Otavalo Andean Textile & Craft Tours

This is a fun and relaxing tour of Otavalo Market. You will make stops at great foodie sites, check out a beautiful lake, visit the Quitsato sundial, have a great cup of Ecuadorian coffee, savor some tasty bizcochos and string cheese, have the best slice of pie in Ecuador, enjoy lunch at a gourmet sandwich and burger stop in Cotacachi (Leather town) and shop till you drop at the renowned Otavalo Indigenous marketplace. It´s all about having fun, eating great food, and enjoying life as a local in Ecuador.

A private driver-guide will be your companion of Otavalo, ensuring an experience connected to Andean culture. Discover the ancestral traditions of this town, its colors, costumes and beliefs. Contemplate the imposing Peguche waterfall and discover its cultural significance. Be captivated by the landscapes and panoramic views you will enjoy throughout our tour. On this tour, you will experience the diversity of Otavalo culture and its importance to Ecuador. Please note: For groups of up to 5 travelers, an expert Driver-Guide will accompany you, serving as both your driver and guide. For groups of 6 or more, a dedicated driver and a separate professional guide will be provided to enhance your experience.

Travel with me as your guide for an unparalleled journey. With a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to personalized experiences, I transform ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures. My in-depth knowledge, cultural insights, and seamless logistics ensure a stress-free exploration. Whether delving into historical marvels, savoring local flavors or embracing nature's wonders. Every moment is tailored to your desires. From vibrant markets to hidden gems, I unveil the heart of each destination, fostering a connection that transcends the ordinary. Choose me as your guide, and let's embark on a transformative voyage where every step is a discovery. Start at Quitsato, where you’ll stand on the equator and learn its history. Enjoy buttery bizcochos in Cayambe, then dive into the lively Plaza de Ponchos, filled with colorful crafts by Otavaleño artisans. Visit Cotacachi, famed for its fine leather goods, before ending at the serene Peguche Waterfall, a sacred natural wonder.

Explore one of the oldest indigenous markets in South America. Visit Quitsato, the astronomical middle of the world. Standing on two hemispheres is only possible on the equator line. Visit the largest agave garden in South America. See a traditional workshop where textiles are still made by hand on a backstrap loom. Walk to the ancient waterfall where the natives used to initiate the ceremonies of the Inti-raymi or festival of the sun. Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; a workshop of Andean instruments. What day can I visit the Otavalo Market? The market operates everyday, however on Wednesdays there is a larger influx of people and on Saturdays the market is bigger because all the market merchants show their products.

Nature, tradition and multicolored market you can experience all of this on this excursion. On our trip to Otavalo we will visit the City of Cayambe, known for its “bizcochos”, a type of baked bread that is accompanied with the so-called “Queso de Hoja” and milk delicacy. Then we will visit the Quitsato sundial museum and continue until we reach the Otavalo Market, where you can see crafts of all kinds made by the skilled indigenous artisans of the area. Then we advance until we reach Cotacachi, a picturesque town famous for its creation of leather goods, here our guide will suggest and give the necessary time for lunch. Later we will visit the Cuicocha Lagoon, which originated after a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. After this visit we will return to the city of Quito.

Join an incredible tour of Otavalo and discover the beauty of Ecuador, exploring the majestic Peguche Waterfall and the colorful Otavalo Market, known for its beautiful textiles and traditional handmade crafts. This tour is designed for offer travelers cultural experiences to learn a little more about local traditions and memorable encounters with the community. It is ideal for adventure seekers, families with children and anyone interested who wants to live a unique experience full of Ecuadorian culture and nature. Take advantage of this opportunity to observe incredible natural landscapes with a unique experience, creating unforgettable memories of Quito, definitely a tour that you cannot miss.

Dive into the colorful world of Otavalo with our immersive market tour! Discover the bustling Otavalo Market, famous for its vibrant textiles, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional Andean crafts. Wander through stalls filled with exquisite fabrics, local produce, and unique souvenirs, all while experiencing the lively atmosphere and rich culture of the region.

Enjoy a day trip to visit the Otavalo market and learn all about the culturally rich indigenous communities. The village is world-famous for its indigenous population, the so-called Otavalo’s, who are famous becuase of their handicrafts or Andean folclor musicians. Admire the Andes scenery, lagoons, culture and the locals.

The Tour Operator Enjoy Ecuador takes you to the city of Otavalo and Cotacachi, located in the Province of Imbabura, 1 hour 30 minutes from Quito. We will stop in the city of Cayambe where we will have a traditional tasting of biscuits, leaf cheese, and dulce de leche. Once in Otavalo we will visit the famous ponchos square, where you will be able to live close the day to day of Otavaleño merchants, you will have time to make purchases of the great variety of handicrafts that this place has to offer such as traditional ponchos, scarves, wood sculptures, paintings, traditional Otavalo pants, alpargatas (traditional footwear), etc. We will visit a craft workshop on Andean musical instruments. We will have the opportunity to visit the Cuicocha Lagoon, where you will be able to take pictures of this amazing attraction. To finish, we will have time for lunch in Cotacachi and return to Quito.

Enjoy the unique crafts and picturesque landscapes during this cultural day trip to Otavalo, the colorful and charming Andean minacity that will please all your expectations. Admire the beauty of nature, take in the scenic views and marvel at the majestic Cayambe volcano with its endless glaciers. Browse for unique hand-made souvenirs at world-famous Otavalo crafts market and indulge your sweet tooth with delicious traditional dishes.

Discover the best of the Andean north on a journey filled with culture, history and unforgettable landscapes. We begin at the Quitsato Solar Clock, located exactly on the equator, where you’ll learn how pre-Columbian cultures interpreted the sky and the seasons from this unique point. We then continue to the Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most colorful in South America. Enjoy free time to explore, meet local artisans and find beautifully handcrafted textiles, hats and unique pieces made by the Otavalo Indigenous community. Next, we visit the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by Andean mountains—an ideal spot for breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature. *A short tasting at the Biscuit and Agave Museum in Cayambe.

Discover the best of the Andean north on a journey filled with culture, history and breathtaking scenery. We begin at the Quitsato Solar Clock, located exactly on the equator, where you’ll learn how pre-Columbian cultures interpreted the sky and the seasons from this unique point. The experience continues at the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by Andean mountains—an ideal place to enjoy panoramic views, nature and pure fresh air. We then head to the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most colorful in South America. Explore its vibrant stalls, meet local artisans and discover beautifully handcrafted textiles, accessories and unique pieces created by the Indigenous Otavalo community. *A brief tasting at the Biscuit and Agave Museum in Cayambe.

Highlights - Exploring Otavalo Market. - Traditional Andean Cuisine. - Discover Otavalo's Culture and Culinary Traditions. - Live Demonstrations. - Scenic Ecuadorian North Andean views. Embark on a captivating full-day journey to Otavalo in the northern highlands of Ecuador. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of one of South America's most renowned indigenous markets, where colorful textiles and traditional crafts beckon. Enhance your cultural experience by visiting a local indigenous family, gaining intimate insights into their customs, and savoring the rich flavors of their gastronomic heritage during a delightful meal. We take great pride in the positive impact our tourism initiatives have on the Otavalo family and community. When you choose to explore this enchanting region with us, you're not only embarking on a journey of cultural discovery but also contributing to the well-being of local communities.