Otavalo indigenous market (one day)

Just an hour and a half north of Quito lie the lush volcanic highlands. This land is rich in friendly and colorfully attired indigenous people, historic working haciendas, and towering volcanoes with verdant slopes. Our destination is the Otavalo Indian craft market. As we pass into the highlands, we're treated to a sweeping view of Imbabura and Cotacachi Volcanoes rising above San Pablo Lake.

Our first stop is Calderon where they make bread dough figures as part of a big tradition of the country. Then its on to the Otavalo market, which dates back thousands of years and is famous throughout the Andes for its handicrafts, textiles and tapestries. Lunch will be served at one of the local haciendas built between the 17th and 18th centuries with a typical Andean ambience. After lunch we'll visit the village of Peguche where native weavers demonstrate their craft, as they have for centuries. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Prices from $78.00 per person...

Feel free to contact one of our destination specialists for more information.

Price includes:

Otavalo 2 days

Take a two day tour to the towns and volcanic valleys north of Quito. See Ecuador the way the Ecuadorians see it.

DAY 1
90 km north of Quito, you will discover the largest and most interesting of the Indian markets in all of South America -the Otavalo Indian market. . Start off with a tour to the archaeological site named Cochasqui, where this pre-inca culture had already discovered that this area was located at the equator - at the middle of the world. Then take the back roads for a drive through green beautiful valleys behind the imposing, Imbabura Volcano. Your drive ends at Zuleta where you will see the ornate embroidered costumes of the indigenous people from this area. You can then visit one of their workshops and see their work in progress! En route, you will be provided a delicious box lunch with the opportunity to sit down for a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this valley.

In the afternoon, visit the town of Peguche, an Indian village, to learn about native lifestyles and observe farmers working in their fields.and also weaving in their homes. First on the way is a visit to NANDA MANACHI, a musical workshop, to meet Jose Pichamba, Master of the Band, creating Andean instruments. First see the instruments being made, then experience a short performance in his home nearby. Following this, your tour takes you to the house of Jose Cotacachi. Jose is considered the very best weaver in the area and you will have the opportunity to see him working in his loom, and creating beautiful wall hangings with his unique designs.

Overnight at Hacienda Cusin or Pinsaqui.

DAY 2
This day takes you to Cotacachi - Cayapas National Park, to thrill at the beautiful paramos ( the ecosystem of the Andes ). Follow on to the lake of Cuicocha. From here, you will be able to hike in this area where your guide will explain the flora and fauna of this location.. After your hike, take a brief visit to Cotacahi (the leather town ) and then continue on to Otavalo. At Otavalo, the Otavalo Indians have created a splendid open air market, where you have the rest of the morning to buy or barter for handicrafts with the locals. Lunch is provided at a fine Ecuadorian restaurant located on the Shore of San Pablo Lake. In the afternoon return to your hotel in Quito. . Note: A visit of a rose plantation may be arranged along the way - time permitting.

Prices from $199.00 per person...

Feel free to contact one of our destination specialists for more information.

Price includes:

Horse back riding available under request.