Otavalo market

The lady who collected us at the airport on Thursday came and picked us up at 09.00 this morning - for the 240Km drive to Otavalo, north of Quito.  She appears to be almost their personal driver!

It is possible to go by bus but if you are travelling with luggage, cameras etc, a lot of people advise against it for security reasons.  The taxis are very cheap (50 US dollars - Ecuadorian currency - for this trip!) and so the preferred means of travel for many.  A big extra plus is that you have door to door transport and a personal guide (very good for our Spanish - I was clutching my dictionary!).  Diesel around Quito cost around $1.30 but once outside we noticed it was just over the dollar (those were the days...in euros of course!).   We agreed with our lady that she will pick us up at 9.30 on Thursday for the drive back to the B&B, and that we will stop here and there (including the equator line which we crossed today) for some photos.

As we saw around Quito, and as we expected, lots of shanty housing, people (and dogs) everywhere, cows (as in one) in front gardens (or now and then pigs); and wonderful scenery.  There are 2 volcanoes here near Otavalo.

Otavalo is home to one of the continents (not just Ecuador) largest markets.  There is an animal market from 06.30 until 9 or 10 which we missed, otherwise the artisan and general (fruit/vegetable/you name it) market runs all day.  

Once we found our hotel, which was fun as it is near the centre and market day (plus I had the impression we saw even more amazing people then than later), I had a coffee (Rob is SO disappointed in the coffee here...) and we dropped our bags in the room and left for the market.  Amazing - so many different types of people, different national dress (the norm) and buzzing with activity.  We avoided the tourist market until the end and managed to find the general food market, including an indoor area which was full with people getting their lunch etc.  Rob had a dish of rice, chicken, tomato and avocado and I had a cup of tea (still full from breakfast) for $1.40!

The hotel (thanks Frances & Dirk for the good tip!) is excellent with a beautiful garden.

I have managed to add 3 photos - with difficulties - but each time I add the descrption I am thrown out of the website.  Will try to edit and add more later.