| Go shopping in Ecuador with recommendations, reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and locals. Map |
 | Ecuador Shopping | Tips 1 - 10 of 27 |  |
You can fin in the markets (especially in Saquisili) and everywhere in Ecuador clothes (pull overs, gloves, etc.) made of alpaca.
They are nice and very hot! Much better than my Gap sweat shirts to protect you from the freezing Andes. Leave a Comment Theme: Local Craft
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Panama hats are in my opinion the most interesting souvenir to buy in Ecuador. Despite the name, Panama hats are not made in Panama but in Ecuador. The name is used because workers on the Panama canal used to wear these hats.
They are beautiful and make an attractive gift as they are very expensive in Europe (and I guess in other countries as well).
They are made in Montecristi (close to the Pacific coast) or in Cuenca (in the Andes). The biggest shops (in which you can be provided with lots of information and advice) are in Cuenca.
They sell excellent superfinos (the best quality) for nothing in the Saquisili market.
For more information you can see my Cuenca and Saquisili's pages. Leave a Comment Theme: Local Craft
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When it comes to indigenous markets, Ecuador takes a backseat to none. Though Otavalo gets all the fame there are many more authentic markets where you are likely to be one of very few tourists. These are mostly for locals who come to barter and trade for their daily necessities.
Even if there is little that a tourist can use aside from fruits and snacks which are plentiful and inexpensive, they are colorful and provide a priceless glimpse into local life which seems to have remained relatively unchanged. Look for individual write ups on these markets on coming pages. Leave a Comment Theme: Food and DrinkDirections: Try Zumbahua or Saqusilli for something authentic.
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A wonderfully decorated place where you can have a cup of coffe in a very artistic environment with excellent taste. All the items seem really unique, and beautiful in their imaginative simplicity. I almost liked everything! The prices are very good and I think even if you just go for coffee, you will finally give in and buy something. There are also many little inexpensive things which make a nice gift. Bags, decoration ..delights, paintings, jewelry of good quality silver made by the best ecuadorian designers, and many tasteful items for as cheap as 2$-5$. There is also a permanent exhibition and sale of a famous local painter.
Click on the picture Theme: GiftsPhone: (593)7-2829426Directions: It's at Paseo 3 de Noviembre1-48 y Colonel Talbot, which is near the Museum of Modern Art. Walk towards the river, go down some steps and you will see it on the corner. Very special! This part of Cuenca is called Otorongo.Website: arteconsaboracafe@hotmail.com Other Contact: (593)99-897008
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In Cuenca you will surely spend one morning at least strolling down Calle Larga. Just next to the museum of the Aboriginal Cultures, there is a small but very interesting shop with a treasure of beautiful items. There are necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets. The owner is the artist and designer of the jewelry and most of the decorative pieces made of gold and silver, beautiful semi-precious stones, bone, clay, tagua ( a kind of coconut) and coral - also on black coral which is very rare. The designs are exclusive and very imaginative.
There are artifacts and antiquities. The prices are very good and you won't have to negotiate.
He also repairs watches. It's the perfect place to get special gifts for your friends and family.
Above the originally shaped door you will see the artist's initial J. G which stands for Jorge Gonzales
Click on the photo
Artes J.G. Al lado del Museo de Culturas Aboriginas un tresor de joyas de disenos exclusivos. Collares, anillos, manillas, gargantillas, aretes en coco, coral, tagua, oro y plata, y piedras semipreciosas. Artesanias, antiquedades. Todo en buenos precios. Ademas arreglo de relojes. El disenador es Jorge Gonzales. El mejor lugar para regalos especiales! Theme: JewelryAddress: Calle Larga 5-48 - CUENCAPhone: tel. 099027091
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Panama hats are made of “paha toquilla”, which is the toquilla straw plant growing in the north coast of Ecuador. So their origin is Ecuadorian but they took the name because they were first shipped in Panama, before being sold to the markets of Asia, and Europe.
The peak trade of this popular hat is traced back in 1850 when the material of the toquilla plant was used to weave a handsome, breathable, light hat very elegant and suitable for the tropicals. Since then millions of people have made one of them an everyday accessory. The quality depends on the density of the weaves and of course the way it is woven. The plant is hand-split into fibers thin as thread and woven very finely. It has to be smooth, soft, with no visible fibers coming out, and not lose its shape when you fold it and you roll it into its box. A really fine hat appears to be made of linen.
Prices differ greatly and you can spend even hundreds of dollars on a really authentic one. But you can usually get a decent one for as little as 20$US.
They are sold everywhere in Ecuador but the best ones are said to be made in Montecristi where there is a long time tradition of their production.
panama hats Montecristi
Maybe Derk Bogart...helped its popularity a lot, wearing one in the film Casablanca! Theme: Local Craft
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San Antonio de Ibarra, located 10 min south of the Andean town of Ibarra, is the place to go to buy woodcarvings. Actually, even if you are not interested in buying any, it is still fascinating to stop and look at some of the wonderful pieces of art that these artisans have fashioned out of wood.
Small pieces are relatively inexpensive, but the large "sculptures" can run into the $100 - $1000 range. Leave a Comment Theme: Local CraftAddress: Along the main road in San Antonio de Ibarra
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Cotacachi, a bit northwest of Otavalo, is the place to buy just about anything made of leather. I got a great coin purse here, but you can also get belts, hats, backpacks, purses, even shoes and jackets. The quality is very good, and here you'll get the best price in Ecuador. Remember to bargain! If you buy items in bulk, you can usually get at least 15% off the asking price. Leave a Comment Theme: Local Craft
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Calderon is just north of Quito. On your way north to Otavalo, stop by one of the numerous shops- you'll see them from the highway- that sell "masapan", Calderon's world famous "bread dough" figures. There is a huge variety of this brightly painted craft - my favorites are the ones that sit in buses - so cute!
I can't remember exactly how much the bigger pieces cost, but you can buy the smaller pieces, like pigs and penguins, 5 for $1. Even if you don't buy any, it is still worth the trip to check them out. And in most places you can see people actually making them too. Leave a Comment Theme: Local Craft
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An experience in itself. Now you can find Otavalo Indians selling their wares all over the world - from Frankfurt, Germany to small town, USA. But naturally you get the most variety and the lowest prices at the source. Main market days are Saturday (the most famous) and Wednesday, but in high season (June-August), there will be a market everyday (although not as big as the main markets).
Knits such as sweaters, scarves, and caps. Woven tapestry bags. Good place to buy silver jewelry (although it is mostly imported from Nepal).
Much less than you would for a comparable item in Europe or the USA. When you ask a price, what they'll tell you will always be inflated - so make sure you bargin. When you buy in bulk, you can usually get at least 20% of the asking price - and this is a great place to buy for those on your christmas list. Get there early to get the best deals and the best selection (Between 8-10 am is a good time, if you can make it!). Leave a Comment Theme: Local Craft
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on May 4, 2004
on November 21, 2007
on April 22, 2008
on February 25, 2003
