Excursion to Otavalo Market

General information

Destination	Category
Quito, Ecuador	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Come along on a thrilling trip full of extraordinary stops and sights to the Otavalo market. There you have the chance to witness how the natives barter as a standard shopping method. The market is quite a schlep from Quito, that is why this tour takes you to many other exciting destinations throughout the journey. Remember, the important thing isn’t where you are headed, but what happens along the way.

After you depart from Quito through the Panamerican North Highway, your first stop is at Calderon, a small town where they bake the famous mazapan dolls. These dolls, which are made out of bread dough, are not that dissimilar from our gingerbread men.

Continue passing through the town of Guayllabamba, known for its indigenous cherimoya fruit. While on the highway that heads to Cayambe, make a break at a beautiful vantage point of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Later, cross the equatorial line at Cayambe and pass by what was thought to be the centre of the world.

Finally, arrive in Otavalo. Contemplate the Mira Lake and take picture of the wonderful San Pablo Lake. After that, delve into the local market and have a nosey at the variety of handcrafted items on sale. Mix and mingle with the haggling locals and perhaps try out your own haggling skills. Before heading back to Quito, make one last visit to the leather stores at Cotacachi. This day will give you a comprehensive view of life in Ecuador.

Meeting/pick-up point: Pick-up available from the main hotels in Quito: Sheraton Hotel Dann Carlton, Le Park Akros, Howard Johnson, Jw. Marriott Hotel Quito, Swissotel, Rio Amazonas, Queen Elizabeth House Nu, Mercure Alameda, Hilton Colon and Patio Andaluz.
Duration: 8 hours.
Start/opening time: Between 8/8.30am.
Languages: English and Spanish.