Departures: Tuesdays, Saturdays
Group size: approx. 15 travelers
Highlights: - Cayambe
- Otavalo Market
- Lake Cuicocha
During this day tour, you visit the Andean town Otavalo and its world-famous handicrafts market – the perfect place to buy souvenirs. Your guide also takes you to Cotacachi town, which is famous for leather goods, and the beautiful Lake Cuicocha.
If you are interested in a private tour, please contact us at: info@midlandtravel.com.ec or +593984021324 .
Don't forget to bring enough cash to buy souvenirs.
The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Midland Travel recommends all passengers to hold a travel insurance including personal medical insurance.
All bookings are subject to the Midland Travel terms and conditions.
The tour starts and ends at two specific meeting points in Quito (one in the Mariscal area and another one in the historic center).
English/Spanish
according to the itinerary
for optional activities (e.g. Cayambe solar clock $2)
and activities not previously specified
We depart from a meeting point near Plaza Foch at 7:00 AM and from a meeting point in the old town at 7:15 AM.
On our journey north to Otavalo, we make two stops. First, we stop in Cayambe where you can have a typical breakfast with the local specialty “bizcochos” or you can visit the equator line and the Quitsato sundial (breakfast and entrance fee not included). We make a second stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the landscape of Lake San Pablo and Imbabura Volcano.
Then we continue to the Andean town Otavalo, which is famous for its handicraft market. The local otavaleños sell blankets, ponchos, scarves and other clothing made of alpaca and sheep wool. Many locals still wear the traditional costume of the Otavalo culture. Souvenirs and hand-made silver jewelry are also available. You can enjoy the Otavalo market every day at the main square but on Saturdays, the market is larger and stretches over several blocks. You have some free time to go shopping or just observe the colorful hustle and bustle of the market.
After lunch, we continue to Lake Cuicocha, which features two little islands in the middle of the lake. Then we continue to another Andean town called Cotacachi. The people here specialized in leather goods.
In the afternoon, we travel back to Quito where we will arrive at around 6 PM. Arrival time in Quito can vary depending on traffic.