Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon

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.

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.