Poncho Market, Otavalo Ecuador
A day spent in the market town of Otavalo, two hours north of Ecuador's capital Quito in the volcanic Andean highlands, is a day spent absorbing the sights and sounds of a world you probably never realized existed. The locals, the Otavaleno Indians, have turned their handicraft skills into an art form, and no trip to South America is complete without a few hours spent haggling over the price of a hammock or a home-made sweater or a Panama hat in Otavalo's Poncho Plaza.
The most busily authentic day to visit is Saturday, when an early start gives you the opportunity to witness the thriving animal market, then practice your bartering skills before prices are hiked up for the arrival of the tourists. And once you've marvelled at the colorful energy of the marketplace and the local tongue of Quichna, derived from the Incas, why not take a few days to visit the many local villages too. This is Latin America as the western world rarely gets to see it. And you won't be disappointed.
Perfect when combined with a Peruvian Paso Equestrian Safari over a 17,000 foot mountain pass to Mojando Lakes and back for an early dinner.
Learn More:
Collaboration creates Prosperity: Philanthropic Travel
Exquisite Safaris Corporate Donor Philanthropic Advisory Services
Creative Capitalism: Partner with Exquisite Safaris
The High-Purpose Company: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide
Exquisite Safaris clients say...
Travel Connoisseur Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide
US Air Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel: Travel with a Heart
My First Philanthropic Travel Experience
The Fable of Stone Soup
Understanding Philanthropic Travel
Are We Talking about Philanthropy Yet? No, We Are Not
Travel Philanthropy: Creating Peace
Fast Company Magazine on Philanthropic Travel
PersonalLifemedia.com on Philanthropic Travel
Philanthropic Traveler funded High School opens near Victoria Falls, Zambia
Philanthropic Travelers:
The The One's Who Do: Visionary Philanthropic Travelers
Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Marc Gold 100 Friends Project
Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Chellie Kew
Milton & Fred Ochieng: Philanthropic Travelers
Jane Kaye- Bailey: Philanthropic Traveler
Richard Branson: Philanthropic Traveler
Angelina Jolie: Philanthropic Traveler
Oprah Winfrey: Philanthropic Traveler
Palm Beach Life Magazine: Philanthropic Travelers
e-mail 
posted by: David, Exquisite Safaris
Philanthropic Travel: Enlightened Experiences
The Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel experience integrates indigenous local culture into every personalized experience we recommend. These personal introductions create authentic cross cultural friendships that generate trust, respect, and generous donations funding philanthropic travel projects worldwide.
