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Visitors to Ecuador are often amazed at the incredible variety and originality of artisan work that is produced in the country. Whether you are interested in textiles, pottery, weavings, woodcarvings, leather works, jewelry, panama hats, mazapan, tagua, or any of the many handicrafts made locally, you can find them in the artisan markets that are held in Quito and other localities of the Sierra region.

By far the most famous of handicraft market is the Otavalo fair, which takes place every Saturday, beginning early in the morning for wholesalers. Getting there is easy; it is only one and a half hours away from Quito by car or bus. Any of the major tourist agencies have tours to Otavalo, or you can reach the town yourself by bus. You can request information from the Quito bus terminal. For schedules and costs call:

In this open-air marketplace you can find the largest variety of textiles, weavings, clothing and handicrafts. The Poncho Plaza , in the center of the market, is a maze of narrow alleys and stands, which despite the crowds, has a relaxed atmosphere. The Otavalo artisans are experts at bartering, so never accept the initial requested price as fixed; one can always get as much as 15-20% of the price taken off with a little skill and patience. At the north and west ends of the Poncho plaza, respectively, are the food and animal markets which attract the local people. In the food market you can find a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, grains and prepared food as well.

The villages around Otavalo also provide the tourist other types of handcrafts. In Carabuela, Peguche, Agato and Iluman, for example, you can find textiles such as scarves, ponchos, and gloves, designed mostly for the locals, but appealing to all. Famous in Agato is the Tahuantinsuyo Workshop which still uses traditional looms and natural dyes to recreate pre-Hispanic patterns in their textiles. Iluman is known not only for its felt hats, but also for its curanderos, or shamanes, who use ritual herbs, stones, and spirits to heal and drive away evil spells.

Further north, following the Panamerican highway about 10 miles away from Otavalo is the town of Cotacachi , best know as the center of the leatherworks and trade. The leather trade is concentrated in and around the main street of Cotacachi, where you will find goods made mostly of cowhide, such as jackets, wallets, purses, bags, briefcases, and shoes. The quality of the leather varies significantly from shop to shop, and you will be able to choose from an excellent variety of styles and fashion for all budgets.

As you continue on the north route, towards Ibarra, a small road on the right of the highway will lead you to San Antonio , a woodcarving lover's dream. Craftsmen in San Antonio create the most beautiful designs in natural eucalyptus, acacia, teca, molle, aliso, pumamaqui, and other native woods. Visitors can find carved ornamental human and animal figures, furniture, mirror frames, lamps, and many other items. San Antonio is also well known for their antiques shops, specializing in antique farm items, furniture, paintings, and pottery.