Otavalo Express

Otavalo, also called the “Intercultural Capital of Ecuador” for its historical richness and for being the birthplace of the Quichua Otavalo people – famous for their textile and commercial skills that gave rise to the largest indigenous handicraft market in South America: “La Plaza de Ponchos.”

The Angla Community, guardian of ancestral traditions, will welcome our travellers with open arms to share their way of life, beliefs and a typical meal prepared by its members.

In Peguche, they will visit the Taita Gundo instrument workshop, where artisans will explain their musical traditions, demonstrate the manufacturing process of wooden instruments and offer a special Andean musical presentation.

Accommodation at Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar.

The Otavalo textile market, recognized worldwide, will captivate our travellers with its stalls of high-quality traditional crafts.

The Cuicocha Crater Lake, inactive volcanic crater (last eruption 3,100 years ago), is located at 4,968 meters above sea level at the foot of Cotacachi volcano. Its two central islands and crystal-clear waters offer a unique landscape from the viewpoint.

In the town of Cotacachi, our travellers will discover its traditions and famous leather craftsmanship.

Return to Quito in the afternoon.