Otavalo

Otavalo

Otavalo is a town in north-central Ecuador at an altitude of 2,573 meters on the high plateau of the Andes. It is surrounded by the peaks of the volcanoes of Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda. The Otavalo Indians settled the area prior to the Inca conquest, and the area came under Spanish control in the 16th century. The town was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1868, but has since been reconstructed. The surrounding land, which is the property of the Otavalo Indians in small parcels, is used for the cultivation of grain, potatoes, fruit, and cattle. Weekly Indian and livestock markets are popular tourist attractions. The Indian market is best known for cotton and wool textiles such as ponchos and carpets, as well as leather goods and native jewelry. Otavalo's main attraction is the market, but other attractions in and around the city include the Peguche Falls, Lago de Mojanda, and the Museo Viviente Otavalango. Also near the city is the Parque Condor, which is both a bird rescue center and an educational facility. Their goal is to educate locals and tourists about the conservation of wild birds, and they hold daily flight demonstrations where you can see some birds in flight. Otavalo is also well known for its traditional music and the musicians who perform it. Every year in June, the music of Otavalo and the surrounding areas plays a leading role in the indigenous festival Inti Raymi. This festival is held on the southern winter solstice. Currently, several music groups tour the world in promotion of their music, which is sometimes referred to as Andean New Age.