Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour – A Guide

Visiting the Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm is one of the top things to do in Quito, Ecuador. You can get a full day’s worth of experiences in one day, including cultural artifacts, scenery, and local handicrafts. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about the Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour from Quito.

About the Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm

The Otavalo market is one of the most important indigenous markets in South America, drawing thousands of visitors each year. It began as an informal market in the 1970s and continues to be a major attraction in Quito. The market is held every Saturday and offers a variety of local goods, such as textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, food, and other goods. Visitors can find traditional goods of all kinds, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary goods.The Rose Farm, located near the market, offers a chance to see the world’s first high-altitude rose farm. The lush farm features rose varieties from around the world and gives visitors an insight into Ecuador’s roses. The farm is also an important source of revenue for local families, as they can produce and sell a variety of flowers and plants.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour from Quito includes round-trip transportation from Quito, guided tours of the market and rose farm, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and access to exclusive areas of the market not available to the public. The tour also includes a stop at the Cotapaxi volcano, offering a glimpse into one of Ecuador’s most beautiful landscapes.During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Otavalo market, learn about local culture, shop for handicrafts, visit the rose farm, and explore the Cotapaxi volcano. The tour also includes lunch and snacks, giving travelers a chance to enjoy some of Ecuador’s delicious traditional dishes.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before you book your tour, there are a few things you should know. First of all, the tour is typically conducted in Spanish; however, English-speaking guides are available upon request. The tour will last about 8 hours and will include a lot of walking. Therefore, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of sunscreen and water.It’s also important to remember that the market is crowded and can be overwhelming, so it helps to plan ahead before going. There are a few things visitors should do before they go to make sure they get the most out of their experience:

• Research ahead of time to find out what goods are available in the market.
• Bring cash—many vendors won’t accept credit cards.
• Be prepared to negotiate on prices—bargaining is expected.
• Bring a reusable bag to carry your purchased items.
• Be aware that pickpockets operate in the market.

Final Thoughts

The Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour from Quito is one of the most popular attractions in Ecuador. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Ecuadorian culture and shop for unique handicrafts and local goods. The tour includes transportation from Quito, guided tours of the market and rose farm, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and access to exclusive areas of the market not available to the public. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Quito, Ecuador, you can’t go wrong with this tour. You can book it now here.

Insider’s Guide: Visiting Otavalo, Ecuador

Otavalo, located in the northern Andes of Ecuador is known for its indigenous culture and beautiful handicrafts. The Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm are two attractions that are worth visiting. However, there are many other places to explore in this charming city. In this insider’s guide, we will take a closer look at some of the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and local history in Otavalo.

Attractions

Otavalo is home to several attractions that offer visitors an opportunity to learn about Ecuadorian culture, history, and nature. Here are a few must-visit attractions:

Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve : This 243,638-acre nature reserve is located just outside Otavalo and is a great place for nature lovers. The reserve has several hiking trails that offer spectacular views of waterfalls, Andean forests, and wildlife.

Peguche Waterfall : A visit to Otavalo is incomplete without visiting the Peguche waterfall, which is located just a mile outside the town center. This 18-meter waterfall is considered sacred by the Otavalo people, who use it for spiritual ceremonies.

Parque Bolivar : Located at the heart of Otavalo, Parque Bolivar is a great place to relax and soak up the local culture. The park is surrounded by colonial-era buildings and has several food vendors selling local snacks.

Dining Spots

Otavalo offers a variety of dining spots that cater to locals and tourists alike. Here are a few popular options:

Cevicheria El Vigia : This seafood restaurant is located on Calle 31 de Octubre and serves some of the freshest ceviche in Otavalo. The ambiance is casual, and the prices are reasonable.

El Molino : Located on Calle Sucre, El Molino is a family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Ecuadorian food. The restaurant has been around for over 100 years and is known for its hearty portions and friendly service.

La Cosecha : La Cosecha is a farm-to-table restaurant located on Calle Bolivar that offers visitors a taste of the local cuisine. The menu changes according to the season, and the ingredients are sourced from nearby farms.

Cultural Experiences

Otavalo is known for its indigenous culture, and there are several ways for visitors to immerse themselves in this culture. Here are a few cultural experiences to try:

Otavalo Indian Market : The Otavalo Indian Market is one of the largest handicraft markets in South America. The market is held every Saturday, and visitors can buy handmade textiles, jewelry, pottery, clothing, and more. The market is a great place to interact with the local indigenous population and learn about their culture.

Casa de la Musica : Located on Calle Sucre, Casa de la Musica is a cultural center that showcases traditional Ecuadorian music and dance. There are regular performances by local artists, and visitors can take classes to learn how to dance to Andean music.

Local History

Otavalo has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. Here are a few places to learn about the city’s history:

Museo de la Ciudad : The Museo de la Ciudad is located on Calle Bolivar and is dedicated to preserving the history of Otavalo. The museum has several exhibitions that showcase the city’s indigenous culture, colonial past, and modern-day developments.

Cuicocha Lake : Cuicocha Lake is a volcanic crater lake that is located just outside Otavalo. The lake has several hiking trails that offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the geological history of the region.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

If you have some extra time in Otavalo, here are a few off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

San Rafael Waterfall : The San Rafael waterfall is located about two hours south of Otavalo and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Ecuador. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a great place to take a dip.

Parque Cóndor : Parque Cóndor is a bird rescue center that is located on the outskirts of Otavalo. The center has several species of Andean birds, including condors, eagles, owls, and falcons. Visitors can watch birds of prey fly in free flight demonstrations.

La Mitad del Mundo : La Mitad del Mundo is a monument that marks the Equator, which is located about an hour and a half south of Otavalo. The monument is a great place to take a photo and learn about the science behind the Equator.

In conclusion, Otavalo is a fascinating city that offers visitors a chance to learn about Ecuadorian culture, history, and nature. Make sure to visit the Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm, but also explore the other attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that this charming city has to offer.