Otavalo Unveiled: A Day Journey Through Time and Tradition

22 Ratings

Quito

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Embark on a captivating journey through time and tradition in Otavalo, Ecuador. Discover the vibrant culture, art, and nature that make this town a must-visit destination.

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Go F.A.R. Project Ecuador - Go FAR Offices / CarpeDM Offices will be the meeting point to start the tour in Quito, Ecuador. Located next to Secret Garden Hostel
7:20 am depart Quito Old Town
7.30 am depart Quito Hilton Colon New Town
9:00 am Bizcochos y Queso de Cayambe
9:30 am San pablo lake
10:15 am Plazas de Ponchos of Otavalo approx. 2hrs….

What's Included

Professional guide
Lunch
Private Transport

What's Not Included

What’s Not Included:
Additional Snacks / Beverages
TIPS
Breakfast

Additional Information

Situated at the core of South America, just a couple of hours north from Quito, you’ll find the mysterious town of Otavalo. It’s no ordinary town; it’s a vibrant hub of culture, art, and nature. Recognized throughout the continent for holding the largest Indian handicraft market, Otavalo is much more than a trading center. It’s a canvas of vivid hues,…

Location

Go F.A.R. Project Ecuador

Los Rios

Right Next to Secret Garden Hostel - If you are staying in the New Town Mariscal, we also have a meeting point at Hilton Colon - 7.30am at 7.45am - just let us know upon booking which you prefer.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(22 Ratings)

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1 star

N1253yydeniseh

Aug 19, 2025

Way more than just a market tour! - Our excursion to Otavallo far exceeded our expectations. We were hoping for a couple of hours to explore the market and to get some guidance from the tour guide around quality and pricing. Felipe, our tour guide, shared so much great information with us about the city and the people as we drove and the tour company does so much to support the local artisans. Felipe first brought us to a great store as an initial stop, where we saw demonstrations and were able to taste traditional biscuits and agave products. Then he took us to another store where he introduced us to two local indigenous women who carry on the traditional culture. They explained their outfits and sold amazing alpaca scarves for a very reasonable price. We were also able to see and photograph alpaca there. Then we went to a store with a woman who showed us how they prepare and dye the alpaca wool and use a loom to create the double sided weavings. Again, amazing products and prices there. Then we had time to shop at the Otavallo market with Felipe's guidance and advice. We did a hike to the lagoon in the volcano crater. We were treated to a delicious authentic lunch at a local resident's home and toured her garden. Last stop was the leather market. A truly amazing day--can't say enough good things about it! A 10 out of 10!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Denise_h

Aug 19, 2025

Way more than a market tour! - Our excursion to Otavallo far exceeded our expectations. We were hoping for a couple of hours to explore the market and to get some guidance from the tour guide around quality and pricing. Felipe, our tour guide, shared so much great information with us about the city and the people as we drove and the tour company does so much to support the local artisans. Felipe first brought us to a great store as an initial stop, where we saw demonstrations and were able to taste traditional biscuits and agave products. Then he took us to another store where he introduced us to two local indigenous women who carry on the traditional culture. They explained their outfits and sold amazing alpaca scarves for a very reasonable price. We were also able to see and photograph alpaca there. Then we went to a store with a woman who showed us how they prepare and dye the alpaca wool and use a loom to create the double sided weavings. Again, amazing products and prices there. Then we had time to shop at the Otavallo market with Felipe's guidance and advice. We did a hike to the lagoon in the volcano crater. We were treated to a delicious authentic lunch at a local resident's home and toured her garden. Last stop was the leather market. A truly amazing day--can't say enough good things about it! A 10 out of 10!

Review provided by Viator

Kayfragomeni

Jul 26, 2025

A Trip Away From Quito - This trip outside the city was amazing! There was so much to see and learn in Otavalo and Cotacachi. Felipe was a great guide.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Charlton

Jun 14, 2025

Great day trip - It was a pleasant day spent visiting Otovalo and the surrounding areas. Lincoln did a fabulous job of explaining and exposing us to the history, culture, and food of area

Review provided by Tripadvisor

G6028qucarolg

Mar 27, 2025

A must if in Quito - Great trip to two older towns, learnt about the traditional dress and saw many people wearing this. The market offered everything and at good prices with some bargaining. Otavalo and Cotacachi both had traditional squares that were vibrant.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

_valcm43

May 18, 2024

Otavalo and Beyond - Lincoln was a wonderful guide. He took us to many places in addition to the Otavalo marketplace and pointed out various histories of the area. He also provided a wonderful cultural context and history for many things we saw. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this trip.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Erics786

Mar 21, 2024

A great tour to and around Otavalo - We had an excellent day with Lincoln! His local expertise and pleasant personality really made our tour a high point of our stay in Quito. He was able to give us insights we would have otherwise missed.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

B2206xmlisak

Jul 28, 2023

A full day taking in the sights with a great guide - So many places to visit along the way. We never felt rushed and Alejandro was happy to answer any questions in addition to his fantastic commentary. My son and I felt very lucky to have such a wonderful guide who was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We were able to take our time and enjoy every moment

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Trip17363383000

May 20, 2023

Stefy is Amazing! - Estefania was so friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. She was flexible on the itinerary to better fit our interests. She is passionate about the communities and shares that with her tourists.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Mad33london

Jan 29, 2023

Amazing day in Otavalo - A day to remember with our great and fun guide Nathalie. She is local speaking quicha with french ancestors! A perfect guide to show us the jewel that is Otovalo market! The drive went quickly with several stops on the way and a delicious local lunch on our way back. One of the highlight of our trip in Quito. A MUST do. Saturday is the best day. Carpe Dm was very profesional and easy to deal with. We booked as a private tour which was great as we were able to practise our spanish with Nathalie. Thank you !!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $69

up to 6 guests

1 - Adult