Price from:
1,023.00 US$
per person
This three-day trip to the Otavalo area allows time for guests to leisurely enjoy the many aspects of the excursion: its natural beauty, its ancestral culture and traditions, visit the craft centers for weavings, wood carving, leather goods, the fantastic crater-lake Cuicocha and a close encounter with the communities and the Otavalo people.
Tour Details
This three-day trip to the Otavalo area allows time for guests to leisurely enjoy the many aspects of the excursion: its natural beauty, its ancestral culture and traditions, visit the craft centers for weavings, wood carving, leather goods, the fantastic crater-lake Cuicocha and a close encounter with the communities and the Otavalo people. This trip is designed for an in-depth and more relaxed experience of Imbabura, the Province of the Lakes and its many attractions: natural areas, landscapes, artisans, handicrafts, Indian culture in general, Haciendas and great gastronomy.
Early departure, drive north of Quito to Calderón, a small town where bread dough figurines are made in many shapes and sizes. Continue along the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, with their dairy farms. Arrive at lunchtime to one of the charming country inns or colonial haciendas where you will spend the nights (see description below). In the afternoon, visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for the woodcarvings.
On day two, visit the market of Otavalo, piled high with ponchos, woolen goods, tapestries, the original "Panama" hat, sweaters, Indian jewelry and many handicrafts. Lunch will be at another of the beautiful haciendas or hosterías of the area. In the afternoon, visit the Indian town of Peguche, where textiles are woven in old-fashioned shuttle looms.
On the third day, visit Cuicocha Lake and the town of Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to fine leather products. On the way back to Quito a stop is made for lunch at one of the haciendas of the Cayambe area. Accommodations and all meals are included.
Included
- Two night Accommodations
- All meals
- Round trip ground transportation and guide
Important Note
- The order of the visits may vary - depending on the weather and the day of the week.
- All Haciendas and Hosterías have private bathroom-shower facilities and hot water.
Travel Facts
- Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat)
- Take a warm coat for evening 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, 10 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 15 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, located 10 minutes to the north of Otavalo. It has 30 large comfortable rooms with heavy ornate beds and fireplaces and keeps its hacienda feel.
Our recommendations for the best possible experience
- Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, and coat).
- Take a warm coat for evenings
- Rain protection from January to May.
- This tour includes walking at an altitude of 2560 meters (8434 feet).
- Sun protection (SPF 40).
- Good walking shoes.
- Great photo ops, don´t forget your camera
- Average Temperature: Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F. / Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.
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.
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