Tour Otavalo Market And Surroundings
Duración: 11 Horas
Experience an entire day immersed in the vibrant culture of Ecuador's renowned indigenous market: Otavalo. Here, you will gain insight into the significance of this historic site and have the opportunity to purchase vibrant textiles and crafts, as well as savor the local cuisine.
Moreover, our journey includes stops in various charming towns such as Calderon, celebrated for its handcrafted "Marzipan" art, Cayambe, where you can observe the traditional technique of cake preparation, and Cotacachi, known for its exquisite leather goods.
Throughout the tour, you will explore the majestic Imbabura volcano, standing at 4,610 meters, visit the serene San Pablo Lake, and discover the picturesque Cuicocha Lake, where you can enjoy a boat ride. Additionally, you will witness the fascinating Cayambe sundial.
From 80.857 ARS
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Descripción del Tour:
At 7:00 am, we gather in the San Blas neighborhood. From there, we board a bus heading north of Quito, embarking on a half-hour journey to reach Calderón. In this charming town, renowned for its marzipan crafts, we will make our first stop and spend 45 minutes exploring the artisanal creations.
Continuing along our route, we'll pause at a scenic viewpoint to admire the stunning Imbabura volcano, which stands at 4,610 meters, and enjoy the view of San Pablo Lake from this vantage point.
Our journey then takes us to the city of Otavalo, where we'll stop to experience the vibrant animal fair held every Saturday. A brief 5-minute walk will lead us to the internationally acclaimed "Otavalo Market" or "Plaza de los Ponchos." Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the rich culture, witnessing ancient customs and traditions. The locals, dressed in traditional indigenous attire, offer colorful fabrics, ponchos, blankets, and various handicrafts for purchase.
Around 1:00 pm, we'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring authentic local dishes. Our adventure continues to the town of Cotacachi, where we can browse and purchase finely crafted leather goods. Next, we will visit the breathtaking Cuicocha Lagoon, where a 25-minute boat ride awaits, offering a unique perspective of the area.
As we make our way back to Quito, we'll stop in Cayambe to indulge in traditional cakes made with time-honored techniques and explore the intriguing sundial. We anticipate our arrival in Quito by approximately 6:00 pm.
Lo que SI incluye:
- Transport Quito - Otavalo - Quito - Certified bilingual guide - Lunch
Lo que NO incluye:
Additional tickets
Preguntas Frecuentes
The Otavalo Market and Surrounding Area tour includes transportation from Quito, a guided tour of the famous Otavalo Market, a stop at Cuicocha Lagoon, and a walk through the village of Cotacachi. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Peguche Waterfall. This tour offers unique cultural experiences and the opportunity to interact with the local community and purchase authentic handicrafts. It's recommended to check directly with the tour operator for specific details on what's included and any possible itinerary variations.
The tour to the Otavalo market and surrounding areas generally lasts a full day, starting early in the morning from Quito and concluding in the afternoon with a return trip to the same city. The departure time is usually around 7:00 a.m. to maximize time at the various destinations included in the tour. It is advisable to check with your travel agency in advance to confirm the exact departure time, as it may vary slightly depending on the season and weather conditions.
To fully enjoy the Otavalo market tour, it's advisable to wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes. Since the weather in the Andean region can be changeable, a jacket or sweater is recommended for the cooler hours of the day. It's also helpful to bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, a hat, and cash in local currency for market purchases and snacks. Don't forget your camera to capture memorable moments of the culture and landscapes you'll encounter along the way.
The tour to the Otavalo market and its surroundings is suitable for people of all ages, as it does not involve extreme activities. It is primarily a cultural tour, which includes visiting the market, strolling through beautiful Andean landscapes, and learning about local history and traditions. However, visitors are advised to be prepared for moderate walking. Families with children and older adults can fully enjoy this experience, always considering the specific needs of each group and consulting the agency about possible adaptations.
Many tour operators offer customization options for the Otavalo Market tour. This may include visits to other attractions in the area or schedule adjustments to better suit your preferences. Contacting the tour operator directly is the best way to discuss customization options and any additional costs that may be associated. Itinerary flexibility may also depend on availability and group size, so it's advisable to plan ahead.