Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito

4.3 (41 reviews) Quito, Ecuador
Duration9h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 18 travelers

Overview

The Otavalo cultural tour is a wonderful way to discover and combine the famous artisan indigenous market in Ecuador with some of the most amazing views nearby the capital.

Wander around one of the most famous indigenous markets of South America, walk on the Equator Line, taste delicious bizcochos, hike around the beautiful Cuicocha Laguna, visit the Cotacachi leather-town and savour a local lunch - the perfect mix of culture, nature, history, and gastronomy.

What's included

  • Professional and Bilingual Guide
  • Lunch & Bizcochos tasting
  • Transportation from/to Quito's meeting point
  • Market Purchases
  • Quitsato Entrance Fee (Equator Line) $2 per person
  • Tips

What to expect

  1. Mitad del Mundo Globe Guachala
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE MAIN MONUMENT

    Entrance fee to the small Equator monument - $2 per person

    The Quitsato Sundial is a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del Mundo, near Cayambe, 47 km north of Quito. It was built in 2006 and inaugurated in 2007 as an independent, non-profit project in a 24,756 ft² (2300 m²) area. Its main goal is to share crucial aspects of the astronomical knowledge of the prehispanic cultures of the region. The expositions are carried out by community members as a self-sustaining project. According to Google Maps, the central pillar is 4 meters south of the true equator.

    After this very interesting visit, we will head to a traditional bizcochos factory. You will learn everything about the traditional biscuits of the Cayambe region and, of course, taste those delights!
  2. Miralago
    30m
    We will stop at the viewing point “Mira Lago” where it is possible to see Cayambe, Imbabura, San Pablo Lake, Tabacundo and flower farms.
  3. Otavalo Market
    1h
    You will have time to explore the famous indigenous market, exchange with the friendly sellers, and do some shopping.
  4. Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve
    1h
    Visit the town of Cotacachi, declared as "Magic Village of Ecuador" because of its cultural richness. Indeed, Cotacachi is know as the " leather town", which makes it the perfect place for you to buy some locally-made leather pieces.

    There, we will also enjoy a delicious lunch in a local and charming restaurant.
  5. Cuicocha Lake
    30m
    Here, you will have time for a small walk around the Laguna. Enjoy the magnificent landscapes and the views of the nearby volcanoes!
  6. Quito Old Town
    Pass by
    Return to Quito and drop off at your original meeting point.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus.

Meeting point

7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus.
Dates: Tuesday and Saturday
Return point: Plaza San Blas

End point

6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus.

End point

7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus.
Dates: Tuesday and Saturday
Return point: Plaza San Blas

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances
  • Necessary equipment: Warm clothes, gloves, hat. Sunglasses & Sunscreen. Water, snacks. Hiking shoes. Camera and Waterproof jacket. Cash.

Cancellation policy

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

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4.3 (41)
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