Otavalo is a small and colorful town located in the northern part of Ecuador, easily visited as a day trip from Quito. On Saturdays, people from near and far gather to sell their products at the weekly Otavalo market, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. In Otavalo, you get the chance to experience the culture, traditions, and crafts of the friendly inhabitants. However, Otavalo and its surroundings have much more to offer. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you want to know about Otavalo in Ecuador and things to do in the beautiful surroundings, including tips for attractions, the market, tours, restaurants, hotels, and transportation.
Welcome to Otavalo Ecuador
Otavalo is a small town in the Imbabura province, approximately a two-hour drive from Quito. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the surrounding Cotacachi (4939 meters), Imbabura (4630 meters), and Mojanda (4263 meters) volcanoes. Situated at an altitude of 2500 meters, Otavalo in Ecuador is known for its friendly residents, weekly Saturday market, and nearby villages where you can explore local crafts and arts.
Things to do in Otavalo Ecuador | 15 tips
Otavalo is a place in Ecuador that I’ve seen transform over the years, from a small village to a popular tourist destination, because of the famous Otavalo market. However, the Otavalo region has much more to offer. In this article, you’ll find my tips for things to do in Otavalo and its surroundings, including attractions and tours.
Meet the Otavaleños
Otavalo is one of the places in Ecuador where people proudly wear traditional clothing. Men wear hats with long ponytails underneath it, white pants, and large ponchos. Women wear black skirts, white blouses adorned with embroidery, and gold jewelry. The Otavaleños are descendants of the Cañari Indians from the former Pre-Inca, Quitu empire, and were displaced to the north, present-day Otavalo, when the Incas began their conquests. The people look stunning, and they are friendly, even more if you speak a few words of Spanish.
Visit the Market – famous things to do in Otavalo Ecuador
One of the top things to do is to visit the weekly market, where Otavalo in Ecuador is so famous for. On Saturdays, the Plaza de Ponchos is filled with stalls where people display their goods. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, you’ll likely leave with a bag full of purchases. The market offers hats, embroidered ponchos, warm alpaca scarves, belts, and bags in the vibrant colors typical of the Andean region, all at affordable prices.
Saturday is the busiest market day in Otavalo Ecuador, with the town bustling, and the surrounding streets of the plaza filled with market stalls as well. However, you can find stalls on the square daily, so even during weekdays, you can explore the Otavalo market. Make sure to visit some of the many art shops as well.
If you want to visit the Otavalo market as a day trip from Quito, you can find a tour here. It also includes visits to surrounding villages and Cuicocha Lake.
Instituto Otavaleño de Antropologia
For those interested in learning more about Otavaleño culture, one of the things to do in Otavalo is to visit the Instituto Otavaleño de Antropologia. In this small museum, you’ll find exhibits on weaving and information about Otavalo. Keep in mind: Opening hours may vary, so it might take a few attempts before you can enter.
Visit the Cattle Market in Otavalo
If you happen to be in Otavalo in Ecuador on a Saturday, try to wake up early and visit the cattle market. It is one of the typical things to do in this part of the Andes mountains, offering you a glimpse in a different world for a morning. You’ll be able to observe how animals such as guinea pigs, cows, pigs, and rabbits are traded and take many amazing pictures.
Things to do in Otavalo Ecuador and surroundings
Visit Cuicocha Lake
Cuicocha Lake is a large crater lake situated at an altitude of 3100 meters at the foot of the 4900-meter-high Cotacachi volcano in Ecuador. From the parking lot, you can walk to the viewpoints within a few minutes, encountering ceremonial sites of indigenous people along the way. You can also take a boat ride on the lake. A hike around the entire lake is approximately 14 kilometers and takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace.
Cuicocha Lake translates to the “Lake of the Guinea Pigs.” The two islands in the middle of the lake are often likened to the backs of two guinea pigs. Cuicocha Lake is best reached from Otavalo in Ecuador and makes for a great day trip.
If you want to visit Cuicocha Lake as a day trip from Quito in Ecuador, you can find a tour here. It also includes Otavalo, Peguche, and Cuicocha Lake.
Stay at Hacienda Piman
Hacienda Piman is located idyllically in a valley near the town of Ibarra, about an hour’s drive from Otavalo. This historical hacienda has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel, where you can relax and be pampered. Surrounded by mountains, greenery, and numerous flowers, Hacienda Piman is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful surroundings of Otavalo and Ibarra and its things to do. Interested? In the next article, I’ll tell you more about Hacienda Piman.
Search for spectacled bears – top things to do in Otavalo Ecuador
Did you know that the Andes mountains in Ecuador are home to the spectacled bear, the only bear species found in South America? Approximately 3000 spectacled bears live in Ecuador, with the majority residing in high-altitude areas, including mountain forests, the Andean cloud forest, and the páramo, the area between the tree line at 3500 meters and the snow line at around 5000 meters.
One of the best things to do when you are visiting Otavalo Ecuador and surroundings is to visit El Mirador de Oso Andino. This viewpoint, located near the village of Pimampiro, offers a great possibility to observe the spectacled bear. This location is an ideal habitat for the spectacled bear due to the abundance of bushes and available food.
Together with Danilo, who manages the viewpoint, you can use binoculars to gaze across the mountains. Although we weren’t at the viewpoint at the right time of day (i.e., it was too sunny), we still managed to observe a bear moving through the bushes for almost half an hour.
Best time for bear spotting
The best time of the day to spot spectacled bears at El Mirador de Oso is during sunrise or sunset when it’s not too hot. If you have more time, you can also take a walk with Danilo to observe the bears up close.
Learn about condors
The condor is an endangered species, and although these incredible birds still inhabit Ecuador, their numbers have drastically declined. Parque Cóndor is a center in Otavalo where mistreated Andean condors and other birds of prey are rescued and cared for. Twice a day, you can attend a demonstration, featuring the birds flying through the valley, accompanied by explanations.
One of the other things to do in Otavalo and surroundings if you want to learn more about condors, is to visit Hacienda Zuleta. This estate features a small museum with lots of information about the condor and its habitat. If you’re lucky, you might even see a condor here. Injured or mistreated birds of prey are taken in and cared for to help prevent extinction. Hacienda Zuleta aims not only to play an educational role but also to raise awareness about this unique bird species among national and international audiences. Your visit directly supports this local project. Moreover, the surroundings here are breathtaking.
The Andean condor, with a wingspan of up to 3 meters and a length of 1.5 meters, is the largest bird of prey in the world and a symbol in Ecuador.
Zuleta Embroidery – cultural things to do in Otavalo Ecuador
In the northern part of Ecuador, you’ll see women wearing beautifully embroidered blouses. When it comes to high-quality embroidery styles in Ecuador, the Zuleta technique often comes up. Zuleta, a small village entirely focused on Zuleta embroidery, has a tradition dating back to 1940.
The community creates stunning works entirely by hand that can be found throughout Ecuador and abroad. It is recommended to visit and attend one of the workshops, where people gladly share more about their craft. Additionally, buying directly from the makers ensures you get the best pieces. I personally visited Zuleta Ilusion and Colores, and even though I’m not skilled in handicrafts, the workshop left a lasting impression on me.
Cotacachi in Ecuador
Cotacachi is a small town located at the foot of the volcano of the same name in Ecuador. Like Otavalo, Cotacachi in Ecuador lacks spectacular things to do. However, it’s worth a stop to go for a little stroll. Cotacachi is renowned for its leather craftsmanship. On the main street, 10 de Agosto, you’ll find numerous shops selling leather bags, jackets, and boots. The central plaza also features a nice church.
If you want to visit Cotacachi as a day trip from Quito in Ecuador, you can find a tour here. It also includes the Otavalo market, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha Lake.
Musical instruments in Peguche – cultural things to do in Otavalo Ecuador
Another village in the vicinity of Otavalo in Ecuador is Peguche, known for its waterfall and Andean musical instruments. A nice to do is to visit La Casa de la Musica, owned by the Ñanda Mañachi family, where local Ecuadorian instruments are crafted in the backyard. During your visit, you can witness the creation of a panflute and receive explanations about instruments from the Andean countries, including Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. If you’re fortunate, the entire family might gather for a small concert.
If you want to visit Casa de la Musica in Peguche as a day trip from Quito, you can find a tour here, that also includes the Otavalo market, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha Lake.
Mini Travel Guide Otavalo Ecuador
Tips for tours and things to do in Otavalo Ecuador
Looking for more things to do and tours in Otavalo Ecuador? Here is an overview.
Restaurant tips – Otavalo Ecuador
- Cafe Espresso Río Intag Otavalo for lunch, coffee, and cake, with a lovely view of the square.
- Mi Otavalito – dine in traditional style with live music.
- La Cosecha Coffee & Bakery – for delicious pastries.
- El Arbol de Montalvo – for pizzas and pastas.
Hotels Otavalo Ecuador – tips
In Otavalo and its surroundings, you’ll find numerous hotels and accommodations. You can choose to stay in the center, convenient if you want to visit the Otavalo market early. Alternatively, you can opt for a hacienda in a natural setting outside Otavalo, wich I personally recommend. Here are my hotel tips for Otavalo, Ecuador.
Looking for more hotels in Otavalo Ecuador? This is an overview.
Tips for photography in Otavalo
Naturally, one of the things you want to in Otavalo is to take pictures. However, not all local people appreciate being photographed. It’s important to ask for permission before taking a portrait. Often, you can take a photo after making a purchase, or people may request a dollar. It’s entirely up to you how you handle this, but personally I think it is good to be prepared and be respectful when taking pictures of indigenous people.
How to reach Otavalo in Euador
Otavalo is approximately a two-hour drive from Quito and has good bus connections. Search and book on Bookaway, which instantly finds the best itinerary for you. If you want to visit the Otavalo market from Quito, you can book this tour, that includes Otavalo, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha in a day. All attractions and things to do in Otavalo itself are within walking distance. If you want to explore the surroundings, you can book a tour or take a taxi. It is also possible to rent a car and explore on your own, something I love doing myself.
Travel by bus or shuttle
Looking for a way to get around in Ecuador by bus or minivan? Use Bookaway, to findand book the best connection for you.
Car rental
Looking for a rental car for your trip to Ecuador? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
Book a flight
Looking for flights to travel to the South of Ecuador, Amazon or Galapagos Islands? Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Ecuador. An easy way to compare and book your flight ticket, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Travel Insurance
Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.”
More hotels in Ecuador
In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique places to stay. A boutique atmosphere, a stylish design, a lovely setting, and a good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in Ecuador? In the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in Ecuador, where I personally stayed.
More about Ecuador
Did you find this article with tips for things to do in Otavalo Ecuador, the market and its surroundings interesting? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit Ecuador. In the next articles you will find my Ecuador travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
- Things to do in Ecuador – 30 destinations and tips
- Things to do in Quito Ecuador | The ultimate travel guide with 30 tips for your stay
- Best boutique hotels and lodges in Ecuador – 13 tips
- Galapagos Islands Ecuador – everything you want to know about a trip and cruise
- Things to do in Baños Ecuador – full city guide with tips
- Best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador – full city guide with 15 tips
- Things to do in Riobamba Ecuador – a comprehensive guide with tips
- Mashpi Lodge Ecuador – Everything you want to know
- Chimborazo volcano Ecuador – tips for a visit and climb
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