Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito
A full-day trip from Quito to Otavalo city, passing through some of the most important towns in the northern Ecuadorian sierra. Witness the most beautiful landscapes of the highlands and have a taste of its delicacies on the way to Otavalo. Take some time to shop in the market (only on Saturdays) and then head to Cotacachi valley. Includes lunch.
Options
Thursday &Saturday Departures
Tuesday & Saturday Departures: Thursday & Sundays departures are open and you will join a group (12 travellers max). Tour price will be less.
Pickup included
What's included in Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
San Pablo Del LagoPass-by Only
The trip starts early in the morning driving north of Quito towards one of the most famous indigenous market in Ecuador: Otavalo. The first stop en-route will be at Calderon, a small town famous for “Mazapan” handicrafts. Following, you will stop at Cayambe, also famous for its salt biscuits with “leaf cheese” and “manjar”, delicacy you can have a small taste of if you’d like to make stop. Next stop will be a view point to enjoy the landscape of Imbabura volcano (4610 mts.) and San Pablo lagoon.
Mercado Artesania Otavalo
Afterwards, we will enter Otavalo, that holds an Indian Market every Saturday, an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. You my do some shopping in the market, from handicrafts to artisanal made clothing, or you may witness and photograph the site. We will then continue towards the peaceful Cotacachi Village, famous for its leather and meet the local craftsmen. We will head back to Quito in the late afternoon. Note: Otavalo holds the local market on Saturdays only. There are usually some exchange activities on Tuesdays, but it depends on the Otavalo villagers. * IMPORTANT NOTE: For Tuesday & Saturdays departures (open departures), meet wtih your guide and fellow travellers at 6:45am at the centrally located meeting point at Mariscal Barrio at 6:45am. For Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun departures, the guide will pick you up at the your hotel in Quito around 8:00 - 9:00am (time will be confirmed on your service voucher).
Inclusions
- Transportation Quito - Otavalo - Quito * - Tuesday & Saturdays departures: (Meeting Point - La Mariscal) | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun departures (your hotel in Quito - Hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY)
- Lunch
- Bilingual Guide
- Additional Entrances fee
- Items not mentioned on the itinerary
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Departure Point: Tuesday & Saturdays: (Meeting Point) Barrio Mariscal in Quito - Ecuador (Magic Bean Restaurant or Q Restaurant, both located at Barrio Mariscal at Mariscal Foch y Juan León Mera). Note: The exact point of departure will be informed upon confirmation. Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun: Your hotel in Quito - Please inform us of your hotel of stay (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY). Address: Tuesday & Saturdays: (Meeting Point): Magic Bean Restaurant or "Q" Restaurant located at Barrio Mariscal at Mariscal y Juan León Mera (Quito - Ecuador) IMPORTANT NOTE: A voucher will be sent with the exact place and time to start the tour. Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun: Your hotel in Quito - Please inform us of your hotel of stay (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY). Dates: See Availability Return point: Tuesday & Saturdays: (Meeting Point): Magic Bean Restaurant or "Q" Restaurant located at Barrio Mariscal at Mariscal y Juan León Mera (Quito - Ecuador) IMPORTANT NOTE: A voucher will be sent with the exact place and time to start the tour. Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun: Your hotel in Quito - Please inform us of your hotel of stay (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY). Tuesday & Saturdays: (Meeting Point) 6:50 am. Please arrive at the meeting point (La Mariscal) at least 10 min before departure time Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun: (your hotel in Quito - Hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY) 8h30 - 9h00am. Starting time may change. The pick-up time will be confirmed in the Service Voucher send by the Tour Operator through the Viator platform. Note: Please be ready at your hotel lobby 10 min before departure time.
Meeting / End Points
- Departure Point: Tuesday & Saturdays: (Meeting Point) Barrio Mariscal in Quito - Ecuador (Magic Bean Restaurant or Q Restaurant, both located at Barrio Mariscal at Mariscal Foch y Juan León Mera). At the final confirmation we send the exact meeting point.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Local supplier telephone number: 845 345 3204 Emergency ONLY phone number (local): (593) 992747880 Note: Otavalo holds the local market on Saturdays only. There are usually some exchange activities on Tuesdays, but it depends on the Otavalo villagers. Note 2: This day tour is subject to availability and last minute changes due to forces beyond our control (Force Majeure). In this case, no refunds are possible. This is not a private tour - travelers will share the services with a group of fellow travelers (max of 12 travelers per group) NOTE (IMPORTANT): The following info from each traveler is a compulsory requirement in order to be included in the supplier’s insurance. Please provide this information as soon as possible (before travel date). Names (as they appear on the passport): Passport Number: Date of Birth: Emergency Phone Number: * If travelers fail to provide this information two days prior to date of travel, the health insurance cannot NOT be applied. NOTE (travel insurance age restriction): Travel insurance for this tour is applicable to travelers up to 69 years old ONLY. We encourage travelers of more the 69 years to hire private travel insurance, as unfortunately, they will not be covered with ours. INCLUDES: • Bilingual Professional Guide • Transportation from Quito and back (at meeting point in Mariscal Restaurant) • Lunch NOT INCLUDED • Other Meals • Cost of extra activities such as horseback riding or kayaks in the Lagoon • Tips & gratuities (optional)