Private Full-Day Trip to Otavalo and Its Surroundings from Quito

Private Full-Day Trip to Otavalo and Its Surroundings from Quito

Otavalo is a small town in Ecuador. It has about 50.000 inhabitants and is the capital of the canton of the same name. The village is world-famous for its indigenous population, the so-called Otavalo’s, many of which are travelling around the world to sell their famous handicrafts or play in Andean Folk music groups. The Otavalo’s are considered the economically most successful indigenous group of Latin America.

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.