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
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
Options
Otavalo Unveiled: Full Day!
Otavalo Unveiled: Full Day: Shared option for dates other than Saturday
Otavalo Daytour
VIP CarpeDM Private
Private Tour
What‘s Included
What’s Included:
Professional guide
Lunch
Private Transport
What’s Not Included:
Additional Snacks / Beverages
TIPS
Breakfast
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
51 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Long but fun day with Lincoln
AdventureGirl007,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fun day with Lincoln. It ended up just being the 2 of us. We had many laughs. I recommend bringing luggage with lots of room. There are lots of lovely things to but at Otovalo. Also the town of leather goods which is where we had a delicious lunch. The people at Otovalo were a bit pushy for me & it was difficult to just shop as they were doing the hard sell. I’m not a fan of that or crowds so not my thing ver went for a walk along a beautiful lake & Lincoln described many of the plants. Traffic back to Aquino was horrible.
Get out of the city and visit the countryside
Frango B,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun day exploring the countryside. In addition to visiting the Otovalo market, we stopped for bizcochos, had a lovely lunch & wandered around Parque Nacional Cotacachi.
Otavalo tour
Jacobo R,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. We visited beautiful places.Highly recommended. Felipe our guide was the best. He helped us plan our day . Felipe is an excellent guide.He gave us great advices for our stay in Quito.
Otavalo tour
493jacobor,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended.The tour was very interesting. We visited beautiful places. The guide Felipe was the best. He helped us have a wonderful day. Additionally Felipe gave us a lot of advices for our stay in Quito. Thank you Felipe.
A wonderful tour to Otavalo with so many positive bonuses.
Dave071584,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Felipe was an excellent guide, he was very friendly and helpful. He went the extra distance to make sure that we had a great time. He was very patient. I was just going to take a public bus from Quito to Otavalo but I would have missed so much. This tour is much more than I expected. I am very glad that I took this tour and would highly recommend it
Best Guinea Pig Experience!
244angelineh,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My guide was Felipe and I'd booked this tour due to multiple good reviews especially on Felipe. Felipe was very attentive to my needs and gave me room to do what I want by providing me options and not rushing me. I casually said I wanted to see indigenous family with guinea pigs and he immediately arranged it for me! It was a great surprise as it's the last day for me in Quito and to witness a family full of guinea pigs was one of my bucket list in my one month of latin america expedition. Felipe's swift response made my day and gave me a deep memory in my trip and for sure will highly recommend anyone to take on this experience!
A little bit of everything
April T,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this tour! It had a great mix of nature, food, and culture. Our guide Estuy was very friendly and knowledgeable, we learned a lot from him!
Thank you for the refund! I was unable to go on the tour due to illness and they generously refunded my payment.
Alison W,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My payment was refunded even though it was after the deadline for cancellation.
We really enjoyed the trip. Detailed and professional explanations and punctuality of the guide.
RAFIS3006,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the trip. Detailed and professional explanations and punctuality of the guide.
Excellent highly recommend!
Cosmopolitan42353,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lincoln our guide was excellent he explained our itinerary of the day then proceeded to tell us about the history each step of the way! His English was excellent so we understood everything he told us! The tour itself was amazing and the lunch stop was perfect!
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Operated by CarpeDM Adventures