otavalo: Northern Andes Handicrafts, Heritage Haciendas & Lagoons

The valley around Otavalo and the way to get to this city is full of activities, from Quito, way north, it’s possible to find some archeological and historical  sites, but the most meaningful is a Sun Dial located exactly al the latitude 0’ 0’’, with scientific explanations about solstices and equinoxes based on ancestral knowledge.

Another important characteristic of this territory is the natural part: Peguche waterfall,  some lagoons on the way where you can take a boat trip or just a relaxing moment on their lookouts.
Very talented people live around San PAblo Lake and they use the reeds for their handicrafts we can visit this artisan workshop or many of the artistic works that Kichwa Otavalo families practice.

Otavalo Indigenous Craft Market

The most important spot is Otavalo indigenous Craft Market, Nestled in a valley at the foot of a volcano 57 miles (92 kilometers) north of Quito, Otavalo is a highland community of indigenous locals famous for their weaving skills and colorful textiles.  Local people from communities in and around Otavalo who sell their wares at the daily market wear traditional clothing and have maintained their culture, language and identity.The most important spot is Otavalo indigenous Craft Market, Nestled in a valley at the foot of a volcano 57 miles (92 kilometers) north of Quito, Otavalo is a highland community of indigenous locals famous for their weaving skills and colorful textiles.  Local people from communities in and around Otavalo who sell their wares at the daily market wear traditional clothing and have maintained their culture, language and identity.

A great alternative is to visit a bird/animal rescue center: Parque Condor that is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, rescue, rehabilitation and possible re-introduction to nature of birds of prey, vultures (Andean condor) and owls, the flying displays are at 11:30am and 3:30 p. m. from wednesday to sunday. 

To enjoy most or all the activities around Otavalo and the lagoons we highly recommend stay overnight and explore more small towns around Imbabura volcano such as Cotacachi: leather’s city, Zuleta: embroidery’s city or Angochagua declared one of the Best Tourism Village 2022 awarded by World Tourism Organisation (OMT) The village of Angochagua is a diverse territory that aims to preserve the ancestral heritage of the Caranqui people, along with its native language Quichua, its cosmovision, its medicinal plant practices, and the traditional cuisine which uses endemic grains and cereals.
Angochagua is part of the Imbabura World Geopark, the first and only UNESCO site of its kind recognised in Ecuador

INCLUDED:

  • Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, the airport, or nearby cities.
  • Professional driver and certified tour guide.
  • One entrance fee to an attraction included in the agreed itinerary.
  • Water refill (don’t forget your bottle or thermos).

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Lunch or snacks.
  • Admission fees for additional places you wish to visit.
  • Tips.

Book a night around Otavalo  – our top recommendations for you!

  • Airbnb / 4-5 Star Hotel: $50-$100 per person
  • 3-Star Hotel: $40 per person
  • Hostel/Basic: $25 per person

Camping/Overlanding: $25 per person

Attractions/activities
Sun Dial/Equator Line Museum & Agave Garden
Cuicocha Lake Lookout Boat trip (ask availability)
Peguche Waterfall and artisan workshop
Parque Cóndor FLIGHT DISPLAYS 11:30 and 3:30 p. m. from wednesday to sunday Exhibitions may change schedules depending on the weather, especially on rainy days.
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