PORTADA

 

   THIS IS      OTAVALO

Otavalo,💓 also known as San Luis de Otavalo,

 is an Ecuadorian city; 

cantonal head of the Otavalo Canton, as well

 as the second largest and 

most populated city in the Province of

 Imbabura. It is located to the north of

 the Inter-Andean Region of Ecuador, in the

 Chota river basin.

It is called "Intercultural Capital of

 Ecuador" for its cultural and 

historical wealth, and for being the place

 of origin of the Quichua people of

 the Otavalos, famous for their textile and 

commercial skills, characteristics that 

have given rise to the largest indigenous

 artisan market in South America. , called 

"La Plaza de Ponchos".

 In the 2010 census it had a population of 

39,354, making it the thirty-third most

 populous city in the country.

 It is part of the metropolitan area of

 ​​Ibarra, since its economic, social and 

commercial activity is strongly linked 

to Ibarra, being a "bedroom city" for 

thousands of people who move to Ibarra by 

land. The conglomerate is home to more than 

250,000 residents.

Its origins date back to the 16th century,

 being one of the most important cities of

 the colonial era, until the creation of the

 Province of Imbabura, 

due to the designation of Ibarra as capital.

 It is one of the most important

 administrative, economic, financial and 

commercial centers of Imbabura. 

The main activities of the city are

 commerce, agriculture, livestock, and

 tourism.