Markets

Ambato Market

Duration: 1 day (Monday from Quito)

Travel south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Ambato and visit the town’s bustling fruit and vegetable market, the largest in Ecuador.  Ecuador has been blessed with benign climatic conditions and in Ambato you will be able to appreciate the huge variety of the country’s produce as well as tapestries produced by the Salasacas, a native group who migrated from Bolivia during the Inca times.
Lunch is taken in Ambato before returning to Quito.

Latacunga Market

Duration: 1 day (Tuesday and Saturday from Quito).

Travel south along the Pan-American Highway towards the Cotopaxi Volcano slopes where the town of Latacunga is settled.  Products from this region are sold in several plazas and the variety and colorful costumes of the predominately indigenous population provide superb photographic opportunities.  A peaceful and friendly city, Latacunga contains many examples of Spanish architecture.  Among its attractions are the XVII century Cathedral, the Monserrat Mills constructed by the Jesuits in the XVIII century and the Santo Domingo church and convent.
Lunch is taken at a nearby country inn before returning to Quito.

Pujili Market

Duration: 1 day (Wednesday from Quito).

After a morning drive south of Quito, crossing the valley of los Chillos, we take the Panamerican highway along the famous Avenue of Volcanoes until Latacunga town, where we change our route and take the Sigchos way for 20 minutes until we arrive to Pujili. The town’s principal interests are the market where the indigenous people trade among themselves and La Victoria where you can admire the locally produced ceramics. A visit to the church, newly restored after the recent earthquake, is also recommended. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant or country inn before returning to Quito.

Saquisili Market

Duration: 1 day (Thursday from Quito).

After breakfast we drive to the south of Quito taking the Panamerican Highway that lead us to the small village of Lasso, more known for being an old train station that used to connect the train from Quito to Riobamba, after that we take another road where you can admire the beauty of the South Iliniza Volcano  before you get to the Saquisili market, famed for being one of the most colorful and authentic in Ecuador.  Of particular interest are the locally produced basketwork handicrafts on sale.  Lunch is taken at a local restaurant or country inn before returning to Quito.

Zumbagua Market & Quilotoa Crater

Duration: 1 day (Saturday from Quito).

Drive south along the Pan-American highway through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to the Zumbagua market where the indigenous people barter their products.  Zumbagua is undoubtedly one of Ecuador’s most original Indian markets.  After lunch, a short drive brings you to the Quilotoa crater where you can appreciate the paintings and crafts produced locally by the indigenous people of the area.