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About this trip
AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE OF ANDEAN CULTURE AND ARTISINAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region’s natives on this Otavalo day trip from Quito. Marvel at the stunning Andean landscapes while you travel north, passing by volcanoes and valleys. Stop at Cayambe city, home to an impressive sundial on the equator line, which you can visit on an optional tour.
Discover the world-renowned Otavalo market, where you’ll find an array of colorful stalls filled with textiles, paintings, and handmade jewelry. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and witness the rich cultural heritage of the Otavalo natives, known for their exceptional weaving skills and traditional clothing. With plenty of time to shop and interact with local vendors, you’ll have the chance to bring home a piece of Ecuador’s culture with you.
With a visit to Lake Cuicocha, another enchanting natural site in the northern Andes. This tour promises an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the richness of indigenous culture.
Shared tours with a group of up to 20 travelers are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Private tours can be organized any day, please indicate your preferred travel date during the booking process, when filling out the participant information.
Why You Will Love This 1-Day Tour
-> Savor local cuisine and try the famous "bizcochos", a traditional Ecuadorian biscuit, in Cayambe
-> Absorb breathtaking views of Andean natural treasures like Cayambe Volcano, Lake San Pablo, Imbabura Volcano and Lake Cuicocha
-> Explore the vibrant and colorful Otavalo market, immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Otavaleño people, and browse through the wide variety of handcrafted souvenirs and jewelry
-> Enjoy a short hike at beautiful Lake Cuicocha, a stunningly picturesque lake that formed in the crater of an inactive volcano
-> Visit the charming Andean town of Cotacachi, known for its high-quality leather goods, and indulge in a shopping spree for unique leather souvenirs
-> Minimize costs and maximize the fun by joining a shared tour with adventurers from all around the globe. Or enjoy a more intimate, personalized experience with a private tour
Important Notes
-> The weather in the Andes can change quickly, always be prepared for wind, rain and sun. It is best to dress in layers.
-> Level of difficulty: Easy
-> The itinerary is subject to change for operational reasons beyond our control (e.g. bad weather).
-> Midland Travel recommends all passengers to have travel insurance that includes personal medical insurance and trip cancellation.
-> If you have any food restrictions, special health requirements, or needs, please let us know in advance.
What’s included
- Transportationto and from meeting points in Quito
- Bilingual guideEnglish and Spanish
- Visits and activitiesaccording to the itinerary
- Lunch
What’s not included
- Snacks, drinks
- Entrance feesfor optional activites (e.g. Quitsato solar clock $5 per person)
- Additional servicesnot mentioned as included
- Tips
Available Packages
Price per person.
Only available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Price per person. Minimum of 4 people required.
Price per person. Minimum of 3 people required.
Price per person. Minimum of 2 people required.
Itinerary
We will depart from a meeting point in the La Mariscal neighborhood in Quito at 7:15 AM, and from a meeting point in the old town (Plaza San Blas) at 7:30 AM. After traveling north for about 1,5 hours, we’ll stop at the Andean city of Cayambe which lies at the foot of Cayambe Volcano. You will have the option to have breakfast if you want to try the local specialty “bizcochos”. We will also offer you an optional tour of the equator line and the impressive sundial in Cayambe.
Then we continue our journey to Otavalo with a stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the landscape of Lake San Pablo and Imbabura Volcano. In the northern Andean town Otavalo, you will have about two free hours to stroll around its famous handicrafts market. The local otavaleños sell blankets, ponchos, scarves and other clothing made out of alpaca and sheep wool. Many locals still wear the traditional clothing of the Otavalo culture. Souvenirs and hand-made silver jewelry are also available.
The Otavalo market can be enjoyed every day at the main square but on Saturdays, the market is larger and stretches over several blocks. Whether you shop bag-loads of souvenirs or just observe the colorful hustle and bustle of the market, a visit is always fun and a favorite among locals and foreigners.
Afterwards, we’ll continue to Lake Cuicocha to do some hiking. This beautiful lake formed in the crater of an inactive volcano features little islands in its center.
After lunch, we will visit another Andean town called Cotacachi. The people here specialize in leather goods and it is another great place to buy souvenirs. At the end of this fun and exciting full-day tour we’ll head back to Quito, where we arrive at around 6 PM. Arrival time in Quito can vary depending on traffic.