Otavalo is located in the Imbabura Province, 86 km north of Quito, this town is now one of the most important tourist destinations of Ecuador, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, streams and springs, making this small town a paradise where tourists always return! The city of Otavalo is world-wide-known for the famous handicraft Indian market.
Our departure is at 8:00 a.m., from your hotel in Quito, towards the colourful town of Otavalo and to the most famous Indian fair in South America! We take the Pan-American Highway, which takes you through spectacular mountain scenery, to enjoy spectacular views of people and communities, while conducting their activities and daily life! Our first stop is at the viewpoint of Pisque River, form where you'll see the majestic snow-capped volcanoes Cayambe (5.790 m - 18,996 ft) and Cotopaxi (5.890 m - 19,324 ft). Also, it will be possible to spot large plantations of roses, and very fertile farmlands.
Before going to Otavalo, you will visit the popular viewpoint of San Pablo Lake, located at the foothills of Imbabura Volcano (4.630 m - 15,190 ft). You continue your journey and then you arrive to the Otavalo Indian Market or “Plaza de Ponchos”, showing varied handmade indigenous crafts. There you'll have time off to hang around the market, and to make the best choices buying unique genuine souvenirs! After having lunch you'll visit Cotacachi village, well-known as the “music capital of Ecuador”, rich in the production of fine leather garments, which are displayed and sold in small shops along the centre of the city. Before we return to Quito, you'll visit the stunning crater lake of Cuicocha, located in the Cotacachi volcano (4.944 m - 16,220 ft). Then we start our way back to Quito, where you'll arrive approximately at 5:00 p.m. End of this fantastic private adventure!