Otavalo & Cotacachi Markets Tour

Otavalo & Cotacachi Markets Tour Itinerary

After being picked up from your hotel, you'll leave Quito behind and head north on the Pan-American Highway, reaching Cayambe, an Andean province nestled in the valley and surrounded by high mountains.

You'll make a stop along your route to taste traditional Ecuadorian bizcocho de Cayambe, wood-oven baked pastries accompanied by a mozzarella-style soft cheese or dulce de leche - a delicious treat!

With happy taste buds, your trip will continue, stopping at the "Miralago" viewpoint, from which you'll enjoy incredible panoramic views over San Pablo Lake, the Imbabura volcano, and the surrounding villages.

The tour will then arrive at Otavalo, a city famous worldwide for its indigenous market. Here, you'll be offered the option between staying and spending the rest of your day in Otavalo or continuing on the route to Cotacachi. If you remain in Otavalo, you'll be able to explore the city at your own pace, discovering its amazing cultural diversity and losing yourself in the vibrant Plaza de los Ponchos, also known as the Mercado de Otavalo.

If you prefer to visit Cotacachi, you'll make a stop along the route to visit a traditional workshop in Peguche where Andean musical instruments are made. You'll be left speechless by the sheer number of handcrafted wind, string and percussion instruments that decorate the walls.

Having arrived in Cotacachi, you'll have free time to have lunch, visit the town, and explore its fascinating leather and wool shops. Discover the great importance of leatherwork for the Ecuadorian economy.

After visiting Cotacachi, you'll return to Otavalo to pick up those who stayed behind. The bus will wait at the arranged meeting point ready for the return to hotels in Quito.

Lunch in Cotacachi

If you'd prefer not to worry about finding your own lunch, and you'd like to enjoy the best of the local Ecuadorian cuisine, why not reserve the tour with lunch included? This option is only valid for visitors who do the full tour, as the meal is served in a typical restaurant in Cotacachi. The menu includes soup, a main meal and a soft drink or water.

Hotel pick up

This tour includes a pick up and drop off service for the main hotels in Quito: Sheraton, Dann Carlton, NH Collection, Swissotel, Holiday Inn, Mercure Alameda, Reina Isabel, Nu House, J.W. Marriott, Howard Johnson and Hilton.

If your hotel is not listed above, or you would prefer to head to the meet point of your own accord, please make your own way to the HOTEL KAIA (located at Valladolid N24-742 and Julio Zaldumbide).