Shopping

Shopping is an exciting activity in Ecuador as one is presented with an extensive variety of things to choose from. There is a vast array of hand woven goods available, such as alpaca scarves, gloves, sweaters, colorful bags, tapestries and ceramics, made by local handicraftsmen. In addition there are leather goods and hand carved wooden products on display. Visitors can get themselves the most stylish panama hats in Cuenca while Quito houses the best of handcrafted silver jewelry and pre Columbian masks.

Vegetable ivory or Tagua items are also worth buying and are available at reasonable prices and in small sizes, which makes them easier to carry. Bread dough ornaments along with Christmas decorations are available round the year. One can get the best quality textiles from the daily market of the Otavalo region.

There are certain things, which cannot be taken out of the country easily so it is advisable to avoid buying them. These include products made from animal skins, insects, bird feathers and even certain antiques.

Shopping venues, range from dusty and noisy animal and craft markets to sophisticated malls. The most important places for shopping are Otavalo, famous for quality products such as weavings, woodwork, and jewelry. Panama hats can be bought anywhere in Ecuador though, Montecristi and Cuenca have the best variety. Calderon, located north of Quito is arguably the best place to buy bread dough ornaments.