Otavalo Cultural Shopping
Imbabura Province, Ecuador
Otavalo is located in the province of Imbabura known as the Province of the Lakes, here we arrive at the largest and most important indigenous handicraft market in South America
Otavalo and Cuicocha Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Quito
This full-day tour from Quito visits six cultural and natural attractions between Quito and Otavalo, ideal for travelers interested in indigenous markets, volcanic landscapes, and local gastronomy.
Highlights
- Enjoy Ecuadorian coffee or chocolate with bizcochos while observing their production
- Explore the largest indigenous handicraft market in South America
- Visit Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake at 3,068 meters altitude
Description
Starting from Quito, the tour follows the Panamericana Norte to Cayambe canton, where you visit the Quitsato Sundial. This pre-Hispanic cultural site marks the equator and tracks solstices and equinoxes. The local community here is engaged in livestock, agriculture, and rose harvesting for export.
The tour includes a stop at a local biscuit factory to taste Ecuadorian coffee or chocolate paired with traditional bizcochos, and witness the production process.
Next, the tour proceeds to Otavalo in Imbabura province. Before arriving, there is a viewpoint over Lake San Pablo with Imbabura Hill in the background. Otavalo is home to South America’s largest indigenous handicraft market, especially active during the weekly fair in Plaza de los Ponchos, where visitors have two hours for shopping.
The trip then continues to Cotacachi, known for its leather handicraft market, allowing 45 minutes for exploration.
The final destination is Cuicocha Lagoon, located at 3,068 meters within an active volcanic crater featuring islets and diverse plant life.
Itinerary
- Departure from Plaza Foch at 7:15 AM (Reina Victoria and Mariscal Foch)
- Departure from Plaza San Blas at 7:30 AM (Francisco de Caldas and Av. Pichincha)
- Visit Quitsato Solar Clock
- Stop at Cayambe biscuit factory (optional breakfast)
- Viewpoint over Lake San Pablo
- Explore Plaza de los Ponchos market in Otavalo
- Lunch included
- Visit Cuicocha Lagoon
- Visit Cotacachi leather market
- Return to Quito
Includes
- Certified bilingual Spanish-English guide
- Authorized tourist transportation
- Lunch menu
- Entrance permission to the protected area
Excludes
- Breakfast
- Extra meals and drinks
- Tips
- Snacks
- VAT
- Quitsato entrance fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and warm clothing for higher elevations. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot during market fair days.
