Shopping

Although going to markets and villages are fun, you won't necessarily save a great deal of money. The market at Otavlo is one big shopping expedition. In markets and smaller stores bargaining is exceptable to about 20%. There are a number of souvenirs that are indigenous to Ecuador. Woolen goods are popular and are most often made of a pleasantly coarse homespun wool. Including scarves, sweaters, hats, gloves and vests. Hand embroidered clothes are also attrative. Ecuadorian T-shirts with designs featuring Galapagos animals are very popular. Panama hats are worth buying. A large variety of mainly woolen weavings like cushions, bags, rugs and wall hangings are found all over the country. Cotacachi is a famous center for a wide variety of cheap leather goods . Chordeleg produces beautifully filigreed silver jewelry. The Amazon area produces necklaces made from nuts and other rainforest products. Painted and varnished ornamants made of bread dough are unique to Ecuador. Other purchases could include straw, reeds or agave fibres. Miniature blowpipes modeled after those used by Amazonian Indians are also popular.

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