The Saturday market in Otavalo, Ecuador may be more famous, but the weekly market in Guamote, Ecuador is more legitimate. Every Thursday, vendors bring their goods and set them up for sale around the Guamote train station. You won’t find tourist tchotchkes here, but you will find traditional hats, livestock (including cuy), fresh vegetables, and much more along with locals bargaining hard for the things they need. Get a glimpse of local life in our photo essay about the Guamote market.
The Guamote market is a featured stop for passengers on Ecuador’s Tren Crucero. Learn more in our post about the Tren Crucero luxury train adventure in Ecuador.
Here’s more about travel in Ecuador
See all of our Photo Essays
Amazing images. Most of the people wearing a hat. I think, it is part of their culture
Hats are a big part of the distinct identities of the many different indigenous groups that live in Ecuador.