We will be in Quito next week and I have found 2 high end places that we can shop for alpaca/wool sweaters....Latina Galleria and Olga Fisch. However, I think that their prices are going to be way too high for me. I am assuming you can get these alpaca/wool sweaters in Otavalo, but what is the quality of those sweaters? I am looking for something I can wear with jeans on a cold day, that will not fall apart or get too "pilly", not necessarily something high end. I would appreciate any suggestions on this.

I wouldn't say that alpaca sweaters are something that Ecuador is even known for manufacturing. You might find some hand=knit fisherman's wool (or blend) sweaters but even then I don't recall seeing much of that in the markets. What I did see especially in Quito is a zip jacket of wool or blend. I bought a rainbow one for less than $20 and yes, it does pill.

If you're looking for handmade wearable items then there are other things, leather goods, scarves, shawls, ponchos, and the shicra bags.

El Gran Condor in Peguche (near Otavalo) has many varieties of weavings, including handmade (backstrap) weaving as well as machine-made items. My daughter picked up an Alpaca hoodie for $35 that was excellent quality. We did each get a poncho at Galeria Latina but preferred the lighter-weight alpaca ponchos from El Gran Condor (also purchased... It was a pricey day.)

Incidentally, I also picked up a gorgeous handbag in Cotacachi; embroidered with the local designs at Alkamari.

Thank you migb and amy torres for your responses. I think we'll check out El Gran Condor while we're in the Imbabura area. I will also be shopping for a leather purse in Cotacachi. We take off tomorrow!

I can't wait to read what you thought of the selection. I'm sure you had a great time!