Tour Otavalo - Market and Surroundings from Quito EC: Discover Culture and Traditions

5.0/5 Stars - Based on 5 Reviews

Explore Otavalo Market and Scenic Surroundings from Quito: Book Your Cultural Adventure Today!

Enjoy a full day that will allow you to get to know Ecuador's most famous indigenous market: Otavalo. There you will understand the importance of this place and you will also be able to buy the colourful textiles and crafts, and enjoy the local gastronomy.

In addition, we will visit different towns in the area such as Calderon a small town popular for its manual art of "Marzipan", Cayambe a perfect place to see how people prepare cakes using a traditional technique and Cotacachi famous for its leather crafts. 

During the excursion, you will visit the Imbabura volcano with a height of 4610 meters, you will visit the San Pablo lake, you will visit the Cuicocha lake where you can take a boat trip around it and you will see the Cayambe sundial. 

11 hours
Tuesday, Saturday
Quito - Barrio San Blas and Barrio la Mariscal from 7:00 am
Quito - Barrio San Blas and Barrio la Mariscal from 6:00 pm.

About this tour

At 7:00 am we meet in the San Blas neighborhood, from there we take a bus to go to the north of the city of Quito, traveling approximately half an hour until we reach Calderón. In this small famous town we will make our first stop where we will be 45 minutes that allows us to know the manual arts of Marzipan. 

Following the route we will stop at a panoramic point to enjoy the landscape of the Imbabura volcano with a height of 4610 meters and from there we can also appreciate the San Pablo lake.

We continue our tour towards the city of Otavalo, we will make a stop to watch the animal fair that takes place on Saturdays, we will walk about 5 minutes until we find the world famous "Otavalo Market" or "Plaza de los Ponchos" where we will take advantage of the culture. In this place, we will find millenary customs and traditions, where the locals wear traditional indigenous clothes. There we will be able to buy costumes, ponchos, blankets with colourful fabrics and handicrafts.

Around 1:00 pm we will have free time to have lunch in a restaurant near the market, enjoying some typical dishes. We will continue our trip to the town of Cotacachi, where we will be able to observe and buy articles made of leather. Next, we will visit the magnificent Cuicocha lagoon, where we will be able to take a 25 minute boat ride to explore the surrounding area. 

Finally, when we return to Quito, we will visit the town of Cayambe to taste the cakes that they prepare using a traditional technique and we will also get to know the sundial. Approximately 6 pm we will arrive in Quito. 

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What's included

  • - Transport Quito - Otavalo - Quito
  • - Certified bilingual guide
  • - Lunch

Not included

  • Additional tickets

- Comfortable clothing and shoes - Sunglasses - Sunscreen

Ecuadorian lunch consisting of: - Hot vegetable soup - Main course (can be grilled meat, chop or chicken) accompanied by rice or potatoes, salad, and a drink made with local fruit.

Location

Rates

From USD 99

Excursion To Otavalo

From USD 78

Group Service Includes: Transportation Quito - Otavalo - Quito Bilingual Certified Guide lunch

Starts 07:00 7 hours Español, English, Portugues
Operates: Tuesday, Saturday
CANCELACION
48hs Before The Trip
COSTO
Average
DIFICULTAD
Low
VIAJERO

Frequently asked questions

The Otavalo Market excursion includes round-trip transportation from Quito, a professional tour guide who will accompany you throughout, and a visit to the famous Otavalo Indigenous Market, where you can admire and purchase artisanal products such as textiles, jewelry, and ceramics. You will also visit nearby attractions, such as Cuicocha Lagoon and the Peguche Waterfalls, where you will enjoy the impressive Andean landscape. The tour is designed to offer a complete cultural experience, interacting with local artisans and learning about the region's rich cultural heritage.

The Otavalo tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, offering a full day of exploration and culture. The excursion generally departs at 7:00 a.m. to make the most of each destination and allow for a comfortable return to Quito in the late afternoon. This planning ensures you enjoy a comprehensive itinerary that includes the Otavalo Market and other points of interest. We recommend arriving early for departure so you don't miss any of the activities scheduled for this enriching day of sightseeing.

It's advisable to wear comfortable, warm clothing, as the Andean climate can be changeable, and mornings and evenings tend to be cool. Don't forget an umbrella or raincoat in case it rains. Also, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. It's recommended to have cash on hand for market purchases and tips, as some local vendors don't accept cards. Bringing water and light snacks can be helpful to stay hydrated and energized throughout the hike.

The accessibility of the Otavalo tour for people with reduced mobility may vary. Some areas, such as the market, are accessible, but others, such as certain parts of Cuicocha Lagoon or the Peguche Waterfalls, may present challenges due to uneven terrain and unpaved roads. It is important to communicate your needs in advance to the tour operator so they can make the necessary accommodations where possible. It is always recommended to check these conditions before booking to ensure a satisfactory and safe experience.

Booking a tour to Otavalo is easy and can be done online through the tour operator's website. Simply select your desired date, enter your personal information, and make payment using the available options, which usually include credit or debit card. Upon completing your booking, you will receive an email confirmation with all the tour details, including the meeting point in Quito. It is advisable to book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
5.0 5 reviews
5.0

Fantastischer Tag auf dem Otavalo-Markt und Umgebung!

Ich hatte eine großartige Zeit auf diesem Tangol-Tour! Der Otavalo-Markt war bunt und lebendig, und die umliegenden Landschaften einfach atemberaubend. Unser Guide war super informiert und freundlich. Echt empfehlenswert für jeden, der die Kultur und Natur Ecuadors erleben will.

Lucas
5.0

Une Aventure Inoubliable à Otavalo

Fantastique! La visite du marché d'Otavalo est un incontournable. Les artisans sont incroyables et les paysages sont à couper le souffle. Vraiment une expérience mémorable! Un grand merci à Tangol Tours pour cette aventure inoubliable.

Lucie
5.0

Great experience in Quito

If you are visiting Quito, consider the tour . We had a really great time!

Hellen
5.0

Nuestra visita a Quito

Para aquellos que visiten Quito, recomendamos la excursión Tour Otavalo - Mercado Y Alrededores. Nosotros tuvimos una gran experiencia!

Joaquin
5.0

Visita a Quito

Se você for visitar Quito, você deve considerar o tour . Vair ser uma experiência daquelas!

Luiz
From USD 99

Price from, per person USD 99.00

September 2026
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