In the late 15th century, the Incas conquered the indigenous community of Otavalo and forced the inhabitants to pay tribute with their textiles. A few decades later, the Spanish brought new textile technology as well as oppressive rule—forcing Otavaleños to work in poorly maintained workshops well into the 20th century. In the early 1900s, however, the people of Otavalo made their mark on the modern textile industry by producing imitations of British tweeds (called casimires). Just north of Otavalo lies Cotacachi, a leatherwork metropolis offering wallets, purses, belts, whips, and even leather underwear. The ceramics of the Ecuadorian Quichua Sacha Runa people, as well as those found in the Latacunga and Pujilí areas, have also become major attractions.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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