Otavalo Day Tour

Overview

Our Otavalo day tour takes you in a private fashio to visit one of the hiden gems of Ecuador in terms of sightseing and culture. Despite its modest size, Otavalo (pop. 90,000) hosts the biggest textiles markets in Ecuador and one of the most famous in South America. The market is a permanent fixture in the Plaza de Ponchos, but every Saturday the stalls spread out across the town, and thousands of locals and visitors, mix it up in a festival of buying, selling, and haggling.

The unique local indigenous group, the Otavaleños, dominate the town, and much of the local population is dedicated to making and selling textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and ceramics. Their textiles and indigenous music are carried around the world.

Otavalo is one of the oldest towns in Imbabura Province and was a market town long before the Incas arrived, however, it is not just about shopping and there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the vicinity. The setting of the town is very attractive, nestled at 2,530 meters in the verdant Valle del Amanecer (Valley of the Sunrise) between two dormant volcanoes: Cotacachi to the northwest and Imbabura to the east. Both peaks offer climbing opportunities, and there is great hiking around several stunning lakes close to town.

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Full day itinerary

Just an hour and a half north of Quito are the lush volcanic highlands. This land is rich in friendly and colorfully attired indigenous people, historic working haciendas, and towering volcanoes with verdant slopes. Our destination is the Otavalo Indian craft market. As we pass into the highlands, we’re treated to sweeping views of Imbabura and Cotacachi Volcanoes rising above San Pablo Lake.

Otavalo Market: Dive into the heart of Otavalo’s cultural scene with a visit to its famous indigenous market, one of the largest and most colorful in South America. Stroll through labyrinthine alleys filled with artisanal crafts, textiles, and traditional Andean souvenirs. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of handwoven textiles, vibrant tapestries, and intricately carved woodwork, all crafted by skilled artisans following ancient techniques passed down through generations.

Peguche Village is a hidden gem just a few miles out of Otavalo waiting to be explored. Tucked away amidst verdant mountains and rolling hills, this quaint village exudes an air of tranquility and rustic charm, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Andean life and culture where you visit a few local art shops and you see how they work in their crafts and cultivate their lands.

Your guide will take you to have a traditional lunch in a colonial hacienda. Step back in time and savor the essence of Ecuadorian cuisine with a traditional lunch at Hacienda Pinsaquí. located among the most iconic volcanoes of the province and with breathtaking landscapes of the Andean highlands, this historic hacienda invites guests to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Ecuador.

After lunch your private Otavalo day tour takes you to Cuicocha Lake, a breathtaking crater lake nestled at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. Enjoy and admire panoramic views of the surrounding Andean peaks and verdant valleys. Learn about the geological history of Cuicocha and its significance to the indigenous communities of the region, who consider it a sacred site imbued with spiritual significance.

Conclude your day tour with a visit to Cotacachi, a charming Andean village known for its skilled leather artisans and picturesque streets. Explore local workshops and boutiques showcasing exquisite leather goods, from handcrafted bags and belts to intricately designed shoes and accessories. Delight in the opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs directly from the artisans themselves, supporting the local economy and taking home a piece of Ecuadorian craftsmanship.

Your guide then will take you back to your hotel in Quito.