Otavalo
A two-hour drive north of Quito through the Sierras is Otavalo
the largest Handicraft Market in South America. The market serves as
a gathering place for both trade and social activity. The 'official'
market day is Saturday when people from all over the country come to sell produce, livestock, and handicrafts. Bargains on
sweaters, ponchos, blankets, rugs, jewelry, pottery and hammocks are to
be had everyday. Ask for a "discuento" while dickering for
anything from guinea pigs to woolen sweaters.
The perfect way to relax overnight is at one of the area's beautiful Haciendas.
There you can rent mountain bikes, horses, hike through the forest to a
local waterfall or take a boat cruise on San Pablo Lake and discover the
remarkable culture of the Otavalo Valley.
Otavalo Culture
The origin of the dolls has been traced back to the practice bread dolls
created for All Souls Day. Over the years the different types of figures began
to appear. Today the various dolls are an inexpensive and make an excellent
souvenir of the area.
The men and woman of Otavalo Valley are some of the most successful indigenous
groups in Latin America. Known for their handicraft work this group has found a
way to blend their cultural heritage and the modern business world without
loosing their cultural heritage.
Many Otavalaņos continue to wear in their traditional dress. Men can be
identified by their white calf-length pants, blue ponchos and have long
pigtails, and felt hat. Women wear long layered skirts, white cotton
blouses adorned with ornate embroidery, rows of beaded necklaces and bracelets, a variety of hats and woven cloth tied
over the shoulders to carry babies, or other items.
Haciendas
During the colonial years the Spanish established a Hacienda system
throughout the Northern Sierras. The Spaniards would make land deals
with local chieftains securing large land grants for themselves and
requiring local residents to work as indentures servants. In exchange
the Hacienda owner would baptize the local people and provide them with
protection.
Over the years these pure-blooded Spanish Hacienda owners were able to gain
great wealth and power. As their wealth grew so did the Haciendas
many becoming elaborately decorated, furnished with incredible artwork, and
adorned with elaborate gardens in order to provide the family with a private
oasis.
Though the large land grants have been broken up and much of the surrounding
lands returned to the local people. Many of the Haciendas themselves still
remain in the hands of the pure-blooded Spanish descendants of the original
owners who have now opened the doors to tourists. Visitors are welcome to tour
the facilities, enjoy a traditional meal, or spend the night while catching a
glimpse of the wealth of colonial Ecuador.
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