Otavalo

While traveling through Ecuador, I made a stop in Otavalo, a charming city known for its culture, mountains, and one of the most famous artisan markets in South America.

I had heard about the Otavalo Market, especially for its handmade clothes and textiles, so I went to check it out, and it really was a colorful and lively experience. The market was full of textures, patterns, and tradition, and I loved wandering through the stalls, exploring it all.

But the real surprise came when I discovered there was a place just outside the city where they work with birds of prey...and I happened to arrive just in time for a show.

I watched, completely fascinated, as eagles, hawks, and owls flew through the open sky and landed gracefully on the trainer’s glove. It was beautiful to witness, and for me, it felt like a childhood dream come true, I’ve always been drawn to pray birds, and it felt so exciting to see them up close, yet still free in their movement. 🦅 The guide talked about the conservation efforts, about how these birds are rescued, trained, and sometimes reintroduced into the wild. It wasn’t just a show—it was a deeper experience about our connection to nature and the responsibility we have to protect it. That day in Otavalo left me feeling inspired, humbled, and full of wonder.