Review: A day at the markets, Otavelo, Ecuador

95 Km north of Quito, surrounded by stunning scenery is the market town of Otavelo.  People flock from all over the world to Otavelo to visit its famous markets.  In the early hours of Saturday morning every weekend hundreds of Otavelans set up their stalls over most of the town eagerly awaiting the shoppers!  The market has everything you can think of from handicrafts, to alpaca clothing.  The animal market is particularly interesting to experience although perhaps not for vegetarians!  One of my favourite aspects of the markets was the variety of traditional foods and drinks available to try whilst wondering the streets.  It really is incredible, the food is tasty, cooked in front of you and you can eat amongst all the locals.

If you’re interested in finding out about the different foods and drinks we sampled at the market then have a read of the food glossary items below:

• Emoliente drink
• Tomate de arbol
• Chugchucara
• Fritada
• Mote
• Lapingachos