QUITO - Saquisili Market

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An early start this morning with a trip by taxi, then 2 buses. 3 hours later and we arrived at our destination - Saquisili. The town is the location for perhaps the most important indigenous markets in Ecuador and what a market it is. From the first few seconds of being there our cameras were out, snapping away at unusual and colourful sights. We had a giggle over some of the things we saw, in particular the pigs heads which would later be served up with mash potato for lunch. The market was spread over the whole town, then about 1km out of town for the animal market. There were alpacas, sheep, cows, donkeys, pigs, chickens and more, all there to be sold or exchanged (and then no doubt some of them would be off to slaughter). The fruit and veg market was fascinating too, with the quality of the food really good. We bought mandarins, strawberries and red bananas, all of which were good. We also bought a cake/bread thingy that was actually quite good. Amy insisted on buying a little clay pot from one of the indians - it was only $1.50 so how could we say no. She also was desperate to have a peacock feather as most of the indians wore a feather in their felt hat. So, now she also has a peacock feather - we did stop before we also bought a felt hat, although it was tempting as they are beautifully made. We walked the dusty streets and got a good feel about the town which had a very friendly, comfortable feeling to it - maybe a bit sleepy when the market isn't on though.

Otovalo Market this Saturday and it has a lot to live up to!

Back on the bus after lunch, a little longer as we took public buses the whole way (we're getting brave). The last bus was actually the Trole (electric tram) which was safe and efficient. Picked up our washing from the laundromat on the way back to the hotel, only $2.70 for 3 kg of washing, what a bargain.

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Photos

Smile for the Camera!
Tasty (or so they say) roasted pigs head

Mercado de Los Animales
Little girl with Snoopy on her top, she looks so out of place

Indian Felt Hat Stall
Beautifully crafted and worn by all