Otavalo Unveiled: A Day Journey Through Time and Tradition!
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
In the heart of South America, nestled just two hours north of Quito, lies the enigmatic town of Otavalo. It's not just any town; it's a pulsating epicenter of culture, art, and nature. Known far and wide for hosting the continent's most expansive Indian handicraft market, Otavalo is more than just a marketplace. It's a tapestry of vibrant colors, intricate woodwork, and masterful weaving.
Beyond the bustling stalls and the hum of barter, Otavalo's soul lies in its breathtaking backdrop. Majestic peaks, serene lakes, and untouched natural reserves cradle this town, while whispers of ancient Indian villages dance in the wind. Otavalo isn't just a destination; it's an experience, a journey into the heart of a land that time forgot.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What to bring:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Extra snacks and water
Face masks
Hand sanitizer
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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. 12:30 am Cotacachi Leather Market with a stop for lunch at typical Ecuadorian Restaurant 2.00 pm Peguche Waterfalls or Cuicocha lake (only one depending on numbers) 2:30 pm return to Quito 6.00 pm back in Quito
Fabrica de Bizcochos San Pedro
Sample the famous Cheese and Biscuits from Cayambe
What‘s Included
What’s Included:
Professional guide
Lunch
Private Transport
What’s Not Included:
Additional Snacks / Beverages
TIPS
Breakfast
Options
Otavalo Daytour
VIP CarpeDM Private
Private Tour
Otavalo Unveiled: Full Day!
Otavalo Unveiled: Full Day: Shared option for dates other than Saturday
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Market tour
txexgirl,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Saraí was a great guide! She gave us such great information. I really enjoyed the market. I highly recommend this tour!!
Great day trip
Coastal68437686734,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day trip with a small group. Guide allowed us to customize trip to what we wanted to see. Main market was full of local products. Had an interesting lunch prepared by indigenous people. Total fee was 56 dollars.
Best Guide you can find in Quito
ShekoSusan K,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the best day I had in the Quito area. Felipe was an amazing guide and tailored the day so I could select preferences and timing. As a private tour I saw so much more and it was both a beautiful and fascinating day. Felipe has a wealth of knowledge about historic, economic and natural phenomenon. I was impressed and would do it again if I could.
Fantastic nice trip - recommended
Ingrid E,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experiential tour to Otavalo market and Cotacathi. Nice nature and cultural experiences. Several interesting stops along the way. Knowledgeful and nice guide. Recommended!!
Otavalo Market tour
Z6549DUlukasl,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lincoln was a very good guide and had a lot of knowledge i was able to learn a lot on this tour about the country. I would definitely reccomend it and do it again.
Enjoyed this Saturday, first-day in Quito tour
Carlos4Joy,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good way to start our Quito vacation. It is a van-based vacation (helping get over my altitude sickness on my first day here) and covers a lot of ground. The Saturday Market was great and the tour combined nature, culture, ecotourism and gastronomy. A good complement to other, more Quito-centric tours we’ll do later.
Nice start to 2 weeks in Ecuador
W1123OSstevenr,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip to Otavalo provided a good overview of Ecuadorean crafts and indigenous culture, a great way to start our vacation. Felipe had deep knowledge of the area and was very pleasant company.
Otavalo is amazing!
gabrielvH3552KY,,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a GREAT experience. To get to know Ecuador through the eyes of the Otavalan people was a time to remember. Our guide, Felipe, was an essential part of it. Thanks to him, I learned a lot more than I expected!
Way more than just a market tour!
N1253YYdeniseh,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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!
Way more than a market tour!
Denise H,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 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!
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Operated by CarpeDM Adventures