Top 10 Markets to Visit in Ecuador
Markets are great places to visit in Ecuador.
Full of colour, noise, smells and activity, they really give you a feel for the place you are visiting and an insight into the local way of life.
Ecuador is a colourful potpourri of cultures, and its markets are particularly fascinating as they are representative of local indigenous communities.
Many markets only operate on certain days. To help you plan your trip and take in some of these markets, here are Andean Trails’ top 10, in no particular order.
1) Otavalo Market
Otavalo Market is a two-hour drive north of Quito and is one of Ecuador’s best-known indigenous markets. The main days are Wednesdays and Saturdays, but there is activity every day. Touristy, but well worth it.
Emma Morgan, an Andean Trails representative in Quito, says: “I know it’s the one everyone visits, but I like it! You can get handicrafts from all over Ecuador. It is open every day of the week, not just Wednesdays and Saturdays as some believe. The indigenous people are friendly and fun to barter with (bartering is a must!), and you can get some great bargains and souvenirs.”
This market is also a favourite of Andean Trails’ Tom: “I spent a wonderful morning exploring the stalls and just taking in the buzz of the place.”
2) Santa Clara Market, Quito
Santa Clara Market is a busy, bustling and vibrant market where locals buy food, wares and meals. Great to visit, but leave valuables behind.
Emma says: “This is one of Quito’s biggest markets, filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, meats and fish. It’s a great way to learn about the variety of produce grown in the Andes and Ecuador.”
3) Pujilí Market
Pujilí Market is around two hours south of Quito in Cotopaxi province. Held on Wednesdays and Sundays, it is a very local market where people from surrounding villages sell crafts and surplus produce. The town is well known for its ceramics.
4) Saquisilí Market
Saquisilí Market is a 90-minute drive south of Quito and takes place on Thursdays. Vendors from across the highlands come to sell their wares.
This is Andean Trails’ Kat’s favourite market: “I remember it being very authentic and less tourist-focused than some of the better-known markets.”
5) Zumbahua Market
Zumbahua Market is about two and a half hours south of Quito and is held on Saturdays. One of the oldest markets in Ecuador, it trades in local produce as well as horses and llamas.
6) Guaranda Market
Guaranda Market lies south of Riobamba, with main market days on Fridays and Saturdays.
Emma says: “Indigenous people in colourful dress come from surrounding hills and villages to trade everything from tools and animals to food. It’s a great authentic experience.”
7) Guamote Market
Guamote Market is around two hours south of Riobamba and is held on Thursdays. This is a very local indigenous market where bartering is central.
Andean Trails’ Alan recalls passing through by chance on a local bus journey and being amazed as the bus emptied and refilled with colourful characters — including one passenger carrying a newly purchased piglet.
8) Plaza de las Flores, Cuenca
Plaza de las Flores is located in the centre of Cuenca, just around the corner from the cathedral.
Emma says: “It’s full of beautiful colours and smells and is a great place to people-watch. It’s where locals buy their flowers and is a lovely, bustling part of the city.”
9) Mercado 10 de Agosto, Cuenca
Mercado 10 de Agosto is Alan’s favourite market in Ecuador.
He says: “I spent hours wandering and taking photos of food, fruit and much more. The food options were surprisingly varied, from colourful sweets to fried fish and whole roasted pigs.”
10) Fish Market, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The Fish Market in Puerto Ayora is a tiny market on the waterfront of Santa Cruz Island.
Alan says: “I loved it. A tiny little market with colourful fish. I was fascinated by the sea lions and pelicans squabbling for leftovers — great entertainment.”
Emma agrees: “It only appears early morning and late afternoon when fishermen return with their catch. The best bit is watching the local wildlife hoping for titbits.”
If you want to incorporate a market visit into your Ecuador trip, get in touch with Andean Trails and we’ll help plan your ideal tailor-made itinerary.
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