Mercado Indigene de Saquasilí

From Mercado Indigene de Saquisilí

Yesterday, we visited the pueblo of Saquisilí, located about two hours south of Quito. We went there to explore their indiginous markets, that are reputed to be less "touristy" than those in Otavalo.

We got up early and met our group at 7:00am in front of the Spanish school. We boarded the bus and left at about 7:15. On our way, we traveled through southern Quito and then down the highway, past Cotapaxi National Park, arriving at around 9:00 outside the village.


Our first stop was the large animal market. There, one can buy pigs, llamas, cows, sheep and goats. Although I saw no horses for sale, there were horses around and I assume that they can be purchased here too. I'm not sure what they cost in the U.S. but, in Ecuador, a large sow runs about $220.


Next we headed for the food market. Here one can find vegetables and fruit of all varieties, as well as fresh fish, chickens and "cuyes" (guinea pigs). The variety of fruit is simply astounding. There are at least five different kinds of banans, multiple types of limes, oranges and grapefriut, two or three types of plums, dates and many fruits I had never seen before.


After sampling some of the local fare, we headed off to the textile market. Here there were sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, shawls, table clothes, runners, blankets and panchos in a rainbow of colors. Most were woven from local wool or cotton. Eve bought a muticolored woven table cloth for $12 and a large 100% wool blanket for $13. We are beginning to wonder if we won't simply leave our clothes here upon our return in order to make room in our suitcases for more of these luxurious and beautiful items.


We then headed off to a small tortillaria which served, of course, tortillas. Tortillas in Ecuador have little in common with their Mexican or Spanish cousins. They are a patty of corn flour and queso fresco (a sort of sour mozarella), about the size of a quater-pound hamburger, all fried in oil. With a little hot sauce, they are delicious. We finished our snack with pinapple slices, which likewise were mouthwateringly good.


On our way to our last stop, the ceramics market, we strayed into another fruit and vegetable market. Even after an entire morning, I was still still amazed by the sheer number and variety of things to eat that I had never seen before. The selection of fruit here cannot be overstated. As for the ceramics market, unfortunately, we arrived a little late and most of ther ceramics had been packed away. Still, we saw a few and also got to see many more fruits, cheeses, meats and vegetables.


The last things worth mentioning is the Quechua women in traditional dress. I don't have too many photos to show what it is like, as the Quechua do not take kindly to foreigners photographing them like articles in a display case. Suffice it to say for now that the hats, scarves, skirts and necklaces are all very beautiful and extremely colorful.


If you would like to see a slide show of photos from my trip to the market, just go to my Picasa Web Album.