This is a fun and relaxing tour of Otavalo Market. You will make stops at great foodie sites, check out a beautiful lake, visit the Quitsato sundial, have a great cup of Ecuadorian coffee, savor some tasty bizcochos and string cheese, have the best slice of pie in Ecuador, enjoy lunch at a gourmet sandwich and burger stop in Cotacachi (Leather town) and shop till you drop at the renowned Otavalo Indigenous marketplace. It´s all about having fun, eating great food, and enjoying life as a local in Ecuador.
Pickup included
One of our first stops on the tour is the lovely city of Cayambe. You will get to drive by the unique city center and plazas as you make your way to the best Bizcocho (biscuits) and String Cheese factory in Ecuador. The bizcochos are made fresh and from scratch every day. You get to see them being made and placed in the traditional ovens. These bizcochos are very tasty and combined with the string cheese make a delicious morning snack. You can also savor the dulce de leche (caramel) and have a quick cup of coffee or hot chocolate. This stop is the perfect cure for morning sluggishness.
Once we arrive at Otavalo we will head to the renowned Plaza de Los Ponchos. The indigenous Otavalo people are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous market. Saturdays see the market expand throughout the city but any other day you will find vendors and stands at the Mercado de Los Ponchos. The shops sell textiles such as handmade blankets, tablecloths, handicrafts, paintings, and much more. I love the Otavalo market, you can always find something interesting or quirky to take back home as souvenirs or to decorate your home. Its always fun to haggle with the vendors and hear their stories.
We will stop at Lago (Lake) San Pablo for some reflection time in the midst of the beautiful and peaceful surroundings. There is a chance to find ancestral kayaks used for races in the lake by locals. I had a chance to experience these ancestral kayaks and its a strange but wonderful experience. If we schedule this before hand there are small boats that take you around the lake, its a cool experience.
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
We pick up from hotels in urban Quito and close to the Tababela Quito airport. For pick-up in the Valley of Los Chillos an extra $20 USD per group will be charged.