Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit the vibrant markets of Otavalo and Cotacachi on this full-day tour from Quito. Enjoy beautiful viewpoints, a delicious lunch, and an optional boat ride on Cuicocha Lake. This shared tour includes pickup and drop-off from two convenient locations in Quito.
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Minimum age is 12 years old
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
After pickup from one of two convenient locations in Quito, your shared tour of up to 18 passengers will visit Calderon, a small town famous for its ‘Mazapan’ handicrafts. Continue on to Cayambe, where you can see locals preparing bizcochos using traditional techniques and a wood fired oven. Then, stop at a viewpoint where you can marvel at the landscape of the Imbabura volcano and San Pablo lake. Then, you will arrive at the Otavalo market, where you can spend approximately 2 hours shopping at the artisanal market and taking photographs. Peruse the amazing colors and artisanal goods created by the talented local craftspeople. Continue to Cotacachi for a delicious lunch and an opportunity to explore the leather workshops. Finally, you can either see the sights from the water on an optional boat ride on Cuicocha Lake or simply wander the vibrant green landscape, before hopping back into the 18-seat van for your return trip back to Quito.
Professional, licensed driver
Bilingual guide
Lunch
Transportation from Quito to Otavalo and back
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Solar Clock ($2)
Boat Rides at lake ($3.25)
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
saramE7493VJ,,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour guide was amazing!. He spoke Spanish, English and Quechua. I believe his name was Joel. This was an awesome tour! From the start of the tour till the end it was very informative. I would select this tour again.

kayk318,,Jun 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Oscar the great!!! Great tour guide, all the previous reviews about Oscar are true, great guy, honest historian with impressive insight !!







Willbfun,,Jul 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
I really enjoyed this walking tour. Andrea, our guide, was very friendly and knowledgeable, and her historical anecdotes were very interesting as well. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Marta O,,Jan 3, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great way to get away from Quito for a day and see more of the country. Our guide Patrizio was a long-haired, colourful character and he told us a lot about the local life. We stopped along the way a few times but the most exciting aside from Otavalo was Cotacachi, where we witnessed the Inti Ryami Sun festival celebrations. Very real and exciting! The trip worth every penny, back with lots of shopping and unforgettable memories!!




Operated by Community Adventures