encounter the market of Otavalo
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Colourful textiles and handicrafts are the most notorious in this traditional town, where the Poncho Market takes place every Saturday.
Otavalo is probably the most traditional town in Ecuador. Indigenous population proudly maintain their connection to their ancestral roots and they’re not shy to show it. Most notably, you will see this in their dressing code and the long braided hair of its inhabitants, all part of the kichwa culture that is gladly not receding in this out-of-time city. Taita (Father in Kichwa) Imbabura and Mama Cotacachi watch over the town and with their beauty, reafirms the Otavaleño belief in the nature that surrounds and maintains them.
THE biggest indigenous market in Latinamerica
The Plaza de Ponchos is an everyday space for indigenous people to showcase their ability with textile production and their colourful designs, and on Saturdays it grows exponentially to engulf the streets that surround it with local merchants, musicians and street food vendors. It makes for an experience that will fill all of your senses for a good time to come. Remember to ask about real Alpaca products, they’re the softest!
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WHAT NOT TO MISS IN otavalo
Plaza de Ponchos
This plaza is the scenario for the handicraft market of Otavalo, one of the biggest in South America. It happens everyday, but on Saturdays, market stalls are scattered all over the streets surrounding the plaza. It’s the place to find some souvenirs for friends, family and yourself. Don´t forget to bargain for a better price, and make sure you’re getting authentic alpaca wool!
Cotacachi
This quiet town is very famous all over Ecuador for its good quality leather. You will find many shops selling different items like belts, jackets, bags, etc. The prices are much more convenient than what you may be used to.
Peguche Waterfall
Cuicocha
Carnes Coloradas Esther Moreno de Unda
San Pablo Lake
destination map
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
Quito | Quito, Ecuador | The country’s capital is an old Andean city. Although it doesn’t maintain much of its Inca origins, it’s still a testimony to Ecuador’s history and the merging of the Spanish and native cultures. Its historic downtown is the largest and best conserved in all of Latin America. Read more… |
Galapagos Islands | Islas Galápagos, Ecuador | The Galapagos Islands are one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. This archipelago of islands is located 972k,m off the coast of Ecuador and perhaps most famous for being the place where Charles Darwin first formulated his revolutionary theory of evolution. Read more… |
Otavalo | Otavalo, Ecuador | Otavalo is probably the most traditional town in Ecuador. Indigenous people showcase their textile production and colorful designs, and on Saturdays it grows exponentially to engulf the streets that surround it with local merchants, musicians and street food vendors. Read more… |
Volcanoes | Soche, Ecuador | Chimborazo is also one of the most iconic mountains in Ecuador, it’s the highest extinct volcano in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun from Earth. Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world, with a perfect conic shape that is recognizable from afar… |
Cuenca | Cuenca, Ecuador | Cuenca, with its narrow streets, beautiful plazas and picturesque cathedrals is a real competitor to the colonial part of Quito. Three rivers cross Cuenca in different parts of town, filling it with magical little spots where bridges take you from the newest part of town, to the colonial side of it.Read more… |
Amazon | Venezuela N6-09 & Mejía. 2nd Floor., Centro histórico Quito - Pichincha - Ecuador, Quito 170401, Ecuador | The Ecuadorian Amazon basin is one of the most biodiverse places in the world, and one of the most beautiful. The Napo River is the Amazon River’s main tributary, home to several un-contacted tribes living nomadic life between the borders of Ecuador, Perú, and Brazil. Read more… |
Cloud Forests of Baños and Mindo | Mindo, Ecuador | Baños & Mindo are natural wonders nestled into the Andes, offering a wide array of activities that go from adventure rafting in the river to relaxing spa days soaking in natural hot springs that get their temperature and medicinal features from the depths of Tungurahua volcano. Read more… |
Pacific Coast | Playa La Bellaca,, Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador | The coastal region of Ecuador offers a wide variety of options for you to enjoy. From secluded and secret beaches where you’ll be alone to wonder in their beauty, to cities where life is fast, you’ll find fresh seafood and picturesque villages, rich in culture and people proud of their identity. Read more… |
Depending on your client’s preferences, we can help you determine the best experiences tailored for your clients. From where to visit, when to go, what to do and how to get there safely, our travel experts will help you create an experience your clients will love.
Best times to
visit otavalo
As with most of Continental Ecuador, the climate in Otavalo is pleasant all year round, temperatures varying from 70 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with the wet season starting in February and ending in April. A good tip is to visit Otavalo during the Inty Raymi celebrations (an indigenous sun festival). The city will be most alive and festivals will have you dancing on the streets all day long.
practical information
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to Otavalo by bus from Quito, you will need to go to the Carcelen Bus Terminal, located north of the city. There, you will find buses which leave every 15 minutes. The drive takes around two and a half hours.
There are also some private services that can take you there, be sure to ask us about them.
GETTING AROUND
For getting around the city, visitors can use public transportation such as buses. However these methods of transport are only available from 6 am to 8 pm. There are also taxi cabs that you can take and they’re not expensive. Also just walking is a fun way of seeing the town, just be careful of pickpocketers, especially around the more turistic areas.
WHERE TO STAY
Otavalo has a wide range of places to stay and every type of traveler is sure to find something to their liking. From whole luxury former haciendas to backpacker hostels, there’s something for every taste, it just depends on what you’re looking for.
Around the Plaza de Ponchos you will find several restaurants that cater to every taste from traditional ecuadorian food, to international and even vegan dishes!
more highlights of Ecuador
With eight local offices in Latin America, we have the perfect base to help you build the perfect trip for your clients. Unrivaled experience with a wide selection of bed & breakfasts, small posadas, unique boutique hotels and world class luxurious lodging.