Visiting the Otavalo Indigenous Market

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Otavalo is a small city situated at about 8300 ft altitude in the highlands of Ecuador. Its nearly 40,000 inhabitants are mostly indigenous people. On Saturdays, the city hosts a huge indigenous market selling everything from livestock to handmade textiles. The Otavalo indigenous people come to the market wearing traditional garments and jewelry. Their expressions and gestures tell a story of a different culture shaped by a traditional existence. This photostory focuses on the animal market where local farmers bring their livestock to sell in a very traditional way. Different areas are set up for poultry, lamb, pork, and beef. Rabbit and guinea pigs are also sold at the market. It can be sad to see families parting with livestock which may have become a pet knowing it will soon be slaughtered for food.

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