
Visit Otavalo, Ecuador
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A couple of hours north of Quito, the small town of Otavalo, nestling in among the surrounding hills and mountains, is famous for its bustling indigenous market, which dates back to pre-Inca times.
Known to be one of the most colourful and vibrant markets in Latin America, the stalls are spread over three main squares and spill over into the adjacent streets.
Traditional dress
The Otavalenos host the market in their distinctive traditional dress — the men sport calf-length white trousers, rope sandals and ponchos and wear their hair in ponytails; the women wear delicately embroidered blouses and dark skirts, long hair in swinging braids, and their wrists are adorned by red beads.
Barter for one of the many high-quality crafts and textiles on offer, or just soak up the atmosphere with a stroll around the market.
Visiting Otavalo
Getting a good feel for the town and market can be done in a day trip from Quito, but by far the best way to enjoy the market and the countryside around Otavalo is to stay in one of the charming haciendas nearby.
These colonial farming estates have been converted into secluded hotels with comfortable rooms, home-cooked food, and tranquil gardens full of grazing llama and exotic hummingbirds.
For those who love the great outdoors we can arrange walks by stunning crater lakes and through sleepy villages.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Otavalo
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Otavalo, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Otavalo
- Hosteria Pantavi 31 kilometers away
- The Cloudforest 39 kilometers away
- Quito 59 kilometers away
- Papallacta 70 kilometers away
- Avenue of Volcanoes 138 kilometers away
- The Amazon 190 kilometers away
- Guayaquil 327 kilometers away
- Cuenca 358 kilometers away
- Loja 482 kilometers away
Photos of Otavalo
Accommodation choices for Otavalo
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Otavalo. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Hacienda Pinsaqui
This uniquely restored hacienda is full of charm. The rooms are comfortable and have a wonderfully rustic atmosphere.
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Hacienda Cusin
A welcoming retreat in a peaceful setting, looking over snow-capped mountains.
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Hacienda Piman
Dating back to 1680, Hacienda Piman is considered one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador.
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Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta is a beautiful working farm with plenty of outdoor activities. Although more remote than other haciendas in the Otavalo area the effort is worth it to see the Ecuadorian countryside in its full glory.
Ideas for experiencing Otavalo
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Otavalo, and which use the best local guides.
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Otavalo Market Otavalo Market
Otavalo Market
The market features a dazzling array of crafts, textiles and jewellery, all of which are of high quality and good value.
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