THE SATURDAY MARKET OF OTAVALO (ECUADOR)

Every Saturday, the main craft market square of Otavalo, Ecuador, Plaza de Ponchos, explodes through the streets in all directions with vendors selling everything from large wood spoons to live chickens. The market was alive with energy as all the local artisans from the area converged in the central plaza, and many of the adjoining streets, of this small town to sell their goods. The traditional clothing and one –on-one interactions take you back in time to an era before 24 hour big box stores and online shopping. There you can find textiles, paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, and jewelry all with a distinctly Ecuadorian feel. Not to mention the array of local spices, street foods, including whole grilled fish and snails by the bag, and great ice cream stands scattered within the bustling walkways.