Day off in Quito? Otavalo Indigenous Artisan Market Private Tour!
Description
This is a new tour option since the original one was discontinued; you can check my reviews of this tour on my profile. Private Tour; focused on sharing history from a more indigenous context; highway scenery, rose production, ancestral knowledge, cultural heritage, food, Andean Cosmovision, and history. Local brunch at San Pablo's Lake community, next to their most important volcanoes. A nature walk around their sacred waterfall, called Peguche. And Otavalo, "Plaza de Los Ponchos" market, known worldwide as one of the largest open-air artisan markets in South America. Where we will enjoy and understand their history, traditions, gastronomy, and diverse cultures. A complete, affordable way to enjoy a full day trip not far from Quito, and some shopping for local high-quality, original, handmade Andean products. Accompanied by a certificated professional Tour Guide/Driver, a modern car, an open-minded cultural ambiance, local music, and nice conversations. LGBTIQ 420 friendly
Tour Options
Itinerary
Guayllabamba, a fruit production valley. Fruit vendors on the road.
Export rose production area known as the "World's capital of Roses". Where we will stop to buy its most famous traditional snack, fresh-made Bizcochos con Queso de Hoja. (Salty buttered biscuits and a achira leaf rolled cheese). And on a clear day be able to watch the Cayambe Volcano, the 3rd highest in Ecuador.
One of the most beautiful and largest lakes in Ecuador! The place where we will enjoy your local snack at your first indigenous community. Next to the lake and guarded by the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes in front of us.
An ancient waterfall of cleaning and purification of the premises. We will walk through its prehispanic trails, reaching its waterfall to feel the power of the water and cleanse your energies. Difficulty level 1/5
"Plaza de los ponchos". The biggest indigenous artisan market in South America! A complete walk around to find the best options for your preferences. Good for buying souvenirs and local variety artwork from the different indigenous communities, interacting with them, and to testify to how the Otavalo's commercial and ethnic culture is.
Restaurant where we will have lunch, all kinds of options, from the traditional local food to all kinds of dishes and preparations at a family-based business. (pay on-site) no more than $10. Let me know in advance if you have any preferences, food restrictions, or diets.
Return to the city to your place to drop off, better before 3 pm. On a busy day we might encounter some setbacks, so it's best to return early and avoid a long journey back.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The car is a KIA Seltos in dark grey color, and I will be wearing a grey polo shirt and brown-framed glasses. I will pick you up at the main entrance of your place. Help me with the name. Do you like coffee or prefer tea? Don't hesitate to get in touch with me after booking if necessary. Some places/activities' availability may vary depending on weather, road status, and political issues. I'll have alternative plans. For a more personalized service, you can find me on social media as MUFITOURS.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
Daniel, thanks so much for a most enjoyable and memorable trip to Otavalo. You are a fun companion who is also an expert on all things Ecuadorian. We talked a lot about Ecuadorian history and culture—- I’ve been listening to your musical genre recommendations! And when I needed to rest, you let me be and drove your car so smoothly, I was able to sleep as I still was recovering from jet lag. I was impressed by how you well you interacted with, and respected the indigenous folks at the Otavalo market. I found all the souvenirs I needed on this day trip. Best of all, you were flexible with your schedule and planned a bespoke trip for me. You even helped arrange a lunch get together with some local residents whom I had wanted to meet in Otavalo. Muchas gracias, Daniel!
Thank you so much for our time together! I hope everything is alright back home and that your travels continue! Let's stay in touch. :)
After reading all the highly positive reviews we decided to go with Daniel and Mufi Tours and were very glad we did. Daniel is great! He not only showed us around Otavalo, our original goal, but showed us numerous interesting stops along the way, wonderful places we would never have known about without his expertise. In addition, he was able to personalize the tour. The best part is that Daniel is not just a guide but a part of the community: everywhere we went, the vendors and site operators knew Daniel personally which helped us find the best places and get the best services. You won't find a more personable and knowledgable guide. He seems to know everything and everyone and on top of that, he can help you find 'absolutely anything' you want.
Thank you so much! I hope everything is alright back home and that all our future trips are as wonderful as the ones we had together! I hope we stay in touch.
