Price from:
1,210.00 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 lunch time to one of the charming country inns or colonial haciendas in the area. In the afternoon, visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for the woodcarvings. Spend the next two nights at La Mirage Garden Hotel and Spa - the only luxury hotel in the Province of Imbabura and only member of the elite international Relais & Chateaux Chain in the entire country - welcomes guest to step into a magic atmosphere and enjoy traditional Ecuadorian Hospitality.
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
- Accommodations
- All meals
- Round trip ground transportation and guide
Important notes
- 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.
About the Lodging
HOSTERIA LA MIRAGE
Perched on an Andean hillside a 2 hours drive north of Quito, LA MIRAGE is a contemporary resort built on the grounds of a 200 year old Hacienda in the year 1985. Fragrant hummingbird-filled gardens, 23 large exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, impeccable service, and gourmet food compromise the package that is the LA MIRAGE experience. It is the details of this resort that secure its position in the esteemed Relais & Chateaux Association, which stand for the 5 C’s: Calm, Charm, Character, Courtesy and Cuisine. La Mirage has been the only member in Ecuador since 1997.
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.
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
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.
SHARE
PRINT
Open this gallery and post comments
Related Trips
About Adventure Associates
