Ecuador offers unparalleled biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands, with colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca nestled in the Andes. This compact South American nation delivers volcanic landscapes, indigenous markets, and world-class wildlife encounters.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Otavalo Woven Blankets
Hand-woven wool blankets and tapestries made by Kichwa artisans using traditional backstrap loom techniques. Geometric Andean patterns in vivid natural dyes make these iconic Ecuadorian keepsakes.
Price: $15-60
Where: Plaza de Ponchos, Otavalo
Panama Hat (Sombrero de Paja Toquilla)
Despite their global name, Panama hats originate from Ecuador and are woven from toquilla straw in Cuenca. Cuenca's workshops produce some of the finest and most expensive quality hats in the world.
Price: $20-200
Where: Homero Ortega Hat Factory, Cuenca; Otavalo market
Tagua Nut Carvings
Intricate figurines and jewelry carved from tagua palm seeds, Ecuador's 'vegetable ivory'. Sustainable and lightweight, they come in animal shapes, geometric pendants, and decorative pieces.
Price: $3-25
Where: Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, Quito
Painted Pottery
Hand-painted clay pottery depicting scenes from Andean village life, Galápagos wildlife, and pre-Columbian motifs. Made in artisan workshops in Saquisilí and Pujilí.
Price: $5-40
Where: Saquisilí Market; Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
Silver Filigree Jewelry
Delicate silver jewelry made using a traditional filigree technique passed down in Chordeleg village near Cuenca. Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces feature intricate lacework designs.
Price: $10-80
Where: Chordeleg artisan shops; Cuenca historic center
Ecuadorian Chocolate
Ecuador produces some of the world's finest Arriba Nacional cacao and craft chocolate bars. Quito's specialty chocolate shops and Mindo's chocolate tours offer premium single-origin tablets.
Price: $5-20
Where: Republica del Cacao (Quito); Pacari chocolate stores
Tigua Painted Balsa Masks
Colorful balsa wood masks painted by indigenous Tigua artists with scenes of Andean festivals, harvest ceremonies, and mountain landscapes. Unique folk art from the Quilotoa region.
Price: $8-50
Where: Quilotoa village galleries; Plaza de Ponchos, Otavalo
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Plaza de Ponchos
South America's largest and most famous indigenous artisan market where Kichwa vendors sell textiles, weaving, jewelry, leather goods, and handicrafts. Saturday market draws vendors from surrounding villages creating a vibrant cultural spectacle.
Where: Sucre y Quiroga, Otavalo, Imbabura Province
Hours: Daily 8:00-18:00; Saturday from 6:00 (main day)
Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
Quito's main artisan market spread across two floors with over 200 stalls offering a comprehensive selection of Ecuadorian souvenirs. Good variety of goods from across the country at reasonable prices with some bargaining possible.
Where: Jorge Washington y Juan León Mera, Quito
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 10:00-17:00
Saquisilí Thursday Market
One of Ecuador's most authentic indigenous markets spread across seven plazas where local farmers and artisans trade livestock, produce, grains, and crafts. Far less touristy than Otavalo, offering a genuine highland market experience.
Where: Plaza Kennedy, Saquisilí, Cotopaxi Province
Hours: Thursday from 6:00-14:00 (most active 7:00-10:00)
Mercado de San Francisco
Cuenca's traditional market selling fresh produce, herbs, prepared foods, and artisan goods. The flower section is particularly beautiful. A perfect place to shop alongside locals and sample traditional snacks.
Where: Cueva y Chimborazo, Cuenca
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00-18:00, Sunday 7:00-14:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
La Mariscal, Quito
Quito's main tourist shopping zone centered around Avenida Amazonas and surrounding streets, filled with artisan markets, souvenir shops, boutiques, and international restaurants. The area transforms at night into a lively bar and restaurant strip.
Best for: Souvenirs, handicrafts, and nightlife
Cuenca Historic Center
Cuenca's UNESCO Heritage Zone contains boutique shops selling Panama hats, silver jewelry, and local crafts along pedestrian streets like Calle Larga. Artisan workshops and galleries are interspersed with cafés and restaurants in colonial buildings.
Best for: Panama hats, silver jewelry, and artisan crafts
Chordeleg Village
This small village 40km from Cuenca is entirely devoted to artisan silver filigree jewelry production. Dozens of workshops and showrooms line the main street where craftspeople create intricate jewelry using centuries-old techniques.
Best for: Silver filigree jewelry and gold work
Guayaquil's Las Peñas
This picturesque hillside neighborhood in Guayaquil has evolved into a hub for local art galleries, craft boutiques, and specialty cafés. The colorful staircase leads past studios where artists sell unique Ecuadorian artwork and design goods.
Best for: Art, design, and unique gifts
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Quicentro Shopping
Quito's premier shopping mall in the northern González Suárez area with international and national retailers, food court, cinema, and supermarket. Safe and modern with wide variety of fashion, electronics, and home goods.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-21:00, Sunday 10:00-20:00
El Recreo Mall
Popular southern Quito shopping complex catering to local families with department stores, electronics shops, and casual dining options. Less touristy than northern malls with competitive local prices.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-20:00
Mall del Sur (Guayaquil)
One of Guayaquil's largest malls with international brands, a large supermarket, food court, cinema, and entertainment zone. Located in the south of the city, accessible by bus and taxi.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00-21:00, Friday-Sunday 10:00-22:00
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at open markets like Otavalo and Saquisilí — start at 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate respectfully to a mutually agreeable middle ground
Fixed prices are standard in malls, established shops, and supermarkets — asking for a discount in these settings is inappropriate
Buying multiple items from the same vendor usually results in a better price — bundle purchases before negotiating
Smile and be friendly throughout negotiations — aggressive bargaining is frowned upon and vendors may refuse to sell
Early morning at markets often yields better prices as vendors want to make their first sale of the day
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Ecuador prohibits export of pre-Columbian artifacts, protected wildlife products including feathers, shells, and animal skins, and certain orchid species. Declaration required for goods over $5,000 in value.
Tax Refund: Ecuador does not offer a formal tourist VAT refund scheme for most purchases. The standard VAT (IVA) is 12% and is generally included in displayed prices.
Duty Free: Travelers may import personal items including up to 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and gifts valued up to $200 duty-free into Ecuador.
Shipping: International shipping from Ecuador is available via DHL, FedEx, and Correos Ecuador. Reputable shops can ship bulky items like textiles and pottery internationally. Allow 7-21 days for delivery. Declare contents accurately on customs forms.