Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon

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In the morning, you will leave Quito head northwards through the Pan-American North Highway, and start an amazing trip to Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon. You can visit the Otavalo market all day, from 7.00am to 6.00pm. However, we don’t advise that you go too late, as the craftsmen start packing up before then.

Otavalo, EC

19°C

Tour Plan

Day 01

Otavalo Market

On your way to Otavalo, you will stop close to Cayambe to try the typical cookies “bizcochos”. After another stop to admire the beautiful San Pablo Lake, you arrive at Otavalo and will familiarize yourself with the Kichwa Otavalo people and their world-renowned crafts.

The Otavalo market is considered one of the biggest and best native markets in all of South America, for good reason! Two hours from Quito, the market is home to a wide array of textiles and handicrafts. Shop for scarves, blankets, purses, hats, and souvenirs to bring home. Walk around the market and all its corners, purchase brightly colored fabrics and crafts, and enjoy the local food.

Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets of South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits. Take a stroll through the streets and maybe try some local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, fried pork with cooked corn.

Day 01

Cuicocha Lagoon

Afterward, you will visit the crater lagoon of Cuicocha, located 12 km southwest of Cotacachi and 14 km from Otavalo. One of the most beautiful Lakes in Ecuador and an “off the beaten path” destination! Your guide will explain to you the high-altitude flora and fauna and the history of the once active volcano. Take a stroll to one of the viewpoints, take pictures and enjoy the view. In the late afternoon, you return to Quito.

Services included in the price

Meals are mentioned in the program.
Private English-speaking guide and transportation through all the itinerary.
Entrance fees to the mentioned places and activities.

Not included in the price

Domestic and international flights
Travel insurance
Optional excursions
Personal expenses such as tips
Alcoholic drinks
Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program
PCR COVID TEST if applies

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Please note that the category stars given for the accommodations are estimated as local categories that do not fit international standards. Local categories are in all cases alike or higher than the ones given above.

NB: Please read all itineraries as a guide only. All routes and programs can change without notice due to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons, and the wildlife encountered during the travel. Flexibility is the key to the success of any expedition. Nevertheless, the safety and the interest of our passengers is always the first priority.

Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon