8-Hour Otavalo and Northern Quito Tour with Kichwa Family Visit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Taste traditional biscuits and cheese in Cayambe at a place founded in 1974
• 02 Take in views of San Pablo Lake, the Andes, and the massive Imbabura volcano
• 03 Explore Otavalo's world-famous handicrafts and textiles market
• 04 Visit the Pichamba family home in Peluche, known for musical instrument craftsmanship and Andean music
• 05 Discover Cotacachi, a charming town celebrated for its leather goods and organized boutiques

Discover northern Quito on this enriching 8-hour trip, with traditional biscuits and cheese in Cayambe, stunning views over San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura volcano, and time to explore Otavalo's vibrant handicrafts fair. Visit the home of the Kichwa-speaking Pichamba family in Peluche to learn about their musical instrument craftsmanship and promotion of Andean music, then continue to Cotacachi for lunch and shopping. End the day with local coffee at Café de Intag before returning to Quito.

In the small community of Peluche, we will visit the home of the Kichwa-speaking Pichamba family, which is famous for its musical instrument craftsmanship and promotion of Andean music.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Quito, Cayambe, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Imbabura Volcano

Languages English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Northern Quito, Otavalo Market, and Cotacachi

• 07:30 - Pickup from your hotel in Quito.
• We will start our journey to the north of Quito.
• Our first stop will be Cayambe, a small town where we can taste traditional biscuits and cheese at a place founded in 1974.
• After that, we will visit the San Pablo Lake viewpoint to see the massive Imbabura volcano and enjoy a beautiful view of the lake and the Andes mountains.
• Next, we will head to Otavalo to explore the impressive handicrafts fair and admire the vibrant colours of the village.
• In the small community of Peluche, we will visit the home of the Kichwa-speaking Pichamba family, which is famous for its musical instrument craftsmanship and promotion of Andean music.
• For lunch, we can go to Cotacachi, a charming town known for its leather goods and organized boutiques, where it is possible to shop at several stores.
• We will conclude our day at Café de Intag, a lovely old mansion that has been restored and converted into a place where you can taste local coffee.
• Afterwards, we will return to Quito.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private transportation with driver
• Certified specialized tour guide
• Tasting of biscuits at Cayambe
• Visit to the fair in Otavalo
• Visit to the house and workshop of an Indigenous family of weavers
• Visit to the Pichamba family house
• Coffee at Café de Intag in Cotacachi

What's Not Included

• Lunch
• Extra expenses
• Tips

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Jacket in case of temperature changes
• Sun block

Know before you go

• The weather in Ecuador is variable, so it is recommended to wear sunscreen at all times and bring a jacket in case of climatic changes.
• We will visit the Otavalo marketplace, where you will see many Indigenous people. If you want to photograph them, please ask permission in advance. Most do not like it, and some may ask for money.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Depending on your hotel in Quito

Tour start

Quito, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.