Otavalo

I want to give you, your family, or group a truly unique experience. Let me show you the place where I grew up, where breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures have shaped my life. By sharing my personal journey, I’ll ensure your visit is unforgettable. Traveling by land adds to the adventure, offering a relaxing and safe way to immerse yourself in the beauty of this region.

Travel with me as your guide for an unparalleled journey. With a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to personalized experiences, I transform ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures. My in-depth knowledge, cultural insights, and seamless logistics ensure a stress-free exploration. Whether delving into historical marvels, savoring local flavors or embracing nature's wonders. Every moment is tailored to your desires. From vibrant markets to hidden gems, I unveil the heart of each destination, fostering a connection that transcends the ordinary. Choose me as your guide, and let's embark on a transformative voyage where every step is a discovery. Start at Quitsato, where you’ll stand on the equator and learn its history. Enjoy buttery bizcochos in Cayambe, then dive into the lively Plaza de Ponchos, filled with colorful crafts by Otavaleño artisans. Visit Cotacachi, famed for its fine leather goods, before ending at the serene Peguche Waterfall, a sacred natural wonder.

Visit the vibrant markets of Otavalo and Cotacachi on this full-day tour from Quito. Enjoy beautiful viewpoints, a delicious lunch, and an optional boat ride on Cuicocha Lake. This shared tour includes pickup and drop-off from two convenient locations in Quito.

Otavalo is home to an ancestral indigenous handicrafts market where you will be amazed by the variety of colorful handicrafts. The beautiful scenery and friendly people will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. At the "Plaza de Ponchos" market you will find artisans of leather, wood, fabric, embroidery, marzipan art and jewelry that will make you wish you had brought an extra bag for when you return home. Take some time to interact with the vendors and live as part of the culture of one of the oldest and most emblematic civilizations of Ecuador and the Andean region.

Imbabura or known as the Lakes Province is absolutely one of the favorite tours on visitor’s trips while in Ecuador. The main attraction is Otavalo Market. It is a massive Saturday crafts market (But there is a market every day too) – one of the biggest of South America! Tons of traditionally-attired Quechua locals take over the streets of the whole town center, selling beautiful artwork, handicrafts, livestock, and clothing, anything you can imagine! You will also LOVE the food at Cotacachi also known as the Leather Town, and all the great but cheap restaurants around town. The waterfall that after a short walk ,you will be impressed by its beauty .Finally amazing views of the Andes on the way back to Quito. We invite you to join us to this very colorful tour with a local taste

Explore one of the oldest indigenous markets in South America. Visit Quitsato, the astronomical middle of the world. Standing on two hemispheres is only possible on the equator line. Visit the largest agave garden in South America. See a traditional workshop where textiles are still made by hand on a backstrap loom. Walk to the ancient waterfall where the natives used to initiate the ceremonies of the Inti-raymi or festival of the sun. Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; a workshop of Andean instruments. What day can I visit the Otavalo Market? The market operates everyday, however on Wednesdays there is a larger influx of people and on Saturdays the market is bigger because all the market merchants show their products.

Take this unique day tour from Quito and come with us out of the beaten path every Wednesday and Saturday! Discover new and unknown attractions around the Otavalo region! Join us and enjoy a memorable life experience, exploring a rose plantation, farmlands and Indian Communities! Discover the largest Indian Market of South America from the comfort of a small group-size-tour and admire the majesty of the Northern Andes!

Nature, tradition and multicolored market you can experience all of this on this excursion. On our trip to Otavalo we will visit the City of Cayambe, known for its “bizcochos”, a type of baked bread that is accompanied with the so-called “Queso de Hoja” and milk delicacy. Then we will visit the Quitsato sundial museum and continue until we reach the Otavalo Market, where you can see crafts of all kinds made by the skilled indigenous artisans of the area. Then we advance until we reach Cotacachi, a picturesque town famous for its creation of leather goods, here our guide will suggest and give the necessary time for lunch. Later we will visit the Cuicocha Lagoon, which originated after a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. After this visit we will return to the city of Quito.

Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.

Don't waste your valuable time waiting for large group-tours and make your day on your own way! Do an unforgettable excursion escorted by a private and knowledgeable local tour guide, and enjoy the visit to the biggest Indian Market of South America, from the comfort of a private tour! Enjoy this colourful and welcoming culture, visiting its main surrounding areas and attractions. Have a relaxing and memorable day trip during your stay in Quito!

In the heart of South America, nestled just two hours north of Quito, lies the enigmatic town of Otavalo. It's not just any town; it's a pulsating epicenter of culture, art, and nature. Known far and wide for hosting the continent's most expansive Indian handicraft market, Otavalo is more than just a marketplace. It's a tapestry of vibrant colors, intricate woodwork, and masterful weaving. Beyond the bustling stalls and the hum of barter, Otavalo's soul lies in its breathtaking backdrop. Majestic peaks, serene lakes, and untouched natural reserves cradle this town, while whispers of ancient Indian villages dance in the wind. Otavalo isn't just a destination; it's an experience, a journey into the heart of a land that time forgot.

Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.

Among the major attractions of Imbabura are Lake San Pablo; Otavalo and its indigenous market; the Peguche waterfalls; Chachimbiro and its thermal waters; Cuicocha lagoon, guarded by the imposing Cotacachi; Cotacachi, famous for its leather industry; Atuntaqui, an icon of Ecuadorian fashion; the beautiful Urcuquí valley with its arid areas; the mysterious Zuleta area, renowned for its embroidery and anonymous visits by various celebrities; the lovely Angochagua valley, and, of course, Ibarra, with its beautiful Historic Center. Regardless of the chosen route, the experience of discovering new places, far from the chaos of the city, will make the Ibarride experience the best memory among friends and family.

This is a Private Full Day Program, you will see the amazing "Sierra"  Ecuadorian Andean Landscape, you will visit the Middle of the World site "Quitsato", here you can stand one foot in the northern and one foot in the southern hemisphere. Enjoy the visit to the Otavalo Market, home of the most colorful in Ecuador and the largest indigenous markets in South America. You have also the option to visit Cuicocha Crater Lake, Peguche Waterfall, the leather town of Cotacachi. Depending of the sites that you would like to visit, there is more options such as the Wood Carving town of San Antonio de Ibarra, or if you would like to see the Andean Condor and other birds of pray instead of visiting the market for shopping. During this day you choose the sites to be visited and the time you would like to spend on it and the time to back at your Hotel in the city, you build your own day!!

Enjoy a full-day tour in the Otavalo Area. We will visit the largest indigenous market in Latin America and browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. We will visit Lago San Pablo, where you will be able to admire its breathtaking beauty. We will also visit a Bizchochos Artesanal factory, the spectacular Cuicocha lagoon, Cotacachi leather town, and more.

Our tourist service is special because we have new cars and experienced guides that are certified and will make your experience unforgettable.

Otavalo is a city located in the province of Imbabura, north of Ecuador. The Imbabura volcano and some others are very close. Here we find the world famous “Mercado de Otavalo” or “Plaza de los Ponchos ”, where locals wear traditional indigenous clothing and market outfits and fabrics colorful in addition to handicrafts. We have near Otavalo the Cuicocha Volcano, a beautiful extinct volcano with a lagoon on the edge of it

All Inclusive: – Bilingual professional guide – Ecuadorian lunch and sightseeing tours Tourist Transportation: – From Quito – Otavalo – Quito Activities: – Hike in stunning landscapes – Visit to the indigenous market of Otavalo – Discover the Plaza de Ponchos – Panoramic views from the Mirador of Lake San Pablo – Explore Cotacachi and its renowned leather craftsmanship Quality and Professionalism: – Exceptional service with a professional touch Availability of Tours: – Shared tour: Every Tuesday and Saturday – Private tour: Every day

Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.

Enjoy a full day in the biggest indigenous market of South America. The perfect opportunity to acquire your souvenirs and enjoy a beautiful landscape.