This market beats Otavalo, any day! — Saquisilí, Ecuador

  Saquisilí, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Thursday, May 19, 2011

We arranged for a driver to take us to the Saquisili market from Quito early in the morning - The drive was pretty quick (thanks to the deathly speeds of the driver) ..it probably took about an hour and 15 minutes. Since we left around 6, traffic wasn't that bad...

I would recommend doing this early so that you can get down there to see the action - Remember, market-goers are early risers!

The market was divided into two sections... animals and then foods/crafts/housewears/clothes. Although the handicrafts for tourists section was smaller (MUCH) than Otavalo, there were a fair amount options that weren't the standard cheesy options - Yes, I know everyone needs an alpaca statue made from REAL alpaca. Why the heck would I go all the way to South America to not come home with one of those fluffy goodies? 

Aside from the tourist "musts", this market had some beautiful wooden spoons and bowls, ceramic bowls, hand woven reed baskets that were being sold to both tourists and locals. I bought a bunch of little pitchers that I absolutely love- They aren't really good for anything but decoration but they are adorable. I also have a giant wooden spoon that was clearly not for tourists but handmade .. I'm probably not going to use it for serving soup, but I do love having it on display. 

The animal market was also pretty interesting- dusty and dirty outside area. I wouldn't bring the PETA board of directors here....or any kids that think sheep are just pets. 

 

An interesting market experience (to me) was the herbal medicine salesmen. One guy was standing around selling some product that was supposedly a cure for cataracts - another some remedy for sore muscles. The whole dynamic reminded me of those guys in old movies who would roll into some town on a wagon and give speeches about some magic potion, sell a bunch, and then quickly leave. I'm sure someone catches my drift with that one...?

We wandered around checking out the food stands but didn't buy any snacks. There was a bread lady that was selling some amazing looking treats and I still regret not getting one...

Saquisili's market is clearly an event that is more important to the surrounding locals than the tourists- It is a day of congregation for this area and I was so happy the tourist market aspect hadn't totally consumed the authenticity (like Otavalo).. 

 Amid the chaos, there was a beautiful, simple way of life being displayed in Saquisili...people chatting, bargaining, listening to music, laughing... I wish I'd had more time to sit and people watch or talk to more locals.

I would highly recommend a trip on a market day - It's not far and the road is flat and straight. We paid $40.00 for the driver to take us, wait for 2.5 hours, and drive us back to the hotel.  

I wouldn't recommend our driver because he was kind of insane, but getting there is as simple as having your hotel call you a taxi!