Sylvia Market..and the Panama hat!
Replies: 4 - Last Post: Oct 3, 2012 1:11 PM Last Post By: devino
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Sylvia Market..and the Panama hat!
Hello! I am almost done with my south-american trip and wanted to get some gifts before returning home. I am now in Colombia and had thought to make a quick trip to Ecuador to do some shopping(Otavalo, Quito). I am looking more for stuff you can find in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Then I remembered the market in Sylvia. Can anyone tell me if you can buy similar stuff there as in Otavalo for example? Or any handicrafts...that sort of stuff? And also about the panama hat. I remember that in Quito it is possible to buy the panama hat that comes in a box so it doesnt get ruiened on the travels. Bit more expensive but I think they are higher quality then from the street...and better presents. Does anyone know if its possible to find those hats(in the box) here in Colombia????Muchas gracias!!!!!
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The "Panama Hat" actually originated in Ecuador, so the one's there tend to be a bit more authentic technically. Any good Panama Hat should restore to its shape after being rolled or put into a suitcase. Don't be afraid to ask the seller to show you how to transport it, and if they can't then chances are its a low quality hat. Just my 2 cents, but I have seen alot of great hats that have survived coming home without paying for the fancy boxes as well!http://www.panamas.co.uk/hats/hat-care-and-hat-rolling/ Is a great link for your new hat!
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As was stated if you can roll it and it regains its shape. Then you can put in your suitcase no need for box. Small Tip: The tighter the weave and the smaller the strends the better the hat and the more u will pay for it. You can buy hats from $10.00 USD to $1000 plus USD. I have one I bought in Ecuador for $500 ten years ago still holds its shape and is a very tight weave. Some hats take up to a year to make.4
The market in Silvia in Colombia is not a tourist market, there is very little for sale in terms of souvenirs. It´s more about local produce and basic necessities. It´s quite small as well, but all of that doesn´t make it less interesting! I went there yesterday and really liked it. Great place to get a feel for the local daily life.
