El Ejido Artisanal Market - Traditional market in Taiwan
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El Ejido Artisanal Market

4.5
·18k reviews·Quito, Ecuador

Vibrant market showcasing Ecuadorian artistry with textiles, jewelry, and traditional crafts. A must-visit for authentic souvenirs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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El Ejido Artisanal Market - Traditional market in Taiwan

El Ejido Artisanal Market

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vibrant market showcasing Ecuadorian artistry with textiles, jewelry, and traditional crafts. A must-visit for authentic souvenirs.

4.5
(18k reviews)

"A wonderful place for handmade goods like leather bags, ponchos, jewelry, and llama figurines!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Carry Cash! 💰

ATMs are available, but vendors prefer cash. Be ready to haggle!

Haggle Politely! 😊

Negotiate prices respectfully; it's part of the experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Handcrafted Textiles

Handcrafted Textiles

Throughout the market

Discover vibrant ponchos, scarves, and intricately woven bags showcasing Ecuadorian artistry.

Artisanal Jewelry

Artisanal Jewelry

Jewelry stalls

Find unique silver pieces, beaded creations, and handcrafted accessories that make perfect souvenirs.

Llama Figurines & Souvenirs

Llama Figurines & Souvenirs

Souvenir stalls

Take home charming llama figurines, leather goods, and other traditional crafts that capture the spirit of Ecuador.

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Planning Your Visit

Cash is King (Mostly)

While some vendors might accept digital payments, having cash on hand is highly recommended for the El Ejido Artisanal Market. ATMs are available on-site, but it's always best to be prepared to avoid missing out on unique finds. Negotiating prices is common and expected, so don't be afraid to haggle respectfully for the best deals. Reddit

Embrace the Haggling Culture

Bargaining is an integral part of the market experience. Vendors are generally friendly and not pushy, but they expect negotiation. Start with a smile and a polite inquiry, and be prepared to walk away if the price isn't right. Many visitors find success in negotiating for multiple items or asking for bundle deals. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Me fue muy bien 💕🙏🏼 ig:karellycrochet #crochet #market #Vlog
@karelly.guz
517.1K likes • 5.1M views

Carry Cash! 💰

ATMs are available, but vendors prefer cash. Be ready to haggle! Reddit

Haggle Politely! 😊

Negotiate prices respectfully; it's part of the experience. Reddit

Como vender amigurumis de crochet 🌷🩷 #crochetparaprincipiantes #amigurumiscrochet #patronesdeamigurumis #amigurumisdesdecero #crochetpasoapaso #tutorialdecrochet crochet para principiantes, tutorial de crochet, amigurumis de crochet, amigurumis desde cero, crochet paso a paso, patrones de amigurumis, amigurumis crochet credits: babycakesstudios, krjb_stitching_corner, shopeternalcreations, lamus...
@hilosyganchillo
46.2K likes • 359.4K views
vayan y conozcan a la tata en el @El Hallazgo🔍 ✨ #artesania #orfebreria #caracas #accesorios #anillos
@yonyarri
29.2K likes • 259.8K views

Explore All Stalls 🚶‍♀️

Don't rush; unique treasures await around every corner. TikTok

Watch Your Belongings 👀

Tourist police patrol; stay aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Hidden gem in Barcelona 🤍 visit this market! #barcelonamarket #barcelonaweekend #barcelonaweekendplans #barcelonatips #barcelonaguide #barcelonalocal #coolthingstodoinbarcelona #barcelonahiddengems
@ordatwins
22.8K likes • 291.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Carry Cash! 💰

ATMs are available, but vendors prefer cash. Be ready to haggle! Reddit

Haggle Politely! 😊

Negotiate prices respectfully; it's part of the experience. Reddit

Explore All Stalls 🚶‍♀️

Don't rush; unique treasures await around every corner. TikTok

Watch Your Belongings 👀

Tourist police patrol; stay aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Great for Gifts! 🎁

Find unique souvenirs and gifts for everyone. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(18k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the El Ejido Artisanal Market for its wide selection of authentic Ecuadorian handicrafts, from textiles to jewelry. The friendly vendors and the opportunity to haggle for great prices are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While cash is preferred, on-site ATMs make transactions convenient. Some visitors note the need to be aware of personal belongings in crowded areas.

"Loved this market! Wonderful hand made goods like leather bags, ponchos, jewelry, llama figurines, and so much more. Cash only but there is an ATM. Definitely recommend for souvenirs or gifts"

Madison Phillips

"I bought a poncho from here. There was a wide selection of ponchos and other local gifts and souvenirs. The tourist police patrolled the area and helpfully told me to be careful with my phone. There is a cash machine onsite if you need to lift cash for buying gifts"

Darren Hill

"It’s really nice. They have an ATM so if you forget your cash, you can always get it there. While you’re passing all of the stuff, they are going to say hello to you and ask you if you want to take a look at their merchandise, but they’re not pushy. If you just smile and thank them, they will leave you alone. You can negotiate prices and they will be able to lower the price if you find it too expensive or if you want to for the price of one or something like that. They have all kinds of handmade artisanal crafts. And they also have souvenirs. They also have lots and lots and lots of silver jewelry. So if you’re looking for a souvenir or your brand new sparkling ring, this is definitely the place to go."

Adriana Harts

What People Like

Authentic handmade crafts
Great souvenir selection
Friendly vendors

What People Dislike

Need for cash
Crowded at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The market is located in Quito, Ecuador. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and a convenient way to reach the market. Public buses also serve the area, offering a more budget-friendly option. TikTok

Yes, it's a well-known landmark. Look for the covered market area, often bustling with activity. If you're unsure, ask your taxi driver for 'El Mercado Artesanal de El Ejido'. TikTok

The market generally operates daily, but hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours, typically from morning until late afternoon or early evening. TikTok

Parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's often easier to use public transport or a taxi. If you drive, look for paid parking lots nearby. TikTok

If you are staying in the central areas of Quito, it might be a pleasant walk, but it depends on your exact location. Check a map for distances and consider the altitude. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the El Ejido Artisanal Market is typically free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase from the vendors. Reddit

There are no admission fees to browse the market. It's an open-air (partially covered) space where you can explore the various stalls. Reddit

To experience a more relaxed atmosphere and potentially better negotiation opportunities, aim for weekday mornings. Weekends can be busier with both locals and tourists. Reddit

The market has some covered areas and pathways, but it can be uneven in places. It's advisable to proceed with caution. TikTok

While possible, navigating with a stroller or wheelchair might be challenging due to crowds and uneven surfaces. Consider a baby carrier for younger children. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Crafts

You'll find a wide array of Ecuadorian handicrafts, including textiles like ponchos and scarves, intricate jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, wood carvings, and traditional souvenirs. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Haggling is a common practice. Vendors expect it, so don't hesitate to politely negotiate for a better price. Reddit

While some vendors might accept cards, it's best to have cash. ATMs are available on-site for your convenience. Reddit

The market is known for its authentic artisanal products, often made by local craftspeople. Look for unique details that signify handmade quality. TikTok+1

Popular souvenirs include colorful textiles, silver jewelry, leather bags, alpaca wool items, and small decorative crafts like llama figurines. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, taking photos is generally allowed. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their merchandise or them. TikTok

The vibrant displays of textiles, colorful jewelry, and the bustling market atmosphere offer great photo opportunities. Capture the details of the crafts and the interactions. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions, but be mindful of other shoppers and vendors. Avoid blocking pathways or being intrusive. TikTok

It's courteous to ask permission before photographing vendors, especially if you plan to use the images commercially. Many are happy to pose if asked nicely. TikTok

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wider market scenes and detailed shots. A prime lens can also be useful for low-light conditions. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Ejido Artisanal Market can be a fun outing for families, offering a colorful and engaging environment. Kids will likely be fascinated by the variety of crafts, especially the llama figurines and brightly colored textiles. It's a great place to pick up small, affordable souvenirs for children. Reddit

Keep in mind that the market can get crowded, so holding hands is advisable. Strollers might be a bit cumbersome due to uneven paths and crowds, so a baby carrier could be more practical for younger children. The friendly nature of the vendors means they are often happy to interact with children, adding to the positive experience. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

This market is a paradise for budget-conscious travelers looking for authentic souvenirs. Prices are generally very reasonable, and the ability to negotiate further enhances affordability. Reddit You can find great deals on scarves, jewelry, and small crafts without breaking the bank. Reddit

To maximize your budget, carry cash and be prepared to haggle. Consider buying multiple items from the same vendor for potential bundle discounts. Visiting on a weekday morning might also lead to slightly better prices as vendors may be more eager to make sales. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Ecuadorian Crafts

El Ejido Artisanal Market is a treasure trove of Ecuadorian handicrafts. You'll find everything from vibrant textiles like ponchos and scarves, often made from alpaca or sheep wool, to intricate silver jewelry and detailed leather goods. Many vendors are the artisans themselves, eager to share the stories behind their creations. TikTok+1

Look out for unique items like beaded bags, ceramics, and wood carvings. The market is a fantastic place to witness the diversity of Ecuadorian folk art and to purchase authentic souvenirs that support local communities. Remember that many of these items are handmade, so slight variations are part of their charm. TikTok

When exploring, take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship. Don't be afraid to ask vendors about the materials and techniques they use. This interaction can enrich your understanding and appreciation of the art you're purchasing. TikTok

Navigating the Market Experience

Visiting El Ejido Artisanal Market is an immersive experience. While it's a lively place, it's generally considered safe, with tourist police often present. However, as with any busy market, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. Reddit

Haggling is a key part of the shopping culture here. Vendors are friendly and approachable, and they expect you to negotiate prices. Start with a smile and a polite offer, and be prepared to engage in a friendly back-and-forth. If a price isn't working for you, it's okay to thank them and move on. Reddit

Cash is essential. While some vendors might accept cards, many operate on a cash-only basis. There are ATMs conveniently located within the market, but it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand to avoid any hassle. Reddit This ensures you can snag those perfect souvenirs without interruption. TikTok

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