Day Trips from Quito to Otavalo Market

Rather than be overwhelmed at one of South America’s largest markets, let a personal guide accompany you. On this private day trip from Quito to Otavalo Market, you’ll have a better opportunity to interact with traditionally attired Quichua vendors selling handicrafts, textiles, and even livestock. Savor views of the Ecuadorian Andes on a brief waterfall walk after lunch in Cotacachi, a town known for its leather goods.

A tour focused on visiting three towns with their markets located north from Quito city. Each one of these locations are different from each other in terms of markets and artisans. Otavalo with the biggest textile market in South America, Peguche with the traditional weavers that work the textile by hand and Cotacachi with its leather market. This is a full day enjoying the northern landscapes and learning the culture of the region.

Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs at an indigenous market and enjoy gorgeous scenery during this 8-hour trip to Otavalo Market from Quito. This fascinating market features a wealth of hand-made creations produced by local Andean communities, including textiles, leather goods and more. Enjoy sublime views of the Andes Mountains and San Pablo Lake during your drive to the site before hunting for souvenirs. On your way home, you can choose to visit Cotacachi, an artisan town famous for its leather goods, or Cuicocha Lake. Your shopping and scenery trip includes a guide, entrance fees, a snack, round-trip hotel transport and an upgrade with lunch.

Expand your exploration of Ecuador with this private and customizable full-day tour from Quito with options including bargain hunting at the famous Otavalo Market, touring one of Ecuador's rose plantations, an artisan workshop, a visit to a bird sanctuary, photo opportunities on the shores of the largest lake in Ecuador, volcano views, a waterfall hike, the chance to taste a beloved regional pastry, and more.

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.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Quito and discover Ecuadorian culture on this day trip to Otavalo. With a private guide, head to the colorful Otavalo Market where you can shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts. Then, visit Mojanda Lake for a walk before enjoying more shopping at a leather crafts market in Cotacachi and woven goods at a local workshop.

Delve deeper into the indigenous culture and history of Ecuador on a private day trip to Otavalo Market from Quito. With your private guide, you’ll overcome the language barrier and explore South America’s largest market at a pace suited to you, as well as visiting other local highlights such as San Pablo Lake.

Our tourist service is special because we have new cars and experienced guides that are certified and will make your experience unforgettable.

All Inclusive: - Bilingual professional guide - Ecuadorian lunch and sightseeing tours Tourist Transportation: - From Quito - Otavalo - Quito Activities: - Hike in stunning landscapes - Visit to the indigenous market of Otavalo - Discover the Plaza de Ponchos - Panoramic views from the Mirador of Lake San Pablo - Explore Cotacachi and its renowned leather craftsmanship Quality and Professionalism: - Exceptional service with a professional touch Availability of Tours: - Shared tour: Every Tuesday and Saturday - Private tour: Every day

Discover indigenous arts and local markets during this cultural tour of Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha from Quito. Escape the city and journey into Ecuador's more rural hillsides as you follow your guide through some of the area's top cultural attractions.

Spend a day away from the city and venture to the Otavalo region to see more of Ecuador’s Andean highlands. Join a small group and take in the mountainous scenery as you make your way to the first stop, a rose plantation. Learn about this major industry and then get a taste of Ecuadorian culture as you visit the Otavalo Market and Cotacachi village to shop for local handicrafts.

Skip the standard route and discover the Otavalo region on a private full-day tour of the Rose Plantation, Equator Line, and Otavalo market. Stand on the equator at Quitsato Sundial, tour a working rose plantation, and shop for handmade crafts at one of South America’s largest Indigenous markets. Visit Cotacachi for its renowned leather goods and explore Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake nestled within an active volcano.

Set off on a day trip to Otavalo Market with a private guide. Skip the crowded public transit and enjoy the sights of the Pan-American highway from the comfort of your private vehicle.  Make stops at lesser known points of interest, including the foothills of Imbabura Volcano. Your tour of the Otavalvo Market can be customized to include a visit to Pecuche.

Travel with me as your guide for an unparalleled journey. With a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to personalized experiences, I transform ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures. My in-depth knowledge, cultural insights, and seamless logistics ensure a stress-free exploration. Whether delving into historical marvels, savoring local flavors or embracing nature's wonders. Every moment is tailored to your desires. From vibrant markets to hidden gems, I unveil the heart of each destination, fostering a connection that transcends the ordinary. Choose me as your guide, and let's embark on a transformative voyage where every step is a discovery. Start at Quitsato, where you’ll stand on the equator and learn its history. Enjoy buttery bizcochos in Cayambe, then dive into the lively Plaza de Ponchos, filled with colorful crafts by Otavaleño artisans. Visit Cotacachi, famed for its fine leather goods, before ending at the serene Peguche Waterfall, a sacred natural wonder.

Otavalo is home to an ancestral indigenous handicrafts market where you will be amazed by the variety of colorful handicrafts. The beautiful scenery and friendly people will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. At the "Plaza de Ponchos" market you will find artisans of leather, wood, fabric, embroidery, marzipan art and jewelry that will make you wish you had brought an extra bag for when you return home. Take some time to interact with the vendors and live as part of the culture of one of the oldest and most emblematic civilizations of Ecuador and the Andean region.

Explore the artisan towns of Cotacachi and Otavalo on this 8-hour private day trip from Quito. Travel in a private vehicle via the Pan-American highway, stopping at various lookout points and attractions along the way. Enjoy personalized attention from your private guide and a flexible itinerary. Pickup and drop-off at your Quito hotel included.

Combine two of Quito’s top attractions without having to worry about booking each one separately on a combo tour of Otavalo Market and the Middle of the World Monument that includes a bike ride. Plus, a small group limited to only six other travelers means that you’ll be able to pedal at your own pace and enjoy personalized attention from your guide.

Experience unique Ecuadorian culture on a full-day market tour to Otavalo and Cotacachi Market. Comfortable transportation will pick you and other group members up from two convenient Quito locations, before taking you to the Mazapan handicrafts market in Calderon.  A stop at the Otalvo market is the perfect opportunity for taking photos.  You’ll enjoy a hearty lunch in Cotacachi before exploring the natural area surrounding it.

Experience our Full Day Private Tour to Otavalo Market, Cayambe & Peguche! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Ecuador as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Otavalo Market, Cayambe & Peguche. Experience a full-day tour of the renowned Otavalo Marketplace, the largest Indigenous market in Latin America. Departing from Quito, you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant stalls filled with colorful artisan souvenirs and indulge in delicious flavors. Additionally, you can admire the beauty of Lago San Pablo and enjoy the tranquility of this serene location. We'll greet you directly at the city center or hotels and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day. Leave the details to us as we escort you on an extraordinary adventure, crafting memories that will stand the test of time!

Discover the best of the Andean north on a journey filled with culture, history and breathtaking scenery. We begin at the Quitsato Solar Clock, located exactly on the equator, where you’ll learn how pre-Columbian cultures interpreted the sky and the seasons from this unique point. The experience continues at the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by Andean mountains—an ideal place to enjoy panoramic views, nature and pure fresh air. We then head to the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most colorful in South America. Explore its vibrant stalls, meet local artisans and discover beautifully handcrafted textiles, accessories and unique pieces created by the Indigenous Otavalo community. *A brief tasting at the Biscuit and Agave Museum in Cayambe.

Discover the best of the Andean north on a journey filled with culture, history and unforgettable landscapes. We begin at the Quitsato Solar Clock, located exactly on the equator, where you’ll learn how pre-Columbian cultures interpreted the sky and the seasons from this unique point. We then continue to the Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most colorful in South America. Enjoy free time to explore, meet local artisans and find beautifully handcrafted textiles, hats and unique pieces made by the Otavalo Indigenous community. Next, we visit the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by Andean mountains—an ideal spot for breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature. *A short tasting at the Biscuit and Agave Museum in Cayambe.

The market of Otavalo is South America's most famous Indian fair. We get an early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery northwards. You will have ample time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indigenous people wearing blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair and to explore their handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries and more at bargain prices. For lunch, we will head to Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes. Once at the project you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of the South-American woman and their skills for textiles and a deep culinary knowledge coming from the past generations.

With transport by private vehicle directly from your hotel in Quito, this private day trip to the Otavalo indigenous market offers flexibility. Set off to picturesque Otavalo in the morning, with stops at Mitad del Mundo and the town of Cayambe en route. On your return, sightsee at Laguna Cuicocha and pore over leather goods in Cotacachi.