On the Galapagos Islands Cruise, we have professional naturalist guides. These experts are in addition to Professor Nagel. Every Saturday at dawn, brightly dressed Indians flow out of the mountains and into Otavalo. Named for a tribe, which has inhabited the area for some thousand years, Otavalo hosts the most colorful Indian market in South America. In cobbled streets packed with wares and hagglers, the visitor may choose goods ranging from filigreed silver to rope-soled sandals.
Textiles are dominant.
The region is famous for its homespun worsteds and woolens, ponchos, shawls, rugs and blankets. Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda before your return to Quito for the night.