Ecuador Shopping

 
by MalenaN
 
  •   Shopping
    by MalenaN
  • Sugarcane stall on Martinez
      Sugarcane stall on Martinez
    by MalenaN
  • Church of Santo Domingo, Latacunga
      Church of Santo Domingo, Latacunga
    by MalenaN
  •   Shopping
    by elsadran
  •   Shopping
    by elsadran
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Zumbahua is just one: no shortage of great markets

by richiecdisc

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.

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Saquisili market

by K-P

This is a less touristy market compered to Otavalo. It's more of a food and merchandise market for the local people but it still has a "tourist corner". Most fun is "people watching". Local craft, fruits. Bargain on everything.

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Otavalo market: Souvenir mecca

by K-P

This market counts as South Americas most famous indigius market. A lot of different tribe people visit it every sathurday and makes it interesting not only for the merchandises. Colourfull textiles like ponchos, tablecloths, weavings, gloves, hats.Masks made from wood as well as cheramics.Panama hats (wich originally is from Ecuador, not Panama).Pottery.

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Local markets

by DanielF

Many towns and villages in the andes hold picturesque and colourful markets one or several days of the week. People come from the surroundings villages and hamlets to sell their goods and it is a good chance to buy, see and sense.

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Everywhere: Clothes in alpaca

by CaptainAmerica

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.

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Panama hats

by CaptainAmerica

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.

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Restaurante, Cafeteria y Micromercado Vicenta: Quito : Watta typical place ! Quel endroit typique

by Maillekeul

Alonzo cooks, Maria sells. They are both crazy, Alonzo always kidding you, with his tiny voice, and Maria always smiling and asking you "Que mas ?" (what more ?) each time you pick up something to buy... The store is a mess, the restaurant is a mess also, but they have all you may want to eat quickly (or to prepare the best typical meal in your own kitchen)... And they're so kind !!Alonzo cuisine, Maria vend. Ils sont tous les deux un peu fous, entre Alonzo qui vous fait des blagues, avec sa toute petite voix, et Maria qui vous sourit toujours en vous demandant "Que mas ?" (quoi d'autre ?) a chaque fois que vous prenez quelque chose a acheter... La boutique est en bordel, le resto aussi, mais ils ont tout le necessaire pour manger rapidement ou pour vous preparer le plus typique des plats equatoriens dans votre propre cuisine.. Et ils sont tellement gentils ! Chicken on the barbecue (a...

There are so many... Il y en a tellement...: Montecristi : The Panama hat ! Le Panama !

by Maillekeul

Any shop you might find in Montecristi (except bakeries, maybe...) sells Panama hats !Dans n'importe quelle boutique (sauf les boulangeries, peut-etre), vous pourrez trouver des Panamas en vente. The Panama Hat !Un Panama ! About 100 USD for a regular one, but bargain for a better price !En gros 100 USD pour un panama moyen, mais vous pouvez toujours marchander...

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Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos: Shopping on the Galapagos Islands

by maryellen50

Crafts on Santa Cruz Island are double/triple what you would pay on the mainland. I found every item I wanted on the mainland at a fraction of the Santa Cruz shops. I bought many balsa wood animal statues and the best prices for these were at the Baltra Airport. Local crafts, animal statues, T-shirts, etc. Better prices on the mainland and Baltra Airport

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the city of Otovalo: Shopping in Otovalo

by maryellen50

I went to the Otovalo market on a weekday and found very good prices on all crafts both in the outdoor market and the surrounding shops. It is probably less commercial weekdays than weekends when many tourists are there. I found good prices on wind chimes, local crafts, animal masks, etc. Prices are competitive depending on the item.

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The Place

Reviews and photos of Ecuador attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ecuador sightseeing.

Experience Ecuador
 

Questions and Answers

enricosmith profile photo

Q:  Hello I leave in Ecuador next month and i'm looking a spanish school, located in the Pacific Coast. I know there is a school in... 

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A: Hello Enrico You're right, Montanita is such a touristic place. I understand you want to avoid it. Last year, I have spent one month in a spanish school in Sua, near... 

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