Saquisili Market

The Saquisili Market is one of the largest traditional markets in Ecuador. It had a real, authentic local feel - in fact we were the only gringos there. There were three markets in different parts of the town - the animal, crafts and materials market.

The animal market was a big highlight for us. There were llamas , pigs, goats and cows all being exchanged at an extraordinarily brisk pace.

The pigs dominated the scene with their screams of protest whenever one was sold and loaded onto a truck. They really are the most extraordinary drama queens! I suppose you cannot really blame them. Its a little sobering to think that people were being sold at markets such as this ony a few hundred years ago.

The llamas were much more laid back and just stood around, batting their beautiful blue eyes and looking more haughty than their owners.

The little goat kids were extraordinarily cute (and loved attention, particularly sucking on our fingers) and the enormous cows kept stepping back unexpectedly. Sure hurts when they step on your feet!

There were lots of sheep too. I was horrified when one purchaser of a large ewe, instead of putting her in a truck, latched her onto the roof rack of his car, tied down so she could not move a muscle. Not too sentimental about animal rights here, that is for sure.


And here we have little chicks in a box. These were the lucky two to find a window. There were hundreds in one box. Poor little buggers!

There was also food galore, including this delicassy - pigs´ heads. Needless to say we weren´t to tempted and opted for pizza for lunch in town instead!

And here is the intrepid shopper in our family. We bought a couple of lovely things but cannot say what they were as of course, they are gifts and that would take away the suprise!