The Ultimate Guide to Otavalo in Ecuador
Otavalo is a small city located just a couple of hours away from Quito. What makes this place particularly remarkable is history and tradition.
Otavalo is mostly inhabited by Otavaleño people, who produce here some of the most amazing pieces of Andean artwork. The handmade products such colorful textiles, woodcarvings, paintings are famous all around the World. Otavalo is definitely my favorite city in Ecuador, so far. Here is the ultimate travel guide to make your stay in Otavalo, even more remarkable.
Plaza de los Panchos – Otavalo Market
Otavalo Market is undoubtedly one of the most famous markets in South America. It lies in the heart of the city in Plaza de los Panchos and it is the largest outdoor market in South America!
The stalls are filled with colorful blankets, table linens, pillowcases, backpacks, handbags, leather wallets, belts, alpaca-wool socks and sweaters. You can also find plenty of artisan jewelry and traditional instruments.
Otavalo market is probably the best place in South America to buy souvenirs for your loved ones! It opens at 9am and closes at 5pm during the week. On Saturdays, the day starts early for stallholders, it’s 6 am.
Mirador El Lechero
El Lechero is an important stop on the way to the Condor Park. The mirador lies at 2847m and it provides you an incredible lookout viewpoint. You can notice the San Pablo lake, Fuya Fuya Mountains, Cotacachi, Imbabura volcanoes and a great view of the Otavalo town.
The tree itself is a very important place for indigenous people living here. It is believed that this is purely sacred area with healing power. There are many purification rituals and spiritual ceremonies along indigenous Otavaleños.
San Pablo Lake
San Pablo Lake is an impressive area at the foot of Volcano Imbabura and it lies 3km west of the Otavalo town. Indigenous people of Kichwa Otavalo and Cayambi live in regions around the lake.
Parque Condor
What about standing face to face with noble birds like Andes condors, owls, eagles, falcons or sparrowhawks?
Parque Condor is a bird sanctuary where are located rescue predatory birds. It is located in Curiloma, just few minutes walk from E Lechero mirador.
Parque Condor is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday and you can come between 9:30am and 5:00pm. The flight demonstration starts at 11:30am and finishes at 3:30 in the afternoon.
Cascada de Peguche
Cascada de Peguche is located 3,3km away from Otavalo. The impressive 18m high waterfall is reachable by pleasant walk across small traditional villages. It reaches an altitude of 1821m and it is surrounded by forest where you can camping. Below the trail, you can find small pools set just next to the river.
Cascada de Peguche is also a ceremonial place for cleansing rituals, especially during the festival of Inti Raymi.
Laguna Cuicocha
Laguna Cuicocha is one of the most stunning lakes in this region, set 22km away from Otovalo. The name means Guinea Pig which is actually a very popular food in this region. As a result of over 3,000 years volcanic eruption, the caldera resembles the shape of the guinea pig.
The trail takes about 5 hours around the crater of the inactive volcano Cotacachi. This unusual lake contains two little lava domes covered by green lush. The highest point reaches 3240m and it offers a stunning view of the clear azure lake. Local people still believe in the healing power of the lake. They take a bath in the lagoon at every second day of the Inti Raymi festival.
Fuya Fuya Volcano
Fuya Fuya is inactive volcano in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes. The hike takes 3hours and the highest point is located at over 4263m. The trail starts at the base of Laguna Grande de Mojanda.
This mountains are pretty popular among climbers and mountaineers. It is a good place to acclimate and adapt the body, before making the ascent to the bigger mountains.
How to Get to Otavalo
If you are in Quito, you can easily get to Otavalo by bus which costs $2.50. Buses from Quito to Otavalo leave from the Terminal Carcelen in the Northern Quito. The Cooperativa Otavalo bus company is the most common transport on this route.
READ MORE: Swing At The End of The World in Baños, Ecuador
