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$55 per person | From Quito

Otavalo Day Tour

Indigenous Andean Market

From Quito

Easy

50 USD p.p.

2,500m / 8,202ft

departures every week:
  • Tuesday
  • Saturday

We guarantee departures, even with one person.

Our itinerary

Otavalo Day Tour

“Today, you’ll walk through color, tradition, and stories woven by Kichwa hands for generations.”

Start and Pick Up

Today we will be visiting Otavalo Market.

There are two pick up points for the Otavalo day tour:

  1. 07:15 AM – Plaza Foch in front of Juan Valdez Café.
  2. 07:30 AM – Plaza San Blas from Café Zular.

Please look for a white tour bus. The guide will be there with a list of names to check you in.

We recommend taking a taxi to and from one of these pick-up/drop-off points.

The Equator at Quitsato Sundial

Start your day at the Quitsato Sundial, located right on the Equator. This interesting place shows how people used to study the sun and stars. You can take photos and see how this large sundial works with great accuracy.

Bizcochos in Cayambe

Next, we visit a local bizcochos (biscuit) factory in Cayambe. You’ll enjoy a free tasting of these famous buttery snacks and, if you like them, you can buy some to take home. It’s a fun and tasty way to experience local food and culture.

Shopping in the Otavalo Market

Explore the famous Otavalo Market for about 2 hours. This market is known for its colorful handmade crafts, textiles, and artwork. Perfect for finding souvenirs!

Whether you visit on a busy Saturday or a quieter weekday, the market is full of life and local culture. Our guide will also share stories about the Indigenous heritage of the area, including the Quitu-Cara and other pre-Inca cultures.

Alpacas & Cotacachi Leather

Visit the charming town of Cotacachi, famous for its high-quality leather products. You can explore shops with leather jackets, bags, belts, and more.

We’ll also make a photo stop for views and the chance to see Alpaca up close.

Ecuadorian Lunch

We stop for lunch (included) at a local restaurant. You can enjoy Ecuadorian food and have time some to rest.

If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please let us know in advance. We will be happy to accommodate you.

Hiking Laguna Cuicocha

End your adventure with a visit to Laguna Cuicocha, a beautiful crater lake with two small islands. Enjoy the amazing views and take a relaxed walk along the lakeside trails.

Return and Drop off

After lunch, we will begin our return journey to Quito.

If you’re heading south to Latacunga, Baños, or Quilotoa, we can drop you off along the way for public transport, or help arrange a private transfer (additional cost).

For those returning to Quito, we will arrive between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Drop-off will be at the same locations as the pick-up points.

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$50 per person for our shared tour.

Guaranteed departures every Tuesday & Saturday.

Important:

Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.

Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.

Bilingual guide Spanish / English.

Authorized tourist transport.

Menu-type meal (lunch).

Quitsato Sundial entrance fee: $2.

Extra food and drinks.

Tips.

Snacks.

Taxes Ecuadorian tourist and companies.

Get ready for your day tour with this packing list:

Stay warm with scarf and hat.

Shield your eyes with sunglasses.

Stay hydrated with water.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.

Capture memories with your camera.

Stay dry with a waterproof jacket.

Keep your feet cozy with warm socks.

Protect your skin with sunscreen.

Pack snacks for energy.

$50 per person for our shared tour.

Guaranteed departures every Tuesday & Saturday.

Important:

Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.

Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.

Bilingual guide Spanish / English.

Authorized tourist transport.

Menu-type meal (lunch).

Quitsato Sundial entrance fee: $2.

Extra food and drinks.

Tips.

Snacks.

Taxes Ecuadorian tourist and companies.

Get ready for your day tour with this packing list:

Stay warm with scarf and hat.

Shield your eyes with sunglasses.

Stay hydrated with water.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.

Capture memories with your camera.

Stay dry with a waterproof jacket.

Keep your feet cozy with warm socks.

Protect your skin with sunscreen.

Pack snacks for energy.

Frequently Asked questions

Otavalo Market

Q: What can I expect to see at the Otavalo Market?

The Otavalo Market is renowned for its colorful array of handicrafts, textiles, and artworks. You’ll find a wide variety of goods, including handwoven fabrics, traditional clothing, jewelry, and artworks. It’s a fantastic place to experience local culture and purchase unique souvenirs.

Q: Should I negotiate prices at the market?

Yes, negotiating prices is a common practice at the Otavalo Market. Vendors often expect customers to bargain, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better deal on the items you wish to purchase. It can be a fun part of the shopping experience and allows you to interact more with the local sellers.

Q: Are meals provided during the tour?
Yes, a delicious local lunch is included in the tour. You can enjoy traditional Ecuadorian cuisine to recharge before continuing your adventure.
Q: How long does the Otavalo Day Tour last?

The Otavalo Day Tour is a full-day excursion, departing from Quito in the morning and returning in the early evening. The exact duration may vary, but you can expect to spend the whole day exploring and enjoying the sites.

Q: Is the Otavalo Day Tour suitable for children?

Yes, the Otavalo Day Tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. The diverse range of activities, from visiting the Quitsato Sundial to exploring the market and the scenic beauty of Laguna Cuicocha, makes it enjoyable for all ages.