Folklore, Markets & Crafts in Ecuador

Ecuador may sometimes seem unstable, undeveloped and impoverished, but what makes Ecuador great is it's rich culture, customs, history and, above all, its people. One common first impression is that Ecuadorians are friendly and welcoming, with a huge smile on their faces. Thus, when visiting Ecuador, is its people that make the trip or visit memorable, rewarding and worthwhile. Local markets set the perfect scene for cultural exchange. An atmosphere displaying unique, handmade arts and crafts displayed colourfully along the market, delicious traditional dishes,  and classic Ecuadorian music playing in the background, make Ecuador's markets unmissable. 

Here are two unusual, picturesque, and culture immersive local markets in Ecuador. 

GUAMOTE MARKET

(Thursday mornings)

One of the most interesting and colorful markets in Ecuador, make Guamote market a must see! Only a short drive away from Riobamba lays Guamote, a lovely town. Although a train still goes by it, Guamote’s main commercial activity occurs in its massive Thursday morning market. Here, hundreds of indigenous people gather.  It is not a typical tourist market in the sense that it gives a real flavor of Ecuadorian markets and it's indigenous people who, in their colorful traditional clothing, will kindly show you what they have to offer.

Aside from the beautiful and unique fabrics, clothes and handcrafts, Guamote’s highlight is definitely the animal market. Among the first things you’ll notice will be the very distinct sound coming from various animals in every direction. From ducks, pigs and sheep to chickens, guinea pigs and goats, you will find pretty much every local animal and their produce throughout the market. Don’t miss out on the traditional street food and in particular, the natural and tasty juices from exotic fruits.

TZALARON MARKET

(Friday mornings)

The exchange is the essence of this indigenous market. Tzalarón is the only municipality in the country where producers can exchange their products according to the value of each of them. The market has been taking place weekly for over 180 years and it is the only indigenous market where they still barter. The trade often happens between products harvested in the higher parts such as wheat, barley, quinoa, peas, potatoes in exchange for products from the lower parts such as carrots, tomatoes and others.

It is a very historic and traditional market. The rocks that cover a part of the floor of the market are the most revealing traces of the antiquity of the square. Once, this was the largest indigenous market in the province, as traders arrived there Alausí, Colta and Guamote Riobamba, including Bolivar and Tungurahua.