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Full Day in Otavalo Area Culture and Shopping
5.0
1 Rating
Quito
Explore Otavalo's vibrant market, stunning lagoons, and artisan crafts on a full-day cultural and shopping adventure.
Duration:
11 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Quitsato Sundial - From Quito to Otavalo, it takes 2 hours by direct bus. However, our 1-day shared tour covers 6 different attractions between Quito and Otavalo in a single day. We travel north along the Pan-American Highway to reach the Quitsato solar clock in the Cayambe canton, named after the nearby snow-capped mountain. This cultural site, built in pre-Hispanic times to measure solstices and equinoxes, is also known as the “other middle of the world” because the equator line crosses the summit of Cayambe mountain. The local community thrives on livestock, agriculture, and rose harvesting for export.
- Fabrica de Bizcochos San Pedro - We stop here to enjoy a cup of Ecuadorian coffee or chocolate with some Bizcochos, a type of small oven-baked bread with a unique flavor. We also get to see the production process.
- Lago San Pablo - Our next stop is Otavalo, located in the Imbabura province, known as the Province of the Lakes. Just minutes from our main destination, we visit a viewpoint overlooking San Pablo Lake with Imbabura Hill in the background, enhancing the scenic beauty.
- Plaza De Los Ponchos Mercado - We then arrive at the largest and most important indigenous handicraft market in South America. While the market is open daily, our 1-day tour coincides with the biggest fair, where all artisans gather at La Plaza de los Ponchos. We have 2 hours for shopping here.
- Cotacachi - Next, we head to Cotacachi, known for its craft market specializing in leather goods. We spend 45 minutes exploring the market and another 45 minutes having lunch in Cotacachi.
- Cuicocha Lake - Our final stop is Cuicocha Lagoon, situated at 3068m (10,065.62 ft) in an active volcanic crater with islets and opportunities for plant observation.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Bilingual guide Spanish / English
- Authorized tourist transport
- Permits to enter protected areas
What's Not Included
- Extra food and drinks.
- Tips
- Snacks
- Anything else not mentioned as included
Additional Information
Enjoy a full-day tour in the Otavalo Area. We will visit the largest indigenous market in Latin America and browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. We will visit Lago San Pablo, where you will be able to admire its breathtaking beauty. We will also visit a Bizchochos Artesanal factory, the spectacular Cuicocha lagoon, Cotacachi leather town, and more.
- All times mentioned are estimated
- We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
- On Tuesdays we would be back around 5,6 pm and on Saturdays we would be back around 6:30-7pm
- Necessary Equipment: Comfortable Clothes, Camera, Sunscreen, Comfortable Shoes, Sunglasses
- Travel time is included in the overall duration
Location
Plaza Foch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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Safari64787648652
May 2, 2024
Wonderful time in Otavalo area! - We had wonderful time on this Otavalo tour, the market was very colorful and pretty, the Cuicocha lagoon is spactacular, San Pablo lake is amazing, in Cotacachi leather town you can find high quality and low priced leather goods made in this area. our guide was nice and he answered all our Questions, we highly recommend this Trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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