Leather Central: Cotacachi, Ecuador

If Buenos Aires is the high-quality custom leather capital of South America (see post here), and Bolivia is the budget leather capital of the continent, then Ecuador combines the best of both worlds. And there is no place in the country better to see Ecuadorian leather craftsmanship at is best than Cotacachi.

Named for the dormant volcano that looms over the district of the same name, Cotachahi has made a name for itself as the leading artisanal manufacturers of leather goods. Stores showcasing beautiful leather luggage, hats, belts, boots and shoes, and of course jackets line one main shopping street in the town, spilling over to the nearby blocks.

While the quality may not be quite up to Argentinean standards (although the best comes close), and the prices may not be as rock-bottom as Bolivia, Cotacachi combines the two, making for a bargain with a minimum of compromises (read: you don’t come home looking like a third-world Michael Jackson). Four leather jackets, 3 pairs of boots, one belt and leather garment bag can’t be wrong.

Cotachachi is only a short drive from the famous market town of Otavalo, and can easily be done as an afternoon day trip from there—depending on how much stuff you buy! We really think it would be a shame not to go if you are in the area.

lat/long: 0.3049, -78.2757