Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)
Description
Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Driving north of Quito is the most famous indigenous market of Ecuador: Otavalo, full of traditions and handcrafts. Following the route is Cayambe, very well known by local people for its salt biscuits called Bizcocho that is usually served with local cheese and milk caramel. Then driving northern a nice lake can be appreciated with the background a majestic Imabura Volcano. Finally arrive to Otavalo town where the local market is based. If you want to see the market at its fullest, visit on a Saturday or Wednesday. Some typical items can be found such as handmade textile, ceramic, wood, silver, leather, and metal products.
The last stop for the day is Cotacachi located just 10 minutes away from Otavalo, a town known for its leather goods with really great leather jackets and bags. Afternoon time to drive back to Quito.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The tour is based in private, therefore if your hotel, apartment or house is not mentioned in the above list don´t worry; feel free to write down the address where you´ll stay and we will provide the pick up from any address in Quito city or the airport area.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(6)
We truly enjoyed the experience, the guide was very helpful, accommodating and kind!!! We really reccomend the experience to everyone
Dear Alyssa, Thank you so much for your kind report. We're delighted to hear that you had a great day with our guide from Ecuador Local Guide. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Best regards, The Ecuador Local Guide Team
Our private trip to Otavalo market was amazing. Our guide Javier was super friendly and knowledgeable about everywhere we stopped. I was expecting to just travel to the market and back to Quito but Javier stopped at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking a volcano and at a rose stand on the way. The time at the market was just enough to enjoy (without spending too much money!) and then he took us to a nearby park and waterfall. Lunch is not included but the restaurant he took us to was very reasonably priced and delicious. Our last stop was at a bird rescue where he told us all about the native Ecuadorian condors. Overall we had a great (and tiring day) and enjoyed it all. We would definitely book it again!
Dear Aid Thanks so much fr your amazing report abut our Services. Even when January 01st most of the places are closed we were really happy to assist you with this day trip and very happy to hear our guide Javier did a god job, We are not focused only to provide the service as the program details, we are happy to go ahead with an extra-mile as well. Thanks for trusting Ecuador Local Guide and Happy New Year!! Best, Javier
This was a great day trip! Our guide was very helpful, kind, and full of interesting information about the area and history. He knew both English and Spanish fluently. This was a pet-friendly excursion. We were in a large van that comfortably accommodated us and our medium sized dog. Both the driver and the guide were flexible, considerate, and interested in ensuring we had the best time! I would gladly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a private tour or excursion around Ecuador.
Dear Cassandra, Thanks so much for your great comments about our services and we are pet-friendly as well. Hope you had a great day at Otavalo market with your dad and your dog. If you need additional services for the future don't hesitate to reach out to Ecuador Local Guide. Best regards, Ecuador Local Guide Team
We had Cristian as our guide and he was fantastic! He drove us to several sights then to the market which was a highlight! A wonderful tour guide, knowledgeable and professional and fun! Would highly recommend anyone going to Ecuador and spending the day with Cristian!
Dear Terry Hope you stay safe and healthy. Thanks so much fro your report. Ecuador Local Guide appreciate your time. As information, the Otavalo market is opend even the pandemic is not over yet, but while we respect the protocols safety there is not risk for shopping at one of the biggest craft market in South America. Best regards, Ecuador Local Guide Team!
If you can afford the private tour, well worth doing. The market is amazing and a visit to the local weaving factory equally unusual. Good stops.
Dear Client, Thanks so much for your great report. As Ecuador Local Guide we are really committed with all our clients in order to provide all of them a great memory while they are travelling in Ecuador. Hope you may visit us again soon. Best regards, Ecuador Local Guide Team!
Cristian is an excellent guide and our tour was great! He is very knowledgeable and customized our stops along the way to show us a diverse range of different towns that gave us a great taste of Ecuador!
Dear Jackie, Thanks so much for this great review. As you said I am specialized to deging or create customized trips focused on single travelers, groups, family trips, incentive etc etc. Thanks for been the support of small companies and I will honored to be your company parter when you have clients that are looking for Ecuador as their next destination. Thanks for choosing Ecuador Local Guide. Best regards, Cristian Ecuador Local Guide Team
