How to Plan Your Full Day Otavalo Tour from Quito

If you’re heading to Quito, Ecuador, don’t miss the chance to explore the Imbabura Province and visit the famous indigenous market in Otavalo. This full-day tour offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and see the stunning natural beauty of the region. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Full Day Otavalo Tour.

Experience

This tour is a great way to discover the highlights of the Imbabura Province, one of the most beautiful regions in Ecuador. You’ll start by visiting the charming town of Cayambe, which is famous for its biscuits and delicious cheese. Then, you’ll pass over the line of the equator and head towards the largest indigenous market in South America, located in Otavalo. Here, you’ll have the chance to shop for souvenir textiles and traditional crafts at the Mercado de Ponchos, where the locals sell their products under mushroom-shaped umbrellas. After that, you’ll head to Peguche waterfall, a popular spot with the locals who go there to take a sacred bath on the eve of Inti Raymi. Finally, you’ll visit Casa Ñanda Mañachi, a cultural house where you’ll get the chance to learn more about the people from Otavalo and enjoy some traditional music.

Highlights

– Shop at the largest indigenous market in South America in Otavalo – Visit the charming town of Cayambe, famous for its biscuits and cheese – See the stunning Peguche waterfall – Learn about the local culture at Casa Ñanda Mañachi

Full Description

The Full Day Otavalo Tour will start early in the morning, and you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Quito. From there, you’ll head towards the Guayllabamba valley to visit Cayambe town. Here, you’ll have the chance to walk around the town square and see the beautiful church. You’ll also get to taste some of the famous biscuits and delicious cheese that the town is known for. After that, you’ll pass over the line of the equator and continue towards Otavalo. Once you arrive, you’ll be taken to the Mercado de Ponchos, where you’ll have plenty of time to shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts. Don’t forget to haggle to get the best price! Next, you’ll head towards the Peguche waterfall, located just a few minutes from Otavalo. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful nature, and you’ll have the chance to hike to the top to get a great view. You can also take a dip in the natural pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Finally, you’ll visit Casa Ñanda Mañachi, a cultural house where you’ll learn about the local culture and enjoy some traditional music. The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), entrance to Casa Ñanda Mañachi and the hike to the Peguche waterfall.

Includes

– Transportation from Quito – Bilingual English and Spanish-speaking guide – Hike to the Peguche waterfall – Visit Otavalo Market – Casa Ñanda Mañachi entrance cultural and musical

How to Book

To book the Full Day Otavalo Tour, visit this link and follow the instructions to reserve your spot. Don’t forget to bring your camera and comfortable shoes for the hike. Overall, this tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local culture and see some of the best sights in the Imbabura Province.

FAQ about Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a city that fascinates visitors with its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is surrounded by towering Andean peaks and offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventurers. The city is full of colonial-era buildings and impressive churches, which have earned it a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Quito to help you plan your visit.

1. What is the best time to visit Quito?

The best time to visit Quito is during the dry season from June to September. This is when the weather is the most pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures. It is also the busiest time of the year, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you’re looking for a cheaper and quieter time to visit, consider going during the shoulder seasons from October to November or from April to May.

2. How do I get to Quito?

Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the main point of entry, with direct flights from major cities in the Americas and Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the city center. If you’re coming from other parts of Ecuador, you can take a bus to the Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe, the main bus station in Quito.

3. What are the top things to see and do in Quito?

There are plenty of things to see and do in Quito, including: Exploring the historic center: Quito’s colonial center is full of well-preserved buildings from the 16th century, including the iconic Plaza de la Independencia, the Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. Visiting the Teleferico: Take a cable car up to the top of Cruz Loma for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Checking out the street art: Quito’s street art scene has exploded in recent years, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning many of the city’s walls. Sampling the food: Quito has a delicious food scene, with traditional dishes like locro de papas (potato soup) and ceviche being popular choices.

4. Is Quito safe?

Quito is generally a safe city, but like any big city, there are certain areas that are best avoided, especially at night. It’s a good idea to stay in the tourist areas and to be vigilant with your belongings. Petty theft such as pickpocketing can happen, so keep an eye on your valuables.

5. What’s the best way to get around Quito?

The easiest way to get around Quito is by taxi or Uber, which are both cheap and plentiful. Buses are also available, but they can be crowded, especially during rush hour. Walking is a great way to explore the historic center, but be prepared for some uphill climbs.

6. What are the best day trips from Quito?

There are plenty of great day trips from Quito, including: Mitad del Mundo: Visit the equator line and the accompanying museum to learn about the history of geodesy and the indigenous cultures that have inhabited the area. Cotopaxi National Park: Head to the Cotopaxi volcano for incredible hikes and views of the surrounding landscape. Mindo Cloud Forest: Take a day trip to the lush cloud forest for bird watching and hiking trails.

7. What should I pack for my trip to Quito?

Quito’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack layers. Bring warm clothes for the chilly nights and a rain jacket for any sudden downpours. Sunscreen and a hat are also a good idea, as the high altitude means that the sun can be intense. In conclusion, Quito is a fascinating city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the colonial architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or embarking on outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Quito. Keep these frequently asked questions in mind when planning your trip to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Quito

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is known for its historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from the historic center, it is also home to many museums, parks, and markets. There are plenty of things to do for tourists visiting Quito. In this post, we will explore how to spend your time as a tourist in Quito.

1. Visit the Historic Center of Quito

The historic center of Quito is the soul of the city. It has a colonial-style architecture with narrow streets, churches, and plazas. The most notable landmark of the historic center is the Independence Plaza, which is the main square of Quito. Here, you can see the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral. Take a walk around the square and explore the surrounding streets filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

2. Enjoy the View from Panecillo

Panecillo is a hill located in the center of Quito, and it offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. You can reach the top of the hill by foot, but it is best to take a taxi or a tour as the hill is quite steep. At the top of the hill, you will find the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is made of aluminum and was constructed in the 1970s. You can take some amazing photos of Quito from here.

3. Explore Museums in Quito

Quito has some of the best museums in Ecuador, which showcase the country’s history, culture, and art. Some must-visit museums in Quito are:

3.1. Museo del Banco Central

The Museo del Banco Central is a must-visit museum in Quito. It is located in the historic center and showcases the pre-Columbian art and artifacts of Ecuador. The museum has a vast collection of ceramics, gold, and textiles that date back to the Inca and pre-Inca times.

3.2. Museo de la Ciudad

The Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) is located in the historic center of Quito and displays the history and culture of Quito. It has a collection of artifacts, photos, and documents depicting the daily life of the people of Quito from the pre-Columbian era to the present.

3.3. Museo Guayasamin

The Museo Guayasamin is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous Ecuadorian painter, Oswaldo Guayasamin. It is located in the Bellavista neighborhood of Quito and has a collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings by the artist.

4. Shop at Otavalo Market

Otavalo Market is one of the largest and most famous markets in South America. It is located in the town of Otavalo, which is about two hours from Quito. The market is open on Saturdays, and it offers a variety of products such as textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. You can also see the indigenous people of Ecuador selling their traditional goods at the market.

5. Visit Mitad del Mundo

Mitad del Mundo is a monument located on the Equator line, which is about 30 minutes from Quito. It is a tourist attraction, and you can take some great photos here. The monument has a museum that showcases the culture and traditions of Ecuador.

6. Explore the Parks in Quito

Quito has many parks where you can relax and enjoy nature. Some of the must-visit parks in Quito are:

6.1. Parque La Carolina

Parque La Carolina is the largest park in Quito, and it offers a variety of activities such as jogging, cycling, and soccer. It also has a lake where you can rent a paddleboat.

6.2. Parque Metropolitano

Parque Metropolitano is a natural reserve located in the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. You can hike or bike in the park and enjoy the flora and fauna of the Andean forest.

Book Your Tour Now

In conclusion, Quito is a city that has something to offer for everyone. You can explore the historic center, visit museums, shop at markets, and enjoy nature in parks. Make sure to try the local cuisine, such as ceviche and empanadas, and interact with the friendly people of Quito. With this guide, you can make the most of your time as a tourist in Quito.