Text and Images By Jeremiah Gilbert

Ecuador’s Otavalo Market, locally known as Plaza de los Ponchos or Centenario Market, is one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America, attracting both locals and tourists from all around the world. Located in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, the market is known for its vibrant colors, diverse handicrafts, and traditional clothing.

The market has a long history that dates to pre-Columbian times when the indigenous people of the region used to trade their products with neighboring communities. After the Spanish conquest, the market became an important center for exchanging goods, including textiles, agricultural products, and animals.

Today, the market is a bustling hub of commerce that offers a wide variety of traditional and modern products. Visitors can find anything from woven blankets, ponchos, and rugs, to jewelry, ceramics, and paintings. The market is also a great place to try local food, such as empanadas, tamales, and roasted guinea pig.

One of the most striking features of the market is the traditional clothing worn by the indigenous people who come to sell their products. The Otavaleños, as they are known, wear intricately embroidered white blouses and black skirts or trousers, along with brightly colored shawls and hats. The clothing is a symbol of their cultural identity and has become an iconic image of the market.

The Otavalo Market is open every day, but the busiest days are Saturdays and Wednesdays when vendors from all over the region come to sell their goods. On these days, the market expands to fill the entire town square and spills out into the surrounding streets.

Despite its popularity, the Otavalo Market has managed to maintain its authenticity and traditional character. Unlike other markets in South America, which have become commercialized and geared towards tourists, the Otavalo Market remains a place where locals come to buy and sell their products. This gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Andean people.

In recent years, the market has also become a hub for fair trade and sustainable development. Many of the vendors are members of cooperatives that work to promote social and environmental responsibility. By buying products from these cooperatives, visitors can help support the local economy while also promoting ethical and sustainable practices.

Text and images © Jeremiah Gilbert