The small town of Otavalo is famous for its Saturday Indian Market, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The market is a colourful, festive affair, and the Otavalenos who host it do so in traditional dress. One of Ecuador’s many exports is their beautiful roses. The pictures we have taken on our trips cannot do them justice. In the Otavalo region we can pre-arrange a visit to one of the huge rose farms, where you can see how and where these world famous roses are grown.
This area is the perfect spot to view the Cotacachi and Imbabura Volcanoes, also known as the mother and father. Another attraction is Cotacachi, a small town situated nine miles north of Otavalo, which is the leather capital of Ecuador. Market day is Saturday although dozens of shops are open throughout the week.