A Walk Through The Otavalo Animal Fair

The Otavalo animal fair  is one of the main attractions of this Ecuadorian city. A city that is about 100 kilometers from Quito, the capital of Ecuador. If you travel to this country and you are curious to see that particular market, pay attention, we give you all the necessary information so that you can plan your visit.

Get to know the Otavalo animal fair

To attend the Otavalo animal fair it is necessary to go to the outskirts of the city. More specifically, to the Yana Yacu swimming pool sector, next to the Panamericana, an area of ​​2000 m². A fair that is held on Saturdays from six in the morning until twelve noon.

Cattle, horses, pigs and cattle are sold on the market. But you can also see smaller animals, such as chickens, or domestic animals, such as dogs, cats or rabbits. Each of them is grouped in a specific area within the large open-air esplanade.

When it comes to prices, they are of all kinds.  In case you’re curious, a cow costs about $400; a pig, between 150 and 200 dollars; and a chicken, 8 dollars.

On the other hand, at the Otavalo animal fair you will find an authentic and not so touristy atmosphere, as there are numerous Otavaleños buying and selling there. You can differentiate them by their indigenous features, but also by their characteristic brightly colored clothing.

How to get to the Otavalo animal fair

If you are in Otalavo you can get to the animal fair by taking a walk. It will only take a few minutes. On the contrary, if you stay in Quito you have the option of taking a bus to this city. The journey takes about two hours. You can also go in a rental vehicle.

Once in the market, and as in all places where there is a large crowd of people, it is advisable that you be careful with your belongings. And, if you travel with children, do not lose sight of them at any time.

Walk through the Plaza de los Ponchos

Another of the most prominent markets in Otavalo is the Centenario, the largest artisan fair in northern Ecuador. This is celebrated, mainly, every Saturday from seven in the morning to six in the afternoon. It is also accessible the rest of the days of the week, especially on Wednesdays, but on a smaller scale.

In the Centennial Market, artisan products are sold, both local and regional, national and international. Some of them are Otavalo textiles (ponchos, scarves, hats, shirts and table linen), goldsmiths, costume jewelery, ceramics and a long etcetera. Of course, one cannot complain about the variety.

What else to do or see in Otavalo

In addition to taking a walk through the Otavalo fairs, you should take advantage of it to get to know other attractions of the Ecuadorian town. Its waterfalls stand out. That of Peguche is 30 meters high and is surrounded by bushy vegetation. The one in Taxopamba is fifteen meters long and has totally transparent waters.

In Otavalo you cannot miss other natural wonders such as Lake San Pablo, the largest in the province and where you can hire the services of a boat. And in the Parque del Cóndor you will find a refuge of fauna and flora that offers one of the most impressive landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes.

There are more attractions. In the indigenous cemetery  the customs and traditions of the ancient Otavaleños can be appreciated. You can also visit the volcanic rock formation Wantun Rumi or the Kaimanta Ricuna pier, where you can observe the making of handicrafts with reeds or taste the local cuisine.

Otavalo is a city where Ecuadorian traditions and culture can be experienced as in few places in the country. This is a cozy and colorful city that can be visited in one day by taking an excursion from Quito.