recommend bringing as many fives and ones as possible and using bigger bills when buying a lot of merchandise from one vendor.
I found that if a vendor had to make change for a twenty dollar bill it was quite a hassle. They would need to borrow smaller bills from one or two other vendors and pay them back later when they made enough money. I actually felt guilty for making them run around so twice I went small stores in town to make change for me. This was difficult for the stores also. By bringing small change it makes life a lot easier for them and for you.
If you are lucky to be in Otavalo during these times you will get to see the traditional festivals. They are very exciting and alot of fun.
The Inti Raymi celebrations by the end of June (On June the 21st), together with the Fiesta de San Juan (On June the 24th) and the Fiesta de San Pedro and San Pablo (On June the 29th).
The three celebrations together are also known as Los San Juanes held by the indigenous people in Otavalo. The celebration starts at the Peguche waterfall with a spiritual private ritual. The smaller villages close to Otavalo celebrate with musicians, dancers and lots of drinking. In Otavalo, the indigenous people celebrate with costume parties in the streets and Plazas. This is a week long celebration.
The last day on the 29th of June, there are other events including fireworks, bullfighting and the magnificent boating regattas on Lago San Pablo, which starts in Cabañas del Lago.
The Fiesta del Yamor and Colla Raimi.- These celebrations are held on September, on the first 2 weeks. A well known and the largest celebration in the province of Imbabura. The yamor chicha (Local drink made of several corn types) is prepared and given to the guests along with local delicacies. There is a lot of dancing, processions, cockfights and local music is played everywhere, all this together with fireworks and other amusing events.
Mojandas Arriba.- (31 October) This is an annual celebration that commemorates the day that Otavalo became recognized and declared a "city" by Simón Bolívar
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Address: Piedrahita y M Suarez Sts, Otavalo, Ecuador
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