Saquicili is a small town just of the Pan-American Highway. It’s Thursday market has become one of the most popular in the region for tourists the entire town becomes a market and everything from potatoes to magic potions are for sale. This is a traditional market established more for the trade of local people than for tourism beginning at 5am. Great bargains can be found on the antique jewelry that is frequently for sale. A great variety of items are available in Saquicili and the market itself has been divided into 8 sections each selling a different product. The divided market this of the following way:
Animal Section: Cattle, Chickens, Pigs, Goats, Llamas and other farm animals;
Concord Section: Dresses, Hats, Ironwork;
Rocafuerte Plaza: Coal, Firewood, Vegetables;
Gran Colombia Section: Vegetables;
Juan Montalovo: Shoes;
Kennedy Section: Medicinal Plants, Wood Utensils, Ropes, Vegetables, Food;
Plaza 18 de Octobre: Weavings, Carpets, Blankets, Panels, and Woven Items;
Halter Section: Meat.
Getting there. There is a frequent
bus service between
Latacunga and Saquisili [
25 minutes, US$0.40*]. To and from
Quito [
21/2 hours, US$2.50*]. In
Quito bus terminal, you can get any bus to
Ambato and ask the driver to leave you at the junction for Saquisili. From here, take a
truck for around US$0.50
* to Saquisili.
*The prices are approximately
