Cotacachi
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Cotacachi

From Quito: Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lagoon Tour

From Quito: Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lagoon Tour

On this Otavalo tour in Ecuador you will discover the cultural and natural beauty of this charming place. Starting in Quito, your first stop will be visiting Cayambe bizcocho factory to try these delicious traditional snacks. Next, the Mirador de Miralago, has views of the mountainous surroundings and the Cuicocha lagoon. Afterward, visit the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest markets in South America. Have some time to explore and shop here. Then, discover the Peguche Waterfall , a beautiful waterfall surrounded by great nature. Admire the waterfall and enjoy the tranquility of the environment. Finally, go to Cotacachi, known for its leather products, and, before returning to the city of Quito, stop at Laguna de Cuicocha to appreciate its unique natural beauty.

Otavalo: Full day trip from Quito

Otavalo: Full day trip from Quito

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Quito, and then journey by private vehicle towards the lively indigenous bazaar of Otavalo Market. Make brief stops at the village of Guayabamba and get an amazing view of San Pablo Lake and the surrounding landscape. Try some of the local biscochos (cookies) typical of the region along the way. Visit a weaving workshop in Peguche to learn about the handmade artisanal products and clothes typical of the region. Get back on the road to arrive at Otavalo Market and join the locals who come to sell their wares at the most spectacular market in Latin America. Buy unique souvenirs or just watch the hustle and bustle of the market vendors. Make your way to the beautiful crater lake of Cuicocha at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. Return to Quito at the end of a day full of activities and get dropped off at your hotel.

From Quito: Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour

From Quito: Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour

Depart from the meeting point in Quito and head towards the colorful town of Otavalo and the most famous Indian fair in South America. During the drive, get unforgettable views of peoples and communities, while conducting their activities and daily life. Stop at a rose plantation to learn all about the fifth main industry of Ecuador. Experience every step about the process of growing, harvesting, and exporting roses to all over the world. During your visit, admire and photograph the beautiful valleys and snow-capped mountains that are surrounding this worldwide-known region. Then, go to the viewpoint of the Laguna San Pablo, at the foothills of Imbabura volcano. Afterward, you'll arrive at the Otavalo Indian market or “Plaza de Ponchos” showing varied handmade indigenous crafts all through the main streets of the town. After lunch, explore Cotacachi village, rich in the production of fine leather garments, which are displayed and sold in small shops along the center of the city. Finish off with a drive uphill towards Cuicocha Lake, located inside the crater of Cotacachi volcano (16,200 feet), before traveling back to Quito in the evening.

Quito: Otavalo Sightseeing and Handcrafts Market Day Tour

Quito: Otavalo Sightseeing and Handcrafts Market Day Tour

Otavalo is located in the Imbabura Province, 86 km north of Quito, this town is now one of the most important tourist destinations of Ecuador, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, streams and springs, making this small town a paradise where tourists always return! The city of Otavalo is world-wide-known for the famous handicraft Indian market. Our departure is at 8:00 a.m., from your hotel in Quito, towards the colourful town of Otavalo and to the most famous Indian fair in South America! We take the Pan-American Highway, which takes you through spectacular mountain scenery, to enjoy spectacular views of people and communities, while conducting their activities and daily life! Our first stop is at the viewpoint of Pisque River, form where you'll see the majestic snow-capped volcanoes Cayambe (5.790 m - 18,996 ft) and Cotopaxi (5.890 m - 19,324 ft). Also, it will be possible to spot large plantations of roses, and very fertile farmlands. Before going to Otavalo, you will visit the popular viewpoint of San Pablo Lake, located at the foothills of Imbabura Volcano (4.630 m - 15,190 ft). You continue your journey and then you arrive to the Otavalo Indian Market or "Plaza de Ponchos", showing varied handmade indigenous crafts. There you'll have time off to hang around the market, and to make the best choices buying unique genuine souvenirs! After having lunch you'll visit Cotacachi village, well-known as the “music capital of Ecuador”, rich in the production of fine leather garments, which are displayed and sold in small shops along the center of the city. Before we return to Quito, you'll visit the stunning crater lake of Cuicocha, located in the Cotacachi volcano (4.944 m - 16,220 ft). Then we start our way back to Quito, where you'll arrive approximately at 5:00 p.m. End of this fantastic private adventure!

Quito to Otavalo, and Cuicocha: Top Day Tour

Quito to Otavalo, and Cuicocha: Top Day Tour

Discover the vibrant Otavalo Market on this full-day tour, starting with a visit to a traditional bizcocho bakery in Cayambe. Enjoy the unique taste of these local treats before heading to the scenic Cuicocha Crater Lake for a breathtaking view and an optional hike. Explore the charming town of Cotacachi, renowned for its high-quality leather goods. At Otavalo Market, immerse yourself in the colorful array of handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and more, experiencing the rich culture and traditions of Ecuadorian artisans.

From Quito to Otavalo, Bizcocho and Peguche Waterfall

From Quito to Otavalo, Bizcocho and Peguche Waterfall

On this Otavalo tour in Ecuador you will discover the cultural and natural beauty of this charming place. We will pass by the Cayambe bizcocho factory to try these delicious traditional snacks. The Mirador de Miralago has views of the mountainous, the next destination is the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest markets in South America, we will have some time to explore and shop here. The Peguche Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by great nature to enjoy the tranquility of the environment. Finally, we will go to Ñanda Mandachi, known for its leather artisanal products and before returning to the city of Quito.

Otavalo Cultural Shopping

Otavalo Cultural Shopping

From Quito to Otavalo there is a 2 hour bus ride, but in our tour we visit 6 different attractions between Quito and Otavalo in one day. Our trip is by the Panamericana Norte to get to the Quitsato Sundial, located in the Cayambe canton, named after the snow-capped mountain present in the place. This cultural site built to measure the solstices and equinoxes, in pre-Hispanic times, also considered the “other half of the world”, since the equator or equinoctial line crosses this place and half of the top of the snowy Cayambe. Its people live from livestock, agriculture, a sector dedicated to harvesting roses for export. To know its gastronomy we have a stop to have a cup of Ecuadorian coffee or chocolate with bizcochos; which are like a type of small breads made in oven with an incomparable flavor and the best of all that we will enter to see its elaboration process. Our next place to visit is Otavalo. It is located in the province of Imbabura known as the Province of the Lakes, a few minutes to reach our main destination, we have a viewpoint towards the lagoon of San Pablo and in the background the Imbabura hill, to decorate the landscape. Then we arrive at the largest and most important indigenous handicraft market in South America, it is possible to visit this market every day of the week. But in our 1 day tour we coincide with the days of the biggest fair where all the artisans gather in the Plaza de los Ponchos, here we have 2 hours to shop and then head to Cotacachi. Here we will find another handicraft market specializing in leather products, being a small place we have 45 minutes. Our last place is the Cuicocha Lagoon located at 3068m (10065.62 feet) in an active volcanic crater with islets or domes and plant observation. -Departure from Plaza Foch at 7:15 AM (Reina Victoria and Mariscal Foch) -Departure from Plaza San Blas at 7:30 AM (Francisco de Caldas and Av. Pichincha). -Quitsato solar clock. -Cayambe biscuit factory (Optional breakfast). -Visit the viewpoint of Lake San Pablo. -Plaza de Ponchos. -Lunch. -Visit to the Cuicocha Lagoon. -Visit to the town of Cotacachi. -Return to Quito.

Otavalo Market, Peguche, Cuicocha Day Tour from Quito

Otavalo Market, Peguche, Cuicocha Day Tour from Quito

This day promises a lot, we will have a stop at the Quitsato Sundial, unique for being in two hemispheres at the same time without first having passed through a traditional biscuit factory, this delicious sandwich is perfect for breakfast, if you wish you can have breakfast here accompanied by milk or coffee. The path continues to the Miralago viewpoint to observe the majestic Imbabura Volcano and the San Pablo lagoon, perfect for incredible photographs. When we arrive in Otavalo, we will have time to explore the Ponchos and Crafts market, the place is full of works of art, hand embroidered on clothing. Very close to the market, we will have lunch with local cuisine. Our tour is not over yet, on the way back to Quito we will have some stops such as Laguna Cuicocha, formed in the crater of the Cotacachi Volcano, with a small island in the middle of its crystalline waters and an optional stop in Cotacachi, the town known for its leather products. of a high-quality cow.

Otavalo Market , Peguche Waterfall and Cotacachi Day Trip

Otavalo Market , Peguche Waterfall and Cotacachi Day Trip

Get Inspire by our Amazing Otavalo Tour Once we pick you up in Quito City , we will start our amazing program driving towards to Guayllabamba Valley to try some local fruits such Cherimoya, known as "sticky apple", and many other unique flavors that you will love for sure. Then, we will continue our drive to Cayambe town known as "the biscuit town" where you will try these delicious biscuits which you can combine with a cup of local chocolate and the traditional leaf cheese. In the road, we will stop by Mira lago viewpoint, where you will enjoy a facinating landscape full cover with crops , lakes and volcanoes. Then, we will arrive to Otavalo and visit the Handicraft market (one of the oldest Indigenous markets in Latinamerica), from this moment you will have enough time to explore and enjoy the area on your own pace. After that, we will take you to visit a sacred waterfall called Peguche, at this place you will walk for 15 minutes between a nice eucalipto forest surrounded by colorful landscapes. Finally, we will visit Cotacachi town also known as “ the Leather town”, here you can enjoy a typical lunch in one of the local restaurants (extra cost). This is our last visit before we return to Quito. PLEASE NOTICE THAT THIS SHARED TOUR ONLY OPERATES ON THURSDAY, AND SATURDAY , IF YOU ARE INTRESTED IN OTHER DAYS WE CAN STILL OFFER YOU THE TOUR ON A PRIVATE BASE , JUST LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE

From Otavalo: Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve Cuicocha Lake Hike

From Otavalo: Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve Cuicocha Lake Hike

Begin your adventure in the morning with pickup from a hotel or pickup point, and meet your guide for the day. Travel from Otavalo to Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Travel to the Lake Cuicocha area of the park, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Start the hike around the lake, which will last around 5 hours. Listen as your guide teaches you about local wildlife and the plants that can be found along the trail. Finish the hike and take some free time to have a coffee and explore the city of Cotacachi where you can visit shops and wander the city's streets.

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Our most recommended things to do in Cotacachi

From Quito: Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lagoon Tour

From Quito: Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lagoon Tour

On this Otavalo tour in Ecuador you will discover the cultural and natural beauty of this charming place. Starting in Quito, your first stop will be visiting Cayambe bizcocho factory to try these delicious traditional snacks. Next, the Mirador de Miralago, has views of the mountainous surroundings and the Cuicocha lagoon. Afterward, visit the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest markets in South America. Have some time to explore and shop here. Then, discover the Peguche Waterfall , a beautiful waterfall surrounded by great nature. Admire the waterfall and enjoy the tranquility of the environment. Finally, go to Cotacachi, known for its leather products, and, before returning to the city of Quito, stop at Laguna de Cuicocha to appreciate its unique natural beauty.

Otavalo: Full day trip from Quito

Otavalo: Full day trip from Quito

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Quito, and then journey by private vehicle towards the lively indigenous bazaar of Otavalo Market. Make brief stops at the village of Guayabamba and get an amazing view of San Pablo Lake and the surrounding landscape. Try some of the local biscochos (cookies) typical of the region along the way. Visit a weaving workshop in Peguche to learn about the handmade artisanal products and clothes typical of the region. Get back on the road to arrive at Otavalo Market and join the locals who come to sell their wares at the most spectacular market in Latin America. Buy unique souvenirs or just watch the hustle and bustle of the market vendors. Make your way to the beautiful crater lake of Cuicocha at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. Return to Quito at the end of a day full of activities and get dropped off at your hotel.

From Quito: Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour

From Quito: Otavalo Indian Market and Rose Farm Shared Tour

Depart from the meeting point in Quito and head towards the colorful town of Otavalo and the most famous Indian fair in South America. During the drive, get unforgettable views of peoples and communities, while conducting their activities and daily life. Stop at a rose plantation to learn all about the fifth main industry of Ecuador. Experience every step about the process of growing, harvesting, and exporting roses to all over the world. During your visit, admire and photograph the beautiful valleys and snow-capped mountains that are surrounding this worldwide-known region. Then, go to the viewpoint of the Laguna San Pablo, at the foothills of Imbabura volcano. Afterward, you'll arrive at the Otavalo Indian market or “Plaza de Ponchos” showing varied handmade indigenous crafts all through the main streets of the town. After lunch, explore Cotacachi village, rich in the production of fine leather garments, which are displayed and sold in small shops along the center of the city. Finish off with a drive uphill towards Cuicocha Lake, located inside the crater of Cotacachi volcano (16,200 feet), before traveling back to Quito in the evening.

Quito: Otavalo Sightseeing and Handcrafts Market Day Tour

Quito: Otavalo Sightseeing and Handcrafts Market Day Tour

Otavalo is located in the Imbabura Province, 86 km north of Quito, this town is now one of the most important tourist destinations of Ecuador, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, streams and springs, making this small town a paradise where tourists always return! The city of Otavalo is world-wide-known for the famous handicraft Indian market. Our departure is at 8:00 a.m., from your hotel in Quito, towards the colourful town of Otavalo and to the most famous Indian fair in South America! We take the Pan-American Highway, which takes you through spectacular mountain scenery, to enjoy spectacular views of people and communities, while conducting their activities and daily life! Our first stop is at the viewpoint of Pisque River, form where you'll see the majestic snow-capped volcanoes Cayambe (5.790 m - 18,996 ft) and Cotopaxi (5.890 m - 19,324 ft). Also, it will be possible to spot large plantations of roses, and very fertile farmlands. Before going to Otavalo, you will visit the popular viewpoint of San Pablo Lake, located at the foothills of Imbabura Volcano (4.630 m - 15,190 ft). You continue your journey and then you arrive to the Otavalo Indian Market or "Plaza de Ponchos", showing varied handmade indigenous crafts. There you'll have time off to hang around the market, and to make the best choices buying unique genuine souvenirs! After having lunch you'll visit Cotacachi village, well-known as the “music capital of Ecuador”, rich in the production of fine leather garments, which are displayed and sold in small shops along the center of the city. Before we return to Quito, you'll visit the stunning crater lake of Cuicocha, located in the Cotacachi volcano (4.944 m - 16,220 ft). Then we start our way back to Quito, where you'll arrive approximately at 5:00 p.m. End of this fantastic private adventure!

Quito to Otavalo, and Cuicocha: Top Day Tour

Quito to Otavalo, and Cuicocha: Top Day Tour

Discover the vibrant Otavalo Market on this full-day tour, starting with a visit to a traditional bizcocho bakery in Cayambe. Enjoy the unique taste of these local treats before heading to the scenic Cuicocha Crater Lake for a breathtaking view and an optional hike. Explore the charming town of Cotacachi, renowned for its high-quality leather goods. At Otavalo Market, immerse yourself in the colorful array of handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and more, experiencing the rich culture and traditions of Ecuadorian artisans.

From Quito to Otavalo, Bizcocho and Peguche Waterfall

From Quito to Otavalo, Bizcocho and Peguche Waterfall

On this Otavalo tour in Ecuador you will discover the cultural and natural beauty of this charming place. We will pass by the Cayambe bizcocho factory to try these delicious traditional snacks. The Mirador de Miralago has views of the mountainous, the next destination is the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest markets in South America, we will have some time to explore and shop here. The Peguche Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by great nature to enjoy the tranquility of the environment. Finally, we will go to Ñanda Mandachi, known for its leather artisanal products and before returning to the city of Quito.

Otavalo Cultural Shopping

Otavalo Cultural Shopping

From Quito to Otavalo there is a 2 hour bus ride, but in our tour we visit 6 different attractions between Quito and Otavalo in one day. Our trip is by the Panamericana Norte to get to the Quitsato Sundial, located in the Cayambe canton, named after the snow-capped mountain present in the place. This cultural site built to measure the solstices and equinoxes, in pre-Hispanic times, also considered the “other half of the world”, since the equator or equinoctial line crosses this place and half of the top of the snowy Cayambe. Its people live from livestock, agriculture, a sector dedicated to harvesting roses for export. To know its gastronomy we have a stop to have a cup of Ecuadorian coffee or chocolate with bizcochos; which are like a type of small breads made in oven with an incomparable flavor and the best of all that we will enter to see its elaboration process. Our next place to visit is Otavalo. It is located in the province of Imbabura known as the Province of the Lakes, a few minutes to reach our main destination, we have a viewpoint towards the lagoon of San Pablo and in the background the Imbabura hill, to decorate the landscape. Then we arrive at the largest and most important indigenous handicraft market in South America, it is possible to visit this market every day of the week. But in our 1 day tour we coincide with the days of the biggest fair where all the artisans gather in the Plaza de los Ponchos, here we have 2 hours to shop and then head to Cotacachi. Here we will find another handicraft market specializing in leather products, being a small place we have 45 minutes. Our last place is the Cuicocha Lagoon located at 3068m (10065.62 feet) in an active volcanic crater with islets or domes and plant observation. -Departure from Plaza Foch at 7:15 AM (Reina Victoria and Mariscal Foch) -Departure from Plaza San Blas at 7:30 AM (Francisco de Caldas and Av. Pichincha). -Quitsato solar clock. -Cayambe biscuit factory (Optional breakfast). -Visit the viewpoint of Lake San Pablo. -Plaza de Ponchos. -Lunch. -Visit to the Cuicocha Lagoon. -Visit to the town of Cotacachi. -Return to Quito.

Otavalo Market, Peguche, Cuicocha Day Tour from Quito

Otavalo Market, Peguche, Cuicocha Day Tour from Quito

This day promises a lot, we will have a stop at the Quitsato Sundial, unique for being in two hemispheres at the same time without first having passed through a traditional biscuit factory, this delicious sandwich is perfect for breakfast, if you wish you can have breakfast here accompanied by milk or coffee. The path continues to the Miralago viewpoint to observe the majestic Imbabura Volcano and the San Pablo lagoon, perfect for incredible photographs. When we arrive in Otavalo, we will have time to explore the Ponchos and Crafts market, the place is full of works of art, hand embroidered on clothing. Very close to the market, we will have lunch with local cuisine. Our tour is not over yet, on the way back to Quito we will have some stops such as Laguna Cuicocha, formed in the crater of the Cotacachi Volcano, with a small island in the middle of its crystalline waters and an optional stop in Cotacachi, the town known for its leather products. of a high-quality cow.

Otavalo Market , Peguche Waterfall and Cotacachi Day Trip

Otavalo Market , Peguche Waterfall and Cotacachi Day Trip

Get Inspire by our Amazing Otavalo Tour Once we pick you up in Quito City , we will start our amazing program driving towards to Guayllabamba Valley to try some local fruits such Cherimoya, known as "sticky apple", and many other unique flavors that you will love for sure. Then, we will continue our drive to Cayambe town known as "the biscuit town" where you will try these delicious biscuits which you can combine with a cup of local chocolate and the traditional leaf cheese. In the road, we will stop by Mira lago viewpoint, where you will enjoy a facinating landscape full cover with crops , lakes and volcanoes. Then, we will arrive to Otavalo and visit the Handicraft market (one of the oldest Indigenous markets in Latinamerica), from this moment you will have enough time to explore and enjoy the area on your own pace. After that, we will take you to visit a sacred waterfall called Peguche, at this place you will walk for 15 minutes between a nice eucalipto forest surrounded by colorful landscapes. Finally, we will visit Cotacachi town also known as “ the Leather town”, here you can enjoy a typical lunch in one of the local restaurants (extra cost). This is our last visit before we return to Quito. PLEASE NOTICE THAT THIS SHARED TOUR ONLY OPERATES ON THURSDAY, AND SATURDAY , IF YOU ARE INTRESTED IN OTHER DAYS WE CAN STILL OFFER YOU THE TOUR ON A PRIVATE BASE , JUST LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE

From Otavalo: Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve Cuicocha Lake Hike

From Otavalo: Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve Cuicocha Lake Hike

Begin your adventure in the morning with pickup from a hotel or pickup point, and meet your guide for the day. Travel from Otavalo to Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Travel to the Lake Cuicocha area of the park, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Start the hike around the lake, which will last around 5 hours. Listen as your guide teaches you about local wildlife and the plants that can be found along the trail. Finish the hike and take some free time to have a coffee and explore the city of Cotacachi where you can visit shops and wander the city's streets.

Frequently asked questions about Cotacachi

What are the best day trips and excursions from Cotacachi?

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