Riobamba Market

The Saturday market transforms Riobamba into a hive of commercial activity, when thousands of people from surrounding villages come to barter, buy and sell. They flood into town by truck, cart, donkey and foot, unloading impossibly giant loads and spreading out their wares along the streets northeast of Parque de la Concepción.

Every plaza in the city fills with vendors. Needless to say, it's a colorful affair, though it's tourist appeal lies in people watching and gadget-spotting more than in buying. The only place with handicrafts is Parque de la Concepción (Orozco & Colón).

As you're walking around, keep your eyes peeled for locally made shigras. Also look out for baskets and mats woven by the indigenous Colta from the reeds lining the shores of nearby Laguna de Colta.