Otavalo, Ecuador

Located in South America, in the province of Imbabura, is the extraordinary city of Otavalo-home to one of Ecuador’s most beloved and recognizable indigenous groups- the Otavalans.

Typically, the men wear white cotton pants, a white shirt, traditional black sandals and a blue poncho. They usually have long, jet black hair pulled into a ponytail regardless of their age, as its seen as an important cultural characteristic of the Otavalan people.

Otavalan women tend to wear long pieces of white and navy cloth which they tie together to make a long skirt, black sandals, a beautiful handmade white blouse with decorative, colourful lace and golden beads around their neck.

Otavalans represent their unique culture by displaying their work in many museums and art galleries around the world. Their talent is well renowned because of the exquisite design and beauty of their handicrafts.

The town of Otavalo comes alive every Saturday as the market opens and kiosks are set up with Otavalan arts and crafts, music, colourful textiles, clothing made from llama or alpaca fur as well as stunning sculptures. Some indigenous women carry their young on their backs in colourful blankets called “aguayos” which are also hand-woven.

Visit Bolivar Park where you can admire the architecture of the buildings as well as listen to the sweet sounds of live music played by the locals. Otavalan music is very lively and usually sung in both Spanish and Quechua (their native tongue). The music is very catchy and will have you dancing in no time! Otavalan people appreciate you trying to speak Quechua and/or Spanish to them and regardless of where you are from, they always make you feel welcome.

A few kilometers away from Otavalo is Peguche Falls; a gorgeous waterfall located in a small park. It is a great spot to take magnificent photographs of nature at its best.

Approximately 20 minutes from Otavalo is the city of Ibarra, known for its lakes, volcanoes and friendly inhabitants. Don’t forget to try the local “ helado de paila” which is a type of homemade ice cream- delicious! Visit San Pablo Lake and enjoy a picnic on the grass just as the locals do. On weekends, you will find the streets buzzing with live entertainment.

Otavalo not only offers a peak into Ecuadorian indigenous culture and tradition, it offers delightful food, wonderful, upbeat music and a feeling of being one with nature to all its visitors.