Price from:
847.00 USD
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 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. 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.
The order of the visits may vary - depending on the weather and the day of the week.
Included
- Accommodations
- All meals
- Round trip ground transportation and guide
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
HOSTERIA LA MIRAGE
Iis located next to the town of Cotacachi. It has very comfortable suites (all different), a complete spa with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, masseuse, and aromatherapy, plus five acres of landscaped gardens.
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.