The best fashion and gift stores Ecuador

Timetable

Stores are generally open from 9am to 5pm, except in shopping malls where they open at around 10am and close at around 8pm in major cities.

Budget & Tips

Shopping in Ecuador is not a great bargain, as import taxes are high. You're likely to find pretty, typical clothing at low prices in the markets. Cigarettes are also much cheaper than in Europe. The best bargain: a real Panama super fino hat for US$150 - they're worth a fortune in Europe!

In the markets, while it's nice to get a small discount on souvenirs, too much haggling would be inappropriate.

What's very local

Otavalo's shimmering fabrics will appeal to everyone and are very affordable. If you're passing through Chordeleg, in the Cuenca region, you're sure to be seduced by a piece of locally-made jewelry, with its highly original silver arabesques.

The panama hat, known here as paja toquilla, is of course THE most tempting souvenir from Ecuador, especially as it is of good quality and can be rolled up for transport in a small balsa wood box often offered by manufacturers for the most expensive models(superfino).

If you're passing through Cotacachi, you won't want to miss a visit to the main street, where you'll find dozens of stores selling leather goods. Prices are attractive, even if they fall a little each year, as artisans become better known abroad, often exporting for major European or American brands. It's the ideal place to have a custom-made leather item made for you, which can even be delivered to you in Quito if you wish.

Duringyour visits, you'll come across many small stalls selling local coffees, but as the quality isn't always up to scratch, we advise you to taste before buying a particular brand or origin.

Tourist traps

Beware of contraband cigarettes, usually from Colombia, which are easy to identify if you try to bring them back to France. They are usually sold on the street. You may be liable to a hefty fine on your return.