Otavalo a quick overview
Otavalo has been the home of the largest and most important indigenous market in South America for hundreds of years. Saturday is the best day to visit since the market spreads throughout the whole town. This market and its many traditions date back to pre-Incan times, where traders would arrive from the Amazon region ready to trade.
Nowadays the Otavalo market has evolved into a cultural crossroad and has become a must visit for all tourists. The local indigenous “Otavaleños” still hold on to their traditions and customs and you can always see them wearing their traditional clothing. Men wear felt hats, ponchos and short white pants, their hair always kept in a long ponytail. Women wear their traditional embroidered blouses, headcloths, wool skirts, sandals, and beads. It’s great seeing this indigenous community thriving in business while still holding on to their ancient traditions and customs.
The Otavalo Indigenous Market
The Ponchos market is always filled with vendors who sell their traditional products which include; wool rugs, tapestries, ponchos, sweaters, blankets, gloves, hats, beads, hammocks, embroidered blouses, paintings, handmade jewelry, pipes made of rocks or tagua, crystals, llama plush toys, and more fascinating products. The best day to visit is on Saturdays when the market stretches throughout the entire town.
Why is Otavalo a cool visit?
I love this trip to Otavalo and its surroundings. On the way to Otavalo, you will make a stop at the town of Cayambe. This is a must-stop, you get to taste “bizcochos” or biscuits in English. These are made fresh every day and you can see how they are made and baked in brick ovens. Here you can also try string cheese made with local milk which goes perfectly with the bizcochos. It’s a lovely town worth the visit.
Cotacachi – Leather-town
At the end of your tour, you will visit the small quaint town of Cotacachi, famous for its beautifully crafted leather products. Enjoy a tranquil town in the middle of the mountains where you can shop a bit for that leather jacket you’ve always dreamed of, have a savory cup of coffee from the Intag cooperative, and check out the expats from the US who have picked this town to be their new home.
All in all a trip to Otavalo and its surroundings is truly a must-have experience when visiting Ecuador.
How much is a private tour to the Otavalo Indigenous Market?
What’s included in the tour?
Rates Include
- A friendly and knowledgeable bilingual guide
- Private transportation to Otavalo
- Quito Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
- Entrance fees in Otavalo
- Tour pack including water bottle and snacks
Rates Do Not Include
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide/driver
- Food and drinks in Mindo
How can you sign up for this tour?
- Contact us via email: contact@galapagosconnoisseur.com
- Send us a Whatsapp message: +593978943569
- Give us a call:
- USA phone – (623) 565-9945
- Ecuador phone – 593 (2) 600-6968
- Or contact us using our contact form
