Highland Market Towns & Cultural Riches

This morning, we woke to the charm of our hacienda room, complete with fireplace and view of the family horses walking the grounds freely.  Breakfast was served in a beautiful wing of the hacienda with bright natural light and open air windows, complete with eggs to order, fresh fruit and coca tea to help with the altitude adjustment. We had spent the night around 8,300 ft, allowing for our slow acclimitization.

After breakfast we set out with our guide Daniel to explore the vibrant market towns of the highlands. Our first stop was the town of Cotacachi, renowned for its high-quality leather goods and generations of craftmanship. The town exuded a charming atmosphere, with shops showcasing everything from stylish bags to intricate belts and jackets. The craftsmanship here is truly impressive, and it was hard to resist purchasing one of everything. Both mom and I found some wonderful pieces to bring home for our families, and a bag for myself. After a few hours exploring the town completely (and a visit to the ATM) we loaded up and headed for our next stop.  

Santa Lucia de Peguche, is a small town known for its traditional weaving work with all varieties of wool: sheep, alpaca and baby alpaca. Here, we learned about the various fibers used in local textiles, gaining insight into the weaving techniques passed down through generations. One of our stops included a demonstration on a traditional hand operated loom, as well as dying techniques using a variety of natural sources ranging from flower petals to ground up nuts to produce the perfect pigment. One of the textile shops contained a woven Aya Huma mask, an indigenous mask that symbolizes the dualities of life—the sun and moon, good and evil, man and woman. With thirteen horns present, it reflects the thirteen moon cycles, showcasing deep cultural significance blended into the artistry. We later learned that these masks are one of the most prolific symbols of Ecuador and teh aya Human image is found throughout the country. 

Next, feeling equipped with the knowledge of how to tell textiles apart (synthetic vs. alpaca)  we ventured to the central market in Otavalo, one of the largest and most famous markets in South America. The colorful stalls were filled with an array of products, including textiles, handicrafts, art, souvenirs and fresh produce. The lively atmosphere, enhanced by the sounds of bargaining and locals chatting away, made for an unforgettable experience. I particularly enjoyed interacting with the local artisans, who were eager to share the stories behind their favorite pieces. The bartering over prices, primarily in Spanish, definitely makes you a bit weary after a while, but our trusty Daniel was there to help when I would forget a number or felt unsure of what to offer.

Feeling completely exhauseted after our big day of exploring, we piled into our transfer while Daniel grabbed two of each fruit in the marketplace and prepared them for us to taste.  Tree tomato and Naranjilla were two of our exotic favorites. 

Our next stop was after a cheeky car nap and scenic two-hour drive to Papallacta, a town known for its healing thermal baths. The winding roads offered stunning views of the Andean landscape, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding us as we passed by. Upon our arrival, we indulged in a delicious dinner before soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools. The evening was serene, and the water providing a tranquil backdrop as we relaxed our tired muscles and reflected on the day.

After a wonderful soak, we headed to our hotel close to the airport, Rincon de Puembo, to grab a good night sleep before our early morning departure to the Galapagos Islands.