Ecuador · Art & Craft

1-Day Otavalo Market Tour from Quito with Cuicocha and Cotacachi

1 Day Round trip from Quito Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit and share the colourful handicraft market of the Otavaleños
  • 02 Bargain with the locals for the purchase of their products
  • 03 Go to local workshops to see weavings and musical instruments
  • 04 Taste a delicious 'bizcocho' (salt biscuit) and cheese wrapped in leaves in Cayambe
  • 05 Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of San Pablo Lake and Imbabura volcano

Join this full-day excursion from Quito to discover Quitsato, the Otavalo indigenous market, Peguche, Cuicocha Lagoon, and Cotacachi. Travel through stunning Andean scenery of mountains and lagoons while exploring local handicrafts, traditional music, and indigenous culture. Meet local people in the market, enjoy the region's traditions and folklore, and take in the natural beauty of northern Ecuador.

You can talk with local people in their handicraft market and combine this visit with a nice walk around Cuicocha Lagoon.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Full-Day Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Excursion

  • We leave from the city of Quito around 8:00 am.
  • We will visit Quitsato, the Otavalo indigenous market, Peguche, Cuicocha, and Cotacachi. Our trip takes us north along the Panamerican Highway, leading us through beautiful mountains and lagoons. You can talk with local people in their handicraft market and combine this visit with a nice walk around Cuicocha Lagoon. You will also learn how the indigenous people use musical instruments to make Andean music. Throughout the day, you will be able to appreciate the nature, culture, traditions, and folklore of these indigenous communities.
  • Return to Quito at the end of our visits around 4:00 pm.

The hours and times of the visits depend on the tourist's interests.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Quito 3 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Return transport to and from your Quito city hotel
  • Licensed English-speaking guide

What's Not Included

  • Meals and entrances
  • Transport to and from Quito airport or the valley area (please let us know in advance)
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips (optional)

What to bring

  • T-shirt with short or long sleeves
  • Comfortable and light pants
  • Rain jacket
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Know before you go

  • This tour is available seven days a week, 365 days per year.
  • The places you visit are flexible. Depending on your interests, the itinerary can be adapted directly with your guide.
  • Cash is recommended when shopping in the Otavalo market.
  • You can use credit or debit cards in Cotacachi stores.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Quito, Ecuador
Tour start
Quito, Ecuador
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Quito.

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Starting from

USD 60 /person
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