Otavalo
Ecuador · Sierra · 2565 m
Description
Otavalo is an Andean town in northern Ecuador and one of South America's most important centres of Indigenous culture. It is world-famous for its traditional market at Plaza de los Ponchos, where the Kichwa-speaking Otavaleño people sell colourful handwoven textiles, ponchos, jewellery, and handicrafts. Surrounded by the Imbabura Volcano, Lago San Pablo, and the Cuicocha crater lake, Otavalo combines living traditions with spectacular Andean scenery. Nearby attractions include the sacred Peguche Waterfall and the town of Cotacachi, renowned for its high-quality leather goods. Otavalo is considered the cultural heart of Ecuador's Indigenous highlands and ranks among the country's most iconic travel destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Plaza de los Ponchos Market
- Cuicocha Crater Lake(Day trip)
- Cuicocha Crater Rim Hike(Day trip)
- Peguche Waterfall
- Otavalo Animal Market
- Otavaleño Weaving Workshops
- Condor Park
- El Lechero Sacred Tree Viewpoint
- Otavalo Historic Center
- San Luis Church
- Museo Viviente Otavalango
- Cotacachi(Day trip)
- Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve(Day trip)
- Mojanda Lakes(Day trip)
- Fuya Fuya Hike(Day trip)
- San Pablo Lake
- Imbabura Volcano Hike(Day trip)
- Ilumán
- Peguche Indigenous Village
- Cascada de Taxopamba