Plaza de los Ponchos

The basics

Regardless of which Otavalo Market tour you take, you’ll likely wander through Plaza de los Ponchos at some point, as it’s home to the highest concentration of stalls. Many day trips from Quito combine the market with nearby natural attractions such as Cuicocha Lake, a deep blue crater lake dotted with forested islets in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. On the way, some tours also stop at the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo), which marks the equator.

Things to know before you go

• Bargaining is expected at the market, as most prices are marked up; cuanto cuesta? (how much?) is a useful Spanish phrase.

• Very few vendors accept credit cards, so make sure you have cash. Be mindful of pickpockets and wear a money belt to stay safe.

• Plaza de los Ponchos sits 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level, so you might feel slightly lightheaded due to the altitude. Locals swear by a hot cup of coca leaf tea.

How to get there

Otavalo is 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Quito. Buses depart almost hourly from the Terminal Terrestre Cacelén in Quito to Otavalo and take 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic. It’s a short taxi ride from the bus station to the market, which typically only costs a couple of US dollars.

When to get there

For the biggest selection of stalls, visit Plaza de los Ponchos on Wednesday and Sunday, the official market days. However, there are stalls all week. Aim to arrive early in the morning, as the market tends to open at 7am, even though stalls have their own operating hours.

The highlights of Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve

Home to cloud forests and biodiverse flora and fauna, Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve is a worthy addition to a trip to Plaza de los Ponchos. It’s towered over by the 16,240-foot (4,950-meter) Cotacachi Volcano, as well as waterfalls, hiking trails, and a crater lake. You can also see orchids and Andean condors here.