Welcome to Otavalo
Otavalo's market is legendary, but it shouldn't be the only reason you come to this charming Andean mini-city. The buzzing little burg, whose sidewalks are embossed in red, yellow and blue, the colors of the national flag, is a perfect jumping-off point for regional hikes (Cotacachi, Peguche) or train trips (Ibarra, Salinas), and has enough interesting restaurants and cafes to sate your taste buds for a few days. Two days a week the cemetery springs to life as residents honor their dead with vibrant flowers and hearty meals. There's a brewpub in town and a few fun weekend bars too. And, oh yes, that market.
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Otavalo activities
Otavalo Marketplace with Optional Lunch
Depart from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving to Cayambe, where the passengers will have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Bizcochos de Cayambe”, a type of cracker or bread baked in a clay oven (greatly paired with local cheese or caramel sauce). Afterwards, we will make a brief stop at “Miralago”, to admire a wonderful view of Lago San Pablo, amazing views. The tour then continues to Otavalo where Otavaleños (natives) set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is taken place. The market hosts a variety of different handcrafted items. Passengers may choose between staying longer in Otavalo or go to visit to the leather shops at Cotacachi. On the way to Cotacachi, we will visit a traditional workshop of Andean instruments "Ñanda Mañachi" located in Peguche. In Cotacachi you have enough time to visit the village, the shops of leather goods and free time for lunch. Return to Quito picking up passengers in Otavalo.
Otavalo Market, Cuicocha Lagoon, Peguche Waterfall from Quito
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Otavalo MarketVisit the main attractions of the province of Imbabura within approximately 10 hours. Crossing the Valley of Guayllabamba, we will arrive at the Quitsato Solar Clock, site thru which the Equatorial Line passes. Then, we will make a stop at the lookout of Lake San Pablo, and continue the journey to Otavalo where we will visit the largest indigenous market in South America, an ideal place for shopping. Afterwards, we will head up to Peguche Waterfall, a beautiful ritual and spiritual site where the inhabitants, on the eve of Inti Raymi take a sacred bath under the waterfall. The adventure continues towards the Cuicocha Lagoon in the Cotacachi – Cayapas Reserve (Unavailable on holidays). Return to Quito.Duration: 6 hours
Quito to Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Quitsato Mitad del Mundo MonumentNOTE: IS NOT THE MAIN MONUMETVisit a small equator monument, entrance fee $2p.pThe Quitsato Sundial is a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del Mundo, near to Cayambe, 47 km north of Quito. It was built in 2006 and inaugurated in 2007 as an independent, non-profit project in a 24,756 ft² (2300 m²) area. Its main goal is to share crucial aspects of the astronomical knowledge of the prehispanic cultures of the region. The expositions are carried out by community members as a self-sustaining project. According to Google Maps, the central pillar is 4 meters south of the true equator.After this we will visit at the Cayambe bizcochos town (local biscuits) factory.Products not includedDuration: 1 hourStop At: MiralagoViewing point “Mira Lago” where it is possible to see Cayambe, Imbabura, San Pablo Lake, Tabacundo and flower farms.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Otavalo MarketYou will have time to explore the market and do some shoopingDuration: 1 hourStop At: Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological ReserveVisit Cotacachi leather town/ LunchDuration: 1 hourStop At: Cuicocha LakeHere you will have time for a small walk after we return to QuitoDuration: 30 minutesPass By: Quito Old TownReturn to Quito and drop you in your original meeting point.
Quito to Otavalo and its Surroundings Private Full-Day Trip
You will be picked up from your hotel in Quito before heading towards Imbabura known as "The Province of the Lakes". The highway offers a lovely view passing through Calderón and Guayllabamba valleys. There will be a short stop here to get to know more about the local culture. Passing through Cayambe you can see the amazing snow-capped volcano (5,790m.), the world's highest point crossed by the Equator Line. This small town is also famous for its salt biscuits with "leaf cheese" and "manjar". You can make a stop here to try this delicacy, before continuing to the Imbabura province, named after the Imbabura Volcano. Here you we head to the largest lake in Ecuador, the San Pablo. Afterwards you will enter Otavalo City that holds an Indian Market every day, the biggest are on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This market is an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. Furthermore, you will visit the peaceful Cotacachi Village, famous for its leather, and meet the local craftsmen. Finally, after a visit to the charming Cuicocha Crater Lake you will head back to Quito in the late afternoon.
Quito to Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake and Cayambe Full-Day Tour
You will meet your guide at a central location at 6:45am in La Mariscal for your shared day-tour to Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake and Cayambegives. You will enjoy a full Andes experience with local kitchen, local handicrafts and an opportunity to explore the amazing nature that the Andes has to offer. You will be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus with a maximum of 15 people with an excellent English-speaking guide who will be with you the whole day.
Quito to Otavalo Day Trip with Craft Market and Parque Condor
Meet your guide at a central meeting point in Quito, and begin the 2-hour drive through the highlands of Imbabura province in northern Ecuador. Learn about its capital, Otavalo, and the resident Otavaleños, a prosperous indigenous group. You’ll make stops at a number of sites just outside of Otavalo before concluding your experience at the town's sprawling handicraft market.Stretch your legs at San Pablo Lake (Lago San Pablo), which sits at the base of the dormant Imbabura Volcano at an elevation of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). While you take in your surroundings of the Andes mountains and lush green valleys, hear about the wildlife and developing tourism in this area.Next, visit Parque Condor, a Dutch-owned sanctuary that rehabilitates birds of prey like Andean condors, eagles, owls, falcons and hawks. Follow your guide along a nature trail, and catch sight of some of these birds before heading to the amphitheater for a flight demonstration. Watch rangers work with hawks and falcons as the birds soar, plummet and find prey.Make your next stop in Otavalo at its indigenous craft market, centered around Plaza de Ponchos and extending for several blocks in each direction. See locals dressed in traditional clothing, and listen to Andean pipe music in the background as you browse the displays of handmade jewelry, rugs, bags, ornaments and textiles.Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant specializing in a modern take on traditional Andean fare, and then enjoy an introduction to the art of ancient weaving, traditional clothing and herbal medicines. You'll be guided by a native host who will share with you the legacy and importance of these traditions. After a day filled with rich and natural wonders, board your transport and relax on the drive back to Quito.