A Full Day Trip from Quito to Otavalo – A Guide for Your Perfect Adventure

Are you looking for a unique place to visit in Ecuador? Otavalo is no doubt one of the most impressive places to explore! With its unique culture, stunning scenery, warm and friendly people, Otavalo is an amazing place to visit. But if you are just coming from Quito, what is the best way to experience it?In this guide, we’ll explore the best way to make a full day trip from Quito to Otavalo. We’ll provide you with information on the best way to get there, as well as outline the attractions and experiences you won’t want to miss. So if you’re ready to explore one of the most beautiful and culturally fascinating regions in the world, let’s get started!

Exploring Otavalo: Understanding the Basics

Otavalo is a small city located in the Imbabura province of Ecuador. It is about 100 km (62 miles) north of Quito and is a very popular tourist spot for visitors coming from all around the world. With its attractive markets, stunning scenery and welcoming locals, Otavalo has something for everyone. The city of Otavalo itself is a quaint little town with centuries of history behind it. It was already inhabited by several indigenous cultures before the Spanish conquest and still has vestiges of those times today. The locals still speak a variety of Quechua and are incredibly proud of their heritage. Aside from the town itself, you’ll also want to take advantage of some of the stunning natural landscapes around Otavalo. The nearby mountain range, known as Imbabura Volcano, provides breathtaking views of the region and is perfect for an afternoon hike (or leisurely sightseeing). The valleys, lakes and rivers also abound with activities. You can horseback ride through the countryside or simply relax by a peaceful river. Additionally, you might also catch a glimpse of some of Ecuador’s flora, including several native orchids and other interesting plants.

How to Get to Otavalo from Quito

If you’re coming from Quito to Otavalo, you have a few options on how to get there. You can take a bus or a tourist shuttle service directly from the city. Buses depart daily from the main terminal in Quito, located at Quitumbe. Tickets can typically be purchased ahead of time at various kiosks throughout the city or directly at the station itself. Many companies also provide shuttle services directly to Otavalo, so that may be another option if you don’t want to take the bus (this is less common however). Another interesting way to get to Otavalo is by train. This service leaves from Riobamba Station in Quito and travels along the Avenue of Volcanoes, stopping in different towns along the way. Unfortunately, this service isn’t as frequent as buses and can be rather slow. Additionally, you may have to change trains several times along the way.

Places You Can Visit in Otavalo

Once you arrive in Otavalo, you will have plenty of options as far as places to visit and things to do! One of the biggest attractions are its markets, where you will find indigenous handicrafts including wall hangings, tapestries, jewellery and more! Many locals also gather at nearby Plaza de Ponchos each weekend where they sell various items including food, clothing and souvenirs. The countryside around Otavalo is also full of interesting things to see and explore. To experience some of the local culture, a great place to visit is Peguche Waterfall. Here you will find locals who come here every summer solstice to perform strict rituals centered around music and dance that date back centuries. In addition to this, you can also visit Cotacachi Leather Town where you can purchase handmade leather goods; and Condor Park where visitors can gain insights into some of Ecuador’s endemic wildlife.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time of year for visiting Otavalo generally falls between December and February when temperatures are warm (but not too hot). Although this time may also be more crowded, it is also when all the festivities are happening! How exciting! At this time you will have access to activities such as visiting local music festivals (including “Carnival de Invierno”), art exhibitions and local theatre performances which are all worth checking out! But if crowds are not your thing, then late spring or early autumn may be better suited for you. Temperatures tend to be mild at this time and the festivals die down somewhat but there are still plenty of wonderful things to experience, such as visiting Peguche Waterfall or Cotacachi Leather Town.

Accommodations and Restaurants

Once you start your journey in Otavalo, you may find yourself wanting something more comfortable than exploring around on foot or via public transportation. Thankfully, there are several accommodations and restaurants located throughout Otavalo that suit all budgets. If your budget can stretch a little further then there are several high-end lodges that provide luxury accommodations just outside town. There are also hotels in town for those who’d like something more central but again more costly. Additionally, most guesthouse accommodations give visitors a great chance to connect with locals through their rooms and excellent hospitality services.

Tips for Your Perfect Day in Otavalo

Now that we know a little about what you can expect from an adventure in Otavalo, let’s look at some tips for making it an unforgettable experience!

• Explore beyond the markets – sure they are amazing, but make sure to get out there and explore the outdoors too.
• Use a reliable guide – hire someone knowledgeable about local customs and culture to make the most out of your day.
• Book accommodations in advance – lodging can be tricky during peak season so be sure book accommodations well in advance.
• Pack plenty of snacks – while there are plenty of great restaurants around town it also doesn’t hurt to have some snacks on hand as well.

Keep these tips in mind when planning your next trip to Otavalo! Whether your goal is an overnight stay or a full day experience, we know you will find something unique in this stunning part of Ecuador.

Book an Activity with GetYourGuide

For those looking for an even more thrilling experience in Otavalo, why not book an activity? GetYourGuide offers many activities that combine adventure with cultural experiences that offer insight into local customs and lifestyle choices in this beautiful part of Ecuador. From horse riding tours to canal safaris, there is something for everyone who wants an added layer of excitement to their time in Otavalo. So if you’re ready to give your day a bit more punch, head over to GetYourGuide today and book an activity tailored for you!