Sights in Northern Highlands
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Craft Market
Vendors hock an astounding array of wares at the crafts market on Plaza de Ponchos each and everyday, but Saturday is the principal market day, when the roads jam with visitors and the food market and household goods stalls overflow into adjacent streets.
Plaza de Ponchos is the nucleus of tourist activity, with its staple of woolen goods - such as tapestries, blankets, ponchos, thick hooded sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats and alpaca goods from other regions - in addition to embroidered blouses, hammocks, carvings, jewelry, original paintings and struggling Guayasamín imitations, knit finger puppets, clay pipes, fake shrunken heads, handbags and woven mats. The mostly fem…
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Food Market
The food market sells produce and household goods for the locals. While you might have little use for an enormous cauliflower, it's an interesting place to visit.
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Plaza de Ponchos
Vendors hock an astounding array of wares at the crafts market on Plaza de Ponchos each and every day, but Saturday is the principal market day. Roads are jammed with visitors perusing its staple of woolen goods such as tapestries, blankets, ponchos, sweaters, scarves and hats, as well as embroidered blouses, hammocks, carvings, jewelry, paintings and fake shrunken heads.
Bargaining is expected, especially with multiple purchases, so don't be shy. The action peters out around mid-afternoon as groups of men gather in corners to drink, and vendors begin chatting amongst themselves while their toddlers nap under piles of sweaters. Food stalls set up at the northern end proff…
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Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi-Cayapas
This reserve protects a huge swath of the western Andes. The range of altitudes, from Volcán Cotacachi to the coastal lowland rainforests, means an abundance of biodiversity. Travel from the highland to lowland areas of the reserve is nearly impossible – how’s your bushwhacking? Most visitors either visit the lowlands from San Miguel on Río Cayapas or the highlands around Laguna de Cuicocha. From Cotacachi, just before arriving at Laguna de Cuicocha, a rangers’ booth serves as the entrance to the reserve.
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El Lechero
The Lechero is a famous tree known for its magical healing powers. It's well worth the invigorating hike - there's nothing like some fresh air, great views and, of course, a little magic! On the road out of town, follow the painted arrows on the ground until you pass a fragrant Eucalyptus grove - continue on to the crest of a hill until a lone, stubby tree appears...and be healed.
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Galería Luís Potosí
This small village near Ibarra specializes in woodcarvings. The most renowned gallery in San Antonio de Ibarra is Galería Luís Potosí. Potosí has achieved fame throughout Ecuador and abroad. Ask to see the workspace he shares with other woodworkers when you visit the gallery.
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Centro Cultural
The Centro Cultural houses an archaeology museum featuring prehistoric ceramics and gold artifacts from Pimampiro with signs in English. There’s also a local historical archive and library.
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Instituto Otavaleño de Antropología
The Instituto Otavaleño de Antropología is packed with ancient artifacts from the region. It’s located inside the University of Otavalo, one block north of Sucre and Panamericana.
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Museo Arqueologico
Walk south from the cemetery one block to the mural-covered Museo Arqueologico, which houses pre-Columbian artifacts, ceramics, and modern and contemporary art.
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Parque Condor
A Dutch-owned foundation that rehabilitates raptors, vultures and other birds of prey, Parque Condor offers a great opportunity to see an Andean condor up close, as well as eagles, owls, falcons and hawks. Don’t miss the free flight demonstrations at 11:30am and 4:30pm. The center is perched on the steep hillside of Pucara Alto, 4km from town.
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