A Day Tour to Discover the Riches of Otavalo Market through Culture, Crafts & Color

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region’s natives on this Otavalo day trip from Quito. Marvel at the stunning landscapes around the Andean city of Cayambe which lies at the foot of Cayambe Volcano. The city is home to an impressive sundial, which you can visit on an optional tour of the equator line.

Explore the world-renowned Otavalo market, where you’ll find an array of colorful stalls filled with textiles, ceramics, and handmade jewelry. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and witness the rich cultural heritage of the Otavalo natives, known for their exceptional weaving skills and vibrant clothing. With plenty of time to shop and interact with local vendors, you’ll have the chance to bring home a piece of Ecuador’s culture with you. This tour promises an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the richness of indigenous culture.

Discover some of the Northern Andes’ most picturesque landscapes including Lake San Pablo at the foot of Imbabura Volcano and the mesmerizing Lake Cuicocha. This tour promises an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the richness of indigenous culture.

Prices

2025 Rates per Person

Shared group tours (approx. 12 people): Tuesdays and Saturdays – USD 55 per person

We will depart from a meeting point in the La Mariscal neighborhood in Quito at 7:15 AM, and from a meeting point in the old town (Plaza San Blas) at 7:30 AM. After traveling north for about 1,5 hours, we’ll stop at the Andean city of Cayambe which lies at the foot of Cayambe Volcano. You will have the option to have breakfast if you want to try the local speciality “bizcochos”. We will also offer you an optional tour of the equator line and the impressive sundial in Cayambe.

Then we continue our journey to Otavalo with a stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the landscape of Lake San Pablo and Imbabura Volcano. In the northern Andean town Otavalo, you will have about two free hours to stroll around its famous handicrafts market. The local otavaleños sell blankets, ponchos, scarves and other clothing made out of alpaca and sheep wool. Many locals still wear the traditional clothing of the Otavalo culture. Souvenirs and hand-made silver jewelry are also available.

The Otavalo market can be enjoyed every day at the main square but on Saturdays, the market is larger and stretches over several blocks. Whether you shop bag-loads of souvenirs or just observe the colorful hustle and bustle of the market, a visit is always fun and a favorite among locals and foreigners.

Afterwards, we’ll continue on to Lake Cuicocha to do some hiking. This beautiful lake formed in the crater of an inactive volcano features little islands in its center.

After lunch, we will visit another Andean town called Cotacachi. The people here specialize in leather goods and it is another great place to buy souvenirs. At the end of this fun and exciting full-day tour we’ll head back to Quito, where we arrive at around 6 PM. Arrival time in Quito can vary depending on traffic.