Otavalo is the biggest indigenous city in the northern province Imbabura. You will be picked up at your accommodation to start your tour towards the north of the country. During your drive towards the north you will be able to witness the beautiful highland region of Ecuador.
Our first stop will be in Guayllabamba. Here you will try some of the typical local fruits called Chirimoya. We will then continue passing through many rose plantations in the province of Cayambe and will stop at a viewpoint to, on a cloudless day, enjoy the view of the impressive Imbabura volcano after which the province is named after. Our next stop is at a small traditional shop where the traditional bizcochos of Cayambe are made. Make sure to try this local delicacy, before continuing to Imbabura province. First, we will pass Otavalo to first visit Cuicocha ´s crater lake, a beautifully formed lake with two small islets in the middle. We hike up a bit to enjoy a better view, visit then the museum site and enjoy a boat ride around the islet. Sometimes you can see bubbles coming up from the bottom of the lake, which indicates it´s volcanic activity.
On our way back to Otavalo we will stop in Cotacachi, a small village famous for its leather work. In Otavalo we will do a small city walk and will have time for some shopping at the famous Plaza de Ponchos to shop for the handicrafts this region is famous for.
You will have the opportunity to have lunch either in Otavalo or Cotacachi (not included).