Day Trips from Quito to Otavalo

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.

This private sightseeing tour offers transport and a personalized introduction to Otavalo, Ecuador’s most popular indigenous market. The market town is bustling any day of the week, with the most activity on Saturdays. Shop for handicrafts and textiles with a guide to lead the way and help you find the best bargains.

Step away from the hum of Quito and into the mesmerizing embrace of the Antisana Ecological Reserve, a mere 100km journey into the heart of the Andes. Here, adventure beckons on two wheels, guiding you through terrains that whisper tales of ancient times. From the verdant whispers of the upper Amazon at 1,200 meters to the staggering majesty of the Antisana Volcano, soaring at a breathtaking 5,758 meters, every inch of this land is a testament to nature's grandeur. Dive into the legends, for "Antisana" in the age-old Quichua tongue means the 'Dark Mountain'. True to its moniker, this enigmatic volcano often shrouds itself in a cloak of clouds. Yet, on those rare, magical days when the heavens part, the sight of its glacier-adorned pinnacle will etch itself into your soul. And as you're lost in its beauty, cast your gaze to the skies. A ballet of majestic condors, spirited cara caras, and a chorus of avian wonders serenade you, capturing the essence of Antisana's untamed spirit.

The traditional town of Otavalo lies in the foothills of the Andes Mountains around two hours north of Quito. On this tour, visit the famous Otavalo market and Cotocachi Leather Market, shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, and stop at local beauty spots such as Peguche Waterfalls or Cuicocha Lake.

Experience the incredible geography and scenery of Ecuador during this full-day trip covering Pululahua National Park and the country’s ‘Middle of the World’ equator monument. Start your excursion by straddling both the north and south hemispheres at the ‘Mitad del Mundo’ site marking the earth’s equator. Then head to Pululahua, a geo-botanical reserve inside a dormant volcano where you can observe more than 50 species of exotic plants and more than 20 different types of animals. This trip also covers a guide, activities, entrance fees, bottled water, round-trip hotel transport and an optional lunch.

Enjoy a sampling of the natural, cultural, and historical sights found around Quito during this full-day private tour. Explore Quito’s historic city center by visiting several churches and colonial-era buildings. After lunch, experience life on both sides of the earth’s equator at the Middle of the World monument before finishing your day with the amazing landscapes of the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. Your comprehensive Quito trip also includes a guide, some site entrance fees, and an optional private tour upgrade.

Escape the city on this memorable adventure that includes stops at two of Ecuador's incredible volcanoes. Enjoy an exciting 3-hour horseback ride across the Pululahua Crater and head to the Mital del Mundo complex located at the equator. Learn the history of local tribes and how they cultivate the volcanic land. This thrilling outdoor excursion is perfect for first time visitors looking to make the most of their time in Quito. Upgrade your tour an indulge in lunch with panoramic views over the valley and cloud forest. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

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.

This tour is designed for adventure lovers who want flexibility and a personalized experience. Unlike fixed itineraries, you can customize the day according to your interests and preferred activities, whether that's ziplining, ATV riding, tubing, swimming in the river, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying nature. The tour includes private transportation, guiding services, and all planned activities, giving you a hassle-free experience. Meals are not included, allowing you the freedom to choose what and where to eat. If you get hungry, your guide will be happy to recommend some of the best local restaurants and cafés in Mindo.

Experience the Mindo Cloud Forest on a private day trip from Quito, combining nature, wildlife, and culture in one unforgettable journey. Travel through the Andes with stops at the Middle of the World in Calacalí and the Pululahua crater viewpoint before entering the lush cloud forest. In Mindo, get close to colorful hummingbirds, walk short forest trails, and enjoy the incredible biodiversity of the region. You will also have time in the town of Mindo for an optional lunch (not included) and a guided chocolate tour, where you will learn the process from cacao bean to artisan chocolate with tastings included. This is a private and flexible experience with a professional local guide who adapts the day to your interests. Entrance fees are included, and from November to May there are excellent chances of seeing toucans and other exotic birds.

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.

Otavalo Market & Peguche Waterfall tour with us is the best experience! Our goal is to show travelers all over the world the true Otavalo with its unique nature, culture, hospitality of the city's inhabitants, offering individual high-level services, taking into account and taking care of every detail of the tour to fully satisfy our most demanding customers.

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.

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

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

Cover some of Ecuador’s top cultural attractions without having to worry about planning or speaking Spanish on an action-packed private sightseeing tour. You’ll cover San Pablo Lake, the charming towns of Cotacachi and Cayambe, and Otavalo Market—the largest indigenous market in South America—while you enjoy the undivided attention of your guide.

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

See the incredible and unique birdlife of Ecuador with this birding excursion with an experienced guide. Departing in the early morning from Quito City or Mindo town, travel to private reserves and sanctuaries to discover species in their natural habitat. Potential spots include the Schistes geoffroyi, Andigena laminirostris and the Tangara heinei. The necessary equipment including a spotting scope, binoculars and tuned bird calls are included.

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.

Enjoy this full-day tour of Otavalo Marketplace, the largest Indigenous market in Latin America. Departing Quito, you’ll travel to Otavalo Marketplace, to browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. See, too, the famous equator monument and stop in Peguche to visit a waterfall and a local family to learn about local music.