Otavalo
Otavalo is home to the most important indigenous handicraft market in the country. It is one of the most renowned such markets worldwide. In the Plaza El Centenario, known as Mercado de Ponchos, dozens of communities gather weekly to display their textile products. Their techniques for the production of dresses, blankets, tapestries and bags have been used since the colonial era. Colourful products such as naïve art, ceramics and jewels, etc., are also sold. Otavalo is located 28 km. from Ibarra, close to other handicraft producing towns and eco-tourist destinations.

Cotacachi
Cotacahi, another town famous for handicrafts, is located to the southeast of Ibarra in Imbabura province. The area is renowned for the production of leather goods. Small and large stores in the center of the town offer fine leather garments produced by skilled artists. Weekends are an ideal time to see leather art in action.

Calderón
Just 15 minutes to the north of Quito, the town of Calderón offers visitors its handicrafts made of the bread dough "mazapán". Small colourful objects representing important figures from the country and other subjects are displayed along the main street of the town in various stores.

Saquisilí
Saquisilí is located to the north of Latacunga in Cotopaxi province. The Thursday markets, which occur in eight large plazas, bring colour to its traditional population. Agricultural products, cattle and sheep livestock are all sold. It represents one of the most renowned traditional markets in the central part of the country and is highly visited by national and foreign tourists.

Tigua
Tigua is part of the rural parish of Guangaje in Cotopaxi province. It is a traditional Andean population made up of small country communities dedicated to the art of painting. These skills have been passed down since the Tahuantinsuyo era by the area's inhabitants, who use different coloured enamels. A variety of representations of daily life, such as the Fiesta de la Gran Cosecha, myths, legends, marriage, nature, the adoration of the sun and snow-capped peaks, are all present in the paintings produced on sheepskin.

Pujilí
Pujilí, a renowned tourist destination in the Andes, is located in Cotopaxi province. It is characterized by its agricultural, cattle and handicraft products. Its painted ceramics and glass works are famous inside and outside of the country. Another of its treasures is its church, one of the oldest in Ecuador.

Guano
Guano is an important handicraft centre located 10 minutes from the city of Riobamba in Chimborazo province. Its inhabitants fashion rugs and tapestries in a variety of formats and colours using pre-Colombian and modern designs. Hand-made embroideries are produced to adorn dresses, woven wool fabric, cushions with appliqué made from pita fiber. This rich production is renowned nationally and internationally. Nearby lie the medicinal waters of Los Elenes spa.

Cacha
The market town of Cacha lies 10km from Riobamba in Chimborazo province. It stands out for a variety of products including colourful ponchos. There is an annual fair and patriotic celebration graced by the presence of Cacha community representatives. The woven fabrics are highly valued commercially, the cloths as much as the ponchos, bags, hats and other articles. These products are sold on Saturdays in the Concepción market in Riobamba.