Discover an indigenous market and its handicrafts, navigate in the crater of a volcano, and immerse yourself in the culture of the Andean peoples, communities and ethnic groups of Ecuador.
Departure place
Passengers will be picked up in the La Mariscal - Quito - Ecuador sector.
Days of operation: from Monday to Sunday
Itinerary
Day 1
Otavalo market excursion
Departure from Quito via the North Pan-American highway until reaching Cayambe, where passengers will have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Biscuits from Cayambe”, a type of biscuit or bread, made at the same time in a clay oven (accompanied by cheese from leaf or milk candy).
After admiring Lake San Pablo, we will arrive at the Otavalo Market, the largest in America, where the indigenous natives of the area, known as "Otavalos", one of the most recognized ethnic groups in Ecuador, make and sell their textiles and handicrafts.
Those who wish to do so will be able to choose between staying in this area and enjoying more time in the market, and our bus will pick them up to finish the tour (they will not have a visit to Cotacachi and Cuicocha); or continue with the tour to the town of Cotacachi, recognized for leather clothing and crafts.
On the way to Cotacachi, an Andean Instrument Workshop “Ñanda Mañachi” will be visited, located in the Peguche area, to coexist special moments with the local people and understand the Andean culture.
Once in Cotacachi, you will have enough time to visit the town, the leather goods stores and free time for lunch (not included).
Later, we will visit the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, where the Cuicocha Lagoon is located, inside the crater of the Cotacachi Volcano, which originated after a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
And, if time permits, you can take a walk around the lagoon, that is, sailing in the crater of the volcano in small boats (at an additional cost).