Guamote was not anticlimactic

Because of our Galapagos schedule and Difuntos holidays, we extended our stay in Ecuador by a week in order to catch a few major markets, Guamote being the final one. The last few days in Riobamba I had plenty of time for contemplation, I was beginning to have doubts....

On the morning of market day, we headed towards the bus stop. Half way there we spotted a bus being loaded with ropes and crates. We immediately realized that the bus was taking vendors to the Guamote market. Without any hesitation we quickly got on the bus -- we were already at market. During the entire ride, a lady in our row was making bridles with rings and ropes.

Once we watched our bus being unloaded by porters and bicycle carts, we made our usual rounds. There was so much hustle and bustle, and even though it rained on and off, people barely seem to notice. What makes the Guamote market so special was

• Guamote is a small town. On market day the whole town is literally one big market. Every inch of the town is occupied by stalls, vehicles, or people partaking in the market.
• The local indigenous people wear costumes in vibrant hues, men and women, making the the market exceedingly colorful.
• There are a LOT of large animals at market. By my calculation every animal in Ecuador would have to be at market every other week. Of course, that cannot be the case!
  

Unedited video of the bus unloading.


The market surrounds the train station making it difficult for the train - a bus body on wheels - to get through.




Various photos from the pig market.








Wet, "for sale", alpacas.


One portion of the "big cattle" market.