Overview
Visit the land of the Otavalenos, a thriving, prosperous group, famous for their prodigious production of woolens. The town itself is one of South America’s most important centers of ethno-tourism and its enormous Saturday market, featuring a dazzling array of textiles and crafts, is second to none and not to be missed.
Traveling north of Quito through Pan American High way, in route, visit the small town of Guayllabamba. This small village is known for its Chirimoya, an original delicious Andean fruit and potatoes soup with avocado. Continue north, back on the Pan American Highway. The highway crosses the equator just before the town of Cayambe. The spot is marked by a monument that offers a photo opportunity for you to “straddle the hemisphere” or “walk the equatorial line”. (This spot is preferable to the more crowded and touristy one at Mitad de Mundo.)
The Pan American Highway north of Cayambe continues through rich agricultural land dotted with dairy farms and impressive greenhouses. These greenhouses grow magnificent flowers-- particularly roses-- for florists around the world. Head towards the town of Otavalo which is located in a valley between two extinct volcanoes. At the head of this valley right off the highway is the large Lago San Pablo, where you will stop to admire the breathtaking views, and the Indian villages located there. Continue to the famous land of the Otavalos with their extraordinary and largest Hand Craft Market in Plaza de Ponchos.
We will visit the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecologic Reserve where the Cuicocha Lagoon is inside an old caldera on the southern flank of Volcan Cotacachi. There are two small conical islands on the far side of the lake, surrounded by rich vegetation. Then visit the leather village of Cotacachi, once again famous for the traditional handcrafted leather goods.
- Private comfortable transportation
- Private bilingual guide English/Spanish
- Visits Mitad del Mundo Cayambe, chirimoya and biscocho degustation, Cuicocha lake entrance
- Lunch set menu at local Hacienda or similar
- Tips
Full day Otavalo WITH LUNCH
| NUMBER OF PASSENGERS | PRICES PERSON IN USD |
| 1 | $213 |
| 2 | $175 |
| 3 | $145 |
| 4 to 9 | $130 |