The canton of Otavalo is a place of history and tradition, preserving centuries‑old artisanal practices in the production of textiles, which are sold in the “Plaza de los Ponchos” (The Ponchos Square), one of the largest traditional markets in South America.
Plaza de los Ponchos, also known as Mercado Centenario, is a permanent fair, being the greatest attraction on Saturdays. Blankets, tapestries, hand‑embroidered blouses, bags, sweaters, scarves, sheep‑ and alpaca‑wool ponchos, and traditional jewelry make up the wide variety of items that captivate local and foreign tourists alike.
Although most of the items belong to the Otavalo ethnic group, other groups are also present, such as the Cayambis, Caranquis, and Afro‑Ecuadorians. You might even find other local, regional, national, and even international products.
The current structure of the Plaza de los Ponchos was designed in 1972. It began with only a few merchants who came only on Saturdays, but today around 1,500 vendors sell handicrafts every day. However, its origins date back to 1870, when then‑president Gabriel García Moreno decreed that handicrafts be sold there.
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