To really understand the emblematic indigenous people of Otavalo, it is necessary to merge with their culture and environment. Let us walk with you!

Tour Description

One of the most popular visits to the northern highlands of Ecuador is the indigenous market in Otavalo, but to really understand this emblematic indigenous group, it is necessary to merge with their culture and environment. Let us walk with you!

Only two hours from Quito, Otavalo is one of the most successful indigenous towns, from a business perspective, in both Ecuador and South America in terms of economic development. This can be attributed to the Otavaleños’ admirable commerce skills, which have enabled their traditions and culture to be recognised not only in Ecuador but also in many other countries.

As our goal is to merge with the locals, firstly we have to know what to see, what to eat and what to listen to. The Otavalos’ skills are much more than the crafts and textiles that we see at the biggest indigenous market. Their lifestyle has a lot to do with their music, and their music is tied to the environment. The mountains and the wind are the perfect environment for the wind instruments that our people have used for centuries, creating beautiful, heartfelt melodies. We will visit a local family workshop of instruments and famous musicians.

The natural and biological richness of the city of Otavalo and its surroundings has made it possible for the establishment of one of the most important cultures of Ecuador and Latin America. The Otavalos, or Otavaleños, have lived for centuries close to the San Pablo Lake, where they have developed their artistic skills using the resources of their environment, learning the art of making handicrafts. The ‘Plaza de Ponchos’, the central square, is a meeting place of cultures, where handicrafts and products from different regions of the country are offered and which, for centuries, has been used for this purpose. For shopping lovers!!

The perfect place to have a delicious and relaxing lunch is in one of the very old haciendas in the region. What is now Ecuador, was in colonial times, divided into big pieces of land called ‘haciendas’ which have now have been turned into lodges or restaurants, but that still preserve parts of the original architecture.

Our last stop is to the volcanic lagoon that was formed inside the dormant caldera of the Cotacachi volcano, which creates a magical landscape adding ‘the cherry on top of the cake’ to your adventure!

What to bring

• ID (original or copy)
• Rain/wind jacket
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Cap or hat
• Bandana
• Sunblock
• Money, including small change
• A backpack to store stuff
• Water