Plaza de Ponchos

This is probably the most famous place in Otavalo. This is where the indigenous from all around come to sell their handmade goods. The market must be set up and taken down everyday. This takes about 2 hours each way. In my eyes, it´s a big waste of time (which to people in the US translates into $). Wouldn´t it be easier to have a permanent store or only bring a small selection? But it´s very competitive. If you don´t have it, the customer will move on until he finds someone who does. I guess that´s just their way.

This little man is carrying textiles that probably weigh about 180 pounds! He carrys them down the block to a warehouse for Doña Carmen.

I don´t remember what this building is, but it was so beautiful with the sun setting on it! It´s right next to the plaza.

Doña Carmen´s selection of necklaces - beautiful! If you look behind them, you can see her daughter, Yarina, eating an ice cream cone on the bottom right and her son, Brian Michael, on the bottom left. Some textiles are in the bottom foreground.

The big day for the market is Saturday. Wednesday is also fairly large. This was on an off day. You can see permanent booths, plus tarps that must be set up.

These are famous 2-faced masks. They are worn during Inti Raymi.

Doña Carmen´s goods

2-faced masks

Their work is so beautiful and vibrant!