Otavalo Indigenous Market

On the Otavalo market tour you will spend time at the artisanal market. You can absorb the feel of an authentic indigenous market and the talented craftspeople who make it possible.

North of Quito is the renowned indigenous market of Ecuador in Otavalo, a place full of traditions and handicrafts. Before arriving to this magical place, you will visit Calderon, a small town famous for its “Mazapan” handicrafts. Further along the route is Cayambe, the perfect place to see how people prepare bizcochos using a traditional technique and in a wood fired oven (don’t forget to pair them with dulce de leche.) The next stop is a viewpoint where you can enjoy the landscape of the Imbabura volcano (4610 mts.) and the San Pablo lake.

Our next and most anticipated spot will be the Otavalo market, where you will spend time shopping at the artisanal market and taking pictures. Here, you can absorb the feel of an authentic indigenous market and the talented craftspeople who make it possible. You will fall in love with the variety and quality of artisanal goods, and the palate of colors in every stall.

Afterwards, you will go to Cotacachi to have a delicious lunch, and explore the local leather workshops. The tour will close with an optional boat ride in the cuicocha lake, or time to enjoy its vibrant green landscape.

Where to meet

• 07:15 AM in New Town (La Plaza Foch)
• 07:30 AM in Old Town (Plaza San Blas)

Itinerary
Pick up at New Town (La Plaza Foch) a las 7:15, 7:30 in Old Town (Plaza San Blas).
Leave towards Cayambe town to taste “Bizcochos”.
Visit Middle of the World, Quitsato Solar Clock near Cayambe.
Stop in “Mira Lago” viewpoint.
Arrive to Otavalo market.
Lunch.
Visit Cotacachi town.
Departure to Cuicocha lagoon.
Return towards Quito Approx 6:30 pm.

A Guide to Otavalo Market – what to expect on the tour

Backpacking through South America has been one of my biggest dreams for as long as I can remember. Once I finally got there, it was everything I had imagined and more! One of the best parts of the trip was visiting the Otavalo Market, the largest outdoor market in South America. This artisan market is located in beautiful Ecuador and is a big draw for backpackers. Before you set out, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

Where Is It?

The market is located about two hours north of Quito in the city of Otavalo. It is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, making it a big draw for its beauty as well as its rich culture. The market itself is split into three smaller sections, with the biggest one being its craft and artisan area. There are also animal and vegetable markets nearby, which are perfect for backpackers looking to bring some fresh produce back to the hostel.

What’s There?

Be sure to empty your bag before you arrive. There are literally hundreds of booths in just the craft market alone. Each one is filled with beautiful paintings, sweaters, blankets, scarves, ponchos, tapestries, and more. The market is so huge it simply cannot be done in one day, especially if you also want to check out the animal and vegetable sections. Since Saturday is the biggest, busiest day, you may want to plan your trip to the market around then. There are tons of things to do in Ecuador to pass the time between Saturday markets.

Saturday is the busiest day, but if you want to get the kind of experience locals have, you may want to swing by on a Wednesday. This is the market’s second-busiest day, and also the one where most of the locals attend as patrons, avoiding the tourist rush. The market is open on other days, which may be preferable if you do not enjoy large crowds and don’t mind a more limited selection of goods. The market is open from seven in the morning until six at night each day.

What Do You Need to Watch for?

Make sure you keep your belongings close to you. While the market is relatively safe, any place with a large number of people is a haven for pickpockets. These individuals typically focus on tourists, thanks to the large volumes of cash and valuables they usually have on hand. Keep yourself safe by never carrying a lot of money with you, storing your valuables in a safe or other secure location, and keeping your cash close to you. You may want to invest in a cross-body bag or money pouch before you leave for your trip just to be safe.

What Currency Should You Bring?

Having the right type of currency on hand before you arrive at your destination makes backpacking much easier. You definitely don’t want to try to plan your trip around the nearest currency exchange. Interestingly, and conveniently, enough, Ecuador uses the US dollar as their official currency. If you are coming from the States, you may not have to change your bills at all. You can even use local ATMs and banks with ease. Just be sure to bring small bills only – most places don’t accept bills larger than $20.

Backpacking around Ecuador is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something that everyone should get to do. When you are there, make sure you don’t miss our Otavalo Market Tour. It is a stunning place filled with handcrafted works you are going to want to bring home.