Amazonas: Available Activities

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Visiting the Saquisili Indian Market

For many people the Thursday morning market of Saquisili is the main reasoning for coming to Cotopaxi Province. The drive south on the Panamerican Highway from Quito to Saquisili is magnificent. Cotopaxi can be seen looming to the left of the Panamericana as you travel south from Quito. The two Ilinizas, also snow capped, are on your right. Several other peaks are visible during the 100-km drive, including the distance Chimborzao. If you lucky enough to make the drive when all the mountains are clear of clouds you will have seen nine of Ecuador's 10 highest mountains.

As a student of the language school you may perhaps have the opportunity to visit the Thrusday morning market at Saquisili. You, along with your instructors and other students, will have the chance to visit the market and bargin for gifts to bring back to your family and friends. The Indian village market is considered one of the most important such markets in Ecuador. Another feature of this market is that it is not a tourist oriented market. The market is for the inhabitants of several remote Indian villages who come into the town center both to sell and to buy everything from pigs to ponchos.

It is in such settings, as an Indian market, you have the opportunity to put your newly acquired language skills to work. You can walk about in an open air classroom! It is here that you have the opportunity to listen and learn first hand about how Spanish is used in everyday life. There are eight different plazas, each selling specific goods. You have the chance to pick up a sweater or a weaving. You also have the opportunity to practice your Spanish in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.