When you're tired from trekking around Quito's Old Town, there are plenty of distractions to be found just a short drive from the Ecuadorean capital. Here are five of the best:

Otavalo

With 7,000 traders, mostly Indian women from across Ecuador and neighboring Peru, Otavalo is the largest market in South America. Particularly lovely are the bright, woven tablecloths, bags and embroidered shirts. Knitted finger puppets of Andean animals are the cutest choice -- a bargain at two for a dollar.