Quito’s markets shine a spotlight onto her traditions, customs and the kaleidoscope of daily life. But the Mercado San Francisco near the Old Town has a secret of its own…
The Markets of Quito
You’ll find a market for every occasion in the high altitude city of Quito. Here, we talk about the different Quito markets as well as what to buy in Ecuador. Let’s go.
The Oldest Market in Quito
Remember the age old riddle: what’s black and white and red all over?*
That’s what Quito’s Mercado San Francisco reminded me of, claiming to be both the oldest and the youngest covered food market in (arguably) the world’s highest capital city.
But away with the superlatives and definitions. The market itself has been trading away for more than 120 years – and it’s recently received a facelift. Beneath fluorescent lights and fragrant bunched herbs, it’s a keyhole through which to glimpse 21st century Quito and its mix of old and new.
Tradition & Innovation
Women sit around fixed plastic tables having brunch with their children, wrapped in shawls, with embroidered belts and characteristic flat hats. Plucked chickens squat on their backs, claws in the air. Tumbling red onions, fat peppers and vegetables with no name wait behind hand written labels found in markets the world over.
Stacked up with bright food behind bright blenders, San Fran has its very own juice bar. In another corner, however, lurk things I can’t find at home.
Herbal remedies, healers, and bunches of nettles between silk stemmed roses, cardboard love potions and wilting thyme.
Healing Remedies in Quito’s Markets
There’s an ominous small cubicle with a makeshift shower curtain door.
“You undress in there,” Giovanny, our guide, explains. “And Rosa, the healer, will beat you with nettles.”
“Stinging nettles?”
“Yes.”
Pause.
“The swelling, the redness, it’s said to bring out the badness from your blood. It’s pretty common for children. My parents used to bring me here.”
My eyes flit across the upturned horseshoe, the coloured beads and the passion pills that cram into this unlikely space.
Giovanny asks again. “Would you like to try it?”
There is no pause this time. “No, thank you.”
If there’s badness in my blood, I think it’s best to leave it be.
The Alleys of Rocafuerte
Just beyond San Francisco, there’s a criss cross of narrow alleys called Rocafuerte. In them, live traditional sweet makers, the artist who repairs a family’s precious baby Jesus, Mickey Mouse piñatas and a gentlemen who excels in making hats.
More Quito Markets and Recommended Places to Shop
You don’t have to limit yourself to Quito’s oldest market. Here are some other great places to shop in Quito.
- Mariscal Artisanal Market – a great place for handicrafts and souvenir hunting.
- Tianguez – a craft shop museum in Plaza de San Francisco, part of the Sinchi Sacha not-for-profit foundation.
- Parque El Ejido Market – the third largest park in the city also hosts craft markets for the first three Wednesdays of every month.
- Otavalo Market – one of the largest indigenous markets in South America, it’s actually outside Quito but worth a day trip.
- Mitad del Mundo shops – also not in Quito, but many tours stop by the Mitad del Mundo monument to the equator.
- Iñaquito Market – a bustling, real fresh food, dairy and poultry market. One of the best markets in Quito to visit.
- Calle de la Ronda – boutique shops aimed at foreign visitors in the heart of the Old Town. Full of colour and joy.
What to Buy in Ecuador
When it comes to shopping in Ecuador, you can find a wealth of beautiful and fun souvenirs. Here are the top recommendations for Ecuador souvenirs:
Spinning Tops
Relive that childhood sense of joy with the colourful painted spinning tops found across Ecuador. Hand-crafted from wood, they’re a good, old fashioned treat for the kids at home.
Chocolate
Rumoured to be the best chocolate producers in the world, it would be a crime not to at least the theory out. You will find chocolate, well, everywhere but look out for the Pacari Chocolate brand from Quito.
- To-ak chocolate bars have been sold at 260 dollars per piece. Now that is some goooood chocolate!
Coffee
Colombia may be the first word on people’s lips when they think about coffee, but Ecuador shouldn’t be far behind. The country grows and exports both Arabica and Robusta beans, from diverse regions across the country.
Collaciones
A favourite on Simon Bolivar street in Quito, collaciones or collations are handmade sweets made with peanuts or almonds. They blend sugar, lemon essence and a secret ingredient to make a moreish sweet treat. Originally made for Christmas, you can now munch on these sweets all year round.
Traditional Healing Remedies
Hm. Well, I leave this up to you! Suffice to say, you will find a wide, wide range of alternative medicine and herbal treatments when shopping in Ecuador.
Ponchos
For a traditional souvenir from Ecuador, shop for a poncho in Otavalo market You need to be a little organised, the market is only open on Saturdays, but if you go, you will also find a range of other traditional products like hats, espadrilles, jewellery and clay handicrafts.
Traditional Hats
Hats are big business in Ecuador and the people who make them are considered to be skilled craftsmen. The traditional flat hat that you see people wear in the streets is made from toquilla straw. Look out for more colourful ribboned hats as well, made for special occasions.
Rondadores
These reed-based musical instruments are often also called pan pipes or zampoña and they make for a wonderful, soothing souvenir from Ecuador.
Fabric Dolls
Made in bright and brilliant colours, these sweet fabric dolls make for wonderful gifts for people back home when you find yourself wondering what to buy in Ecuador.
More From South America
Ecuador
- A taste of Quito’s pre-colombian art is just what visitors need
- Why the cloud forests of Ecuador matter to us all
- What do the words Galapagos mean?
Top Tip! Work out what to wear in the jungle with this handy guide.
I love markets! I grew up near one. I still go back there to buy stuff when I’m home. It’s a wonderful way of living. :)
There’s so much life at a market – I always feel a connection. People have battered and traded food since the dawn of time!
Markets really are one of the best things to visit in a new place. There’s no better way to get to know the local smells, tastes, and culture. This looks like a good one!
I agree – so many experiences in one place and such a spotlight on culture. Love em.
I love outdoor markets and frequent them when ever I can here I Spain. WE had a barbecue on Saturday evening for out of town guests and everything we made was from the market. It was so good. I wouldn´t have gone for the stinging nettle beating either.
Ha! Glad I have some support on that! I do try MOST things when I travel – but surely everyone has to have some limits?! (And, yes, I love the fresh food market approach in Spain too…) Mmmmmm.