Quito, Ecuador
Best places to shop in Quito
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Quito — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-09
1. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The main craft market in the new town — alpaca, textiles, Panama hats, tagua carvings and Andean instruments.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 09:30–18:30Cost: BudgetTip: The Panama hat is Ecuadorian, not Panamanian — woven in Cuenca and Montecristi. A fine Montecristi takes months and costs hundreds; the market versions are machine-blocked.
2. Otavalo Market
Photo: Superbass · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The great Andean textile market two hours north — Plaza de Ponchos filled with weaving, alpaca, leather and craft from the Otavalo people.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily, but Saturday is the full market from 07:00Cost: Budget–MidTip: The largest indigenous market in South America and worth the trip. Go on Saturday and arrive early for the animal market too.
3. Old Town: La Ronda and Calle García Moreno
Photo: DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ · Pexels License · source
The colonial quarter — traditional workshops for hats, candles, toys and chocolate along the restored La Ronda street.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–21:00Cost: Budget–Mid
4. Ecuadorian chocolate and rose growers
Photo: Matheus Bertelli · Pexels License · source
Ecuador grows the world's finest Nacional cacao and is a major rose exporter — both sold in specialist shops in the city.
Where: LuxuryMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–19:00Cost: Mid-rangeWatch out Cheap 'tagua' and 'alpaca' in the markets are frequently plastic and acrylic. Tagua nut is heavy, cool and shows a fine grain; plastic is light and warm.
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