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Tour Otavalo Market And Surroundings

3 reviews

11 hrs

From

103.187 ARS

Experience an entire day exploring Ecuador's renowned indigenous market: Otavalo. Here, you'll gain insight into the cultural significance of this market and have the opportunity to purchase vibrant textiles and crafts while savoring the local cuisine.

Additionally, our journey will take us to surrounding towns like Calderon, a quaint village celebrated for its handcrafted "Marzipan" art, Cayambe, where you can witness the traditional technique of cake-making, and Cotacachi, known for its exquisite leather goods.

Throughout the tour, you'll have the chance to visit the towering Imbabura volcano, standing at 4,610 meters, explore the scenic San Pablo Lake, take a boat ride around Cuicocha Lake, and observe the Cayambe sundial.

Descripción del Tour

At 7:00 am, we convene in the San Blas neighborhood, where we board a bus heading towards the northern part of Quito. After a 30-minute drive, we arrive in Calderón, a quaint and renowned town. Here, we make our first stop, spending 45 minutes exploring the artisanal marzipan crafts.

As we continue our journey, we pause at a scenic viewpoint to admire the breathtaking Imbabura volcano, standing tall at 4,610 meters, and enjoy the view of the serene San Pablo Lake.

Our adventure proceeds to the city of Otavalo, where we stop to witness the bustling animal market held on Saturdays. A brief 5-minute walk brings us to the globally acclaimed "Otavalo Market" or "Plaza de los Ponchos," where we immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture. This locale offers a glimpse into ancient customs and traditions, with locals donning traditional indigenous attire. Here, you can purchase costumes, ponchos, blankets with vivid fabrics, and various handicrafts.

Around 1:00 pm, we take a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring some of the region's typical dishes. Our journey then leads us to the town of Cotacachi, where we explore and shop for exquisite leather goods. Next, we venture to the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon for a 25-minute boat ride, providing an opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings.

On our return to Quito, we make a stop in the town of Cayambe to indulge in traditional cakes crafted using age-old techniques and visit the intriguing sundial. By approximately 6:00 pm, we arrive back in Quito.

¿Qué incluye?

Incluye

- Transport Quito - Otavalo - Quito - Certified bilingual guide - Lunch

No incluye

Additional tickets

Preguntas Frecuentes

The Otavalo tour includes round-trip transportation from Quito, a professional bilingual guide, and visits to points of interest such as the Otavalo Market, Lake Cuicocha, and the Peguche Waterfalls. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore the rich indigenous culture of the Otavalo people and enjoy stunning landscapes. You'll also have free time to shop for handicrafts and sample the local cuisine. This tour offers a complete experience of the Otavalo region in a single day.

The Otavalo excursion lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the afternoon. This includes transportation to and from Quito, as well as visits to the area's main tourist attractions. This is the ideal time to enjoy a full day of exploration, cultural interaction, and shopping at the famous Otavalo market, making the most of each visit. Be sure to bring comfortable clothing and all necessary personal items to enjoy this enriching tour.

The best day to visit the Otavalo market is Saturday, when the main market is held and the largest number of artisans and vendors gather. On this day, the market expands into the surrounding streets and offers the greatest variety of handcrafted goods and textiles. However, if you prefer a less crowded atmosphere, you can choose to visit any other day of the week. Whichever day you choose, you'll have an authentic experience and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Otavaleños.

Yes, it's recommended to bring cash for the Otavalo tour, as many market vendors don't accept credit cards. Cash will also help you negotiate better prices when purchasing handicrafts or souvenirs. You may also need cash to purchase food and drinks during the tour. Although there are ATMs near the market, it's best to bring enough cash to avoid inconveniences. Bring small bills to make purchases and small payments easier.

The best time to visit Otavalo is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is more stable and there is less rain. During these months, the climate is cool and pleasant, ideal for exploring the outdoors and fully enjoying the Andean landscape. However, Otavalo is a destination that can be visited year-round, as even during the rainy season, showers are usually brief, allowing you to take advantage of the vibrant market and surrounding nature. Bring appropriate clothing for the unpredictable weather of the Ecuadorian highlands.

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