Private Tour

Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

Mobile ticket

Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Plaza De Los Ponchos Mercado

Driving north of Quito is the most famous indigenous market of Ecuador: Otavalo, full of traditions and handcrafts. Following the route is Cayambe, very well known by local people for its salt biscuits called Bizcocho that is usually served with local cheese and milk caramel. Then driving northern a nice lake can be appreciated with the background a majestic Imabura Volcano. Finally arrive to Otavalo town where the local market is based. If you want to see the market at its fullest, visit on a Saturday or Wednesday. Some typical items can be found such as handmade textile, ceramic, wood, silver, leather, and metal products.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Cotacachi

The last stop for the day is Cotacachi located just 10 minutes away from Otavalo, a town known for its leather goods with really great leather jackets and bags. Afternoon time to drive back to Quito.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Local guide

Private tour

Transport by private vehicle

Bottle of water

Food and drinks

Lunch

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Otavalo market private tour
AI1003,,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We truly enjoyed the experience, the guide was very helpful, accommodating and kind!!! We really reccomend the experience to everyone
Great trip to Otavalo
aid h95,,Jan 1, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our private trip to Otavalo market was amazing. Our guide Javier was super friendly and knowledgeable about everywhere we stopped. I was expecting to just travel to the market and back to Quito but Javier stopped at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking a volcano and at a rose stand on the way. The time at the market was just enough to enjoy (without spending too much money!) and then he took us to a nearby park and waterfall. Lunch is not included but the restaurant he took us to was very reasonably priced and delicious. Our last stop was at a bird rescue where he told us all about the native Ecuadorian condors. Overall we had a great (and tiring day) and enjoyed it all. We would definitely book it again!
Great Experience!
cassf1813,,Sep 20, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great day trip! Our guide was very helpful, kind, and full of interesting information about the area and history. He knew both English and Spanish fluently. This was a pet-friendly excursion. We were in a large van that comfortably accommodated us and our medium sized dog. Both the driver and the guide were flexible, considerate, and interested in ensuring we had the best time! I would gladly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a private tour or excursion around Ecuador.
Great day with Cristian. Private tour.
terryp0060,,Jan 31, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had Cristian as our guide and he was fantastic! He drove us to several sights then to the market which was a highlight! A wonderful tour guide, knowledgeable and professional and fun! Would highly recommend anyone going to Ecuador and spending the day with Cristian!
Well worth the price
Culture42788,,Mar 5, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you can afford the private tour, well worth doing. The market is amazing and a visit to the local weaving factory equally unusual. Good stops.
Excellent Tour! Great value!
jax76ca,,May 31, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Cristian is an excellent guide and our tour was great! He is very knowledgeable and customized our stops along the way to show us a diverse range of different towns that gave us a great taste of Ecuador!