The road from Ambato to Banos [with great views of Volcan Tungurahua on clear days] passes through the small, nondescript village of Salasaca that is known for the weaving of tapices [tapestries]. It is said that the Salasaca Indians were originally mitmakuna: people who had been forced to move to Ecuador from Bolivia by the Incas as punishment for revolt. Certainly they have their unique style of dress, with black woven ponchos and wide-brimmed, white felt hats. Some of the words they use for describing the weaving process are said to be similar to those once used in the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. It is well worth stopping for a while in Salasaca to check out the weavings. Ask for the house of Alonsa Pilla who gives demonstrations of traditional techniques and sells great tapestries. Just five kilometers [three miles] further down the road is the little town of Pelileo, denim capital of Ecuador, just the place to buy a pair of jeans on Saturday market day.