Best place of South America so far, for the culture especially.

The Otavalo Market, which makes this market town famous, is said to be one of the best markets in Latin America. The Otavalo market is attractive for both its great shopping and its cultural significance. The Otavalo market was a great way to see traditional Ecuadorian culture and the traditions of the Andes.

The best day of the week to hit the market is Saturday, which is the biggest market day for us gringos and locals alike, we unfortunately didn't make it there till the Sunday but all the same the market was fantastic. There is also said to be an animal market just outside of town which we didn't go to but you there you can see fighting cockerels and lots of squealing pigs; animal rights activists not to visit, not that I'm one of those just didn't fancy seeing cockerels with knifes attached to their feet.

In the main square displayed traditional live music with dancers, yummy fresh pulled pork served with potato cakes (see photo), textiles also fresh fruit and veggies are sold as you walk the side roads into the market. We took advantage of this to rustle together a make shift stew, two meals for the bargain price of roughly £1. We bought from an old lady in the market who looked incredibly unimpressed with our one onion, one pepper and two carrot purchases.

The Flying Donkey hostel was great, the Otavalo food was good; easily could have settled here for a bit longer.