On our recent trip to Ecuador (which was much too short – we WILL go back!), we spent most of our time in Quito and the Galapagos Islands. But were able to venture to two towns that are reachable in a couple of hours from Quito: Otavalo and Papallacta. The World-Famous Otavalo Market The market in Otavalo, about an hour and a half by car from Quito, stretches back to pre-Inca times and is the largest artisan market in Ecuador. Vendors hawk a dizzying array of wares ranging from fresh produce and hand-dyed yarn to hats, blankets, leather goods, locally carved wood trinkets, rugs, tablecloths, shoes, sweaters . . . pretty much everything but the kitchen sink!  The exquisite weavings and textile-making skills of the Octavaleños and indigenas from the surrounding villages, wearing their traditional clothing, was something to behold! There’s something going on every day in Otavalo but Saturday is official market day…