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The indigenous Otavaleños (people from Otavalo) are famous for weaving
textiles, usually made of wool (that is sometimes as black as a raven), which
are sold at the famous Saturday market. Although the largest market is on
Saturday, there is a very wide range of wares available throughout the week in
the Plaza de los Ponchos, and the many local shops. The shops sell
textiles such as handmade blankets, tablecloths, and much more.
During the market's peak, almost one third of
the town becomes full of stalls selling textiles, tagua nut jewelry, musical
instruments, dream catchers, leather goods, fake shrunken heads, indigenous
costumes, hand-painted platters and trays, purses, clothing, spices, raw foods
and spools of wool.
Otavalo was an area made up principally of
farming communities due to the rich volcanic soils in this area, but with the
growth of tourism, the town has begun to focus more on the making of
handicrafts which have made the Saturday market a popular stop with visitors to
Ecuador. Tourism has become the town's main industry. Further, Otavaleño have
had notable success selling their goods abroad.
Staying in a hacienda while visiting Ecuador
has become a “must do” for any trip to the Ecuadorian Andes. Experience
historical farm houses that date back to the 16th century that have been
renovated and changed into first class hotels, lodges and inns.
Haciendas in most cases were founded by
Spanish settlers who received large gifts of land from the Spanish and then
later Ecuadorian government and managed expansive farms using the local
indigenous population as laborers. Most haciendas nowadays are reduced to a
small area of land around the historical house after centuries of land reforms
and selling of land parcels to neighboring farmers. But many of the remaining
houses maintain their original architecture, gardens, towering trees and old
world ambiance.
Hacienda Cusin is a luxurious country inn
amidst eternally blooming gardens and nearly 400 years of colonial history.
Located near Otavalo in a spectacular natural setting at the foot of the
dormant Imbaburra volcano, activities like horseback riding, mountain biking,
and high tea on the balcony are not to be missed.
Dating from the 1600s, Hacienda Zuleta lies
at 9,600 feet above sea level in the spectacular Andean mountain range of
Ecuador, 2 hours North of Quito. This eco-resort, nature sanctuary and working
farm is the home of former Ecuadorian president, Galo Plaza and maintains an
authenticity rarely found in modern accommodations. Guests of Hacienda Zuleta
have access to our full horse barn and horseback riding trails, prime bird
watching areas, mountain bikes, Andean Condor sanctuary, endangered Spectacle
bear habitat area, organic gardens, working dairy farm, cheese factory and
museum, hiking trails, local community culture and artisans and much more.
I will be posting the art I made based on travel to this wonderful place! I have been working on the series for months and am almost finished and ready to show the 8 pieces! Here are some photos from our trip which inspired my work.
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| Andes Near Otavalo at Hacienda Zuleta |
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| Farms near Hacienda Zuleta |
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| Beautiful Andes |
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| The Andes are all around |
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| Marketplace at Otavalo |
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| Colorful Vegetables For Sale |
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| Colorful Beans and Rice |
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| Textiles Made by Locals |
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| Potatoes in Many Hues and Shapes |
