Price from:
106.00 USD
per person
This one-day semi-private excursion has been designed to provide guests with an overall view of the dramatic Andean scenery, with an earlier departure to arrive in time to appreciate the activity of the Otavalo Market and visit the town of Peguche for a stroll through the town to observe the weaving process.
Tour Details
This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America’s most famous Indian fair along the Panamerican Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains.
Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.
Included
- Lunch
- Round trip ground transportation and guide
Travel Facts
- Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat)
- Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny and rain protection from February to May
- This tour includes walking at an altitude of 2560 meters (8434 feet)
- Sun protection (SPF 40)
- Good walking shoes
- Great Photo ops
About the Lodging
HOSTERIAS/HACIENDAS
Overnight in Otavalo can be spent at any of the following:
(A) HOSTERIA PUERTO LAGO
Has an impressive waterfront setting, on the banks of Lake San Pablo, 5 minutes to the south of Otavalo. It has comfortable bungalows with fireplaces. The restaurant overlooks the lake.
(B) HACIENDA CUSIN
Is a fully renovated colonial hacienda 10 minutes to the south of Otavalo, at San Pablo del Lago. It has attractive rooms, most with fireplaces. It is furnished with colonial antiques. Dinners are served by candlelight.
(C) HACIENDA PINSAQUI
Dates back to the 1700’s and has always been in the same family. It has 16 large comfortable rooms with heavy ornate beds and fireplaces and keeps its hacienda feel.
All Haciendas and Hosterías have private bathroom-shower facilities and hot water.
Otavalo Ecuador indigenous market tours
Handicrafts, the products of the land and rich ancestral cultures in a display of dazzling colors.
To the north of Quito, the province of Imbabura is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador: a magical land of lakes, snow-covered mountains and terraced farmlands.
For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. The colorful local markets of the Andean Valleys are famous for their fine handycrafts.
The Otavalo Indian market dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on backstop and shuttle looms.