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Ecuador trip
Otavalo
A startling blend of culture and alfresco adventures in a bucolic landscape.
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Otavalo Trips & Tours

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4.9 out of 5 stars   Average guest rating
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4.9/5 (940 reviews)

About Otavalo

Ecuador might be famous for its wow-worthy biodiversity and wildlife, but head north of Quito into the Andean Highlands and you’ll discover an equally captivating world of culture and indigenous identity. The burg town of Otavalo is the centre of it all, thanks mostly to its legendary market organised by the wealthy Otavaleño Indians. Stalls are piled high with the best of Ecuadorian craftsmanship, from gloves and rugs to intricate tapestries and elaborate hammocks, and, as well as picking up a souvenir or two, it’s a fascinating place to learn about the complex society from the poncho-clad artisans. Further afield, the highlands are all lake-filled craters and volcanic peaks, the hillsides adorned with village specks each specialising in their own cottage industry. Fill your boots (or should that be suitcase?) in the market, then put your lungs to the test on the stone-flagged tracks of the extinct Cuicocha volcano, gaze at the sacred waters of Peguche Waterfall, or ride horseback through the wildflowers, passing only lone cowboys and their cattle…

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Why you'll love it

The highlands are the home of the hacienda and staying in a traditional manor house brimming with stories and history brings Ecuador’s past to life. And if there happens to be a herd of llamas grazing in the garden, even better.


Off the beaten track

Embrace slow travel aboard the Tren de la Libertad. Drawn by a locomotive, the train clatters across rugged mountainscapes and sugar cane plantations from Ibarra to Salinas in a truly Andean experience!


Something to think about

Want to take a picture with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern? The enormous monument, Mitad del Mundo marks the location just north of Quito - but it’s in the wrong place! The true equator is however, only a few steps away at the Museo Solar Inti Ñan.

When to go

May - February

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What our guests are saying

4.9 / 5
Based on 940 reviews
Hannah
Mar 2025 • 9 nights in South Africa
Everything went super smoothly and everyone was very helpful along the way!
Susan
Feb 2025 • 16 nights in Tanzania and Kenya
Annie was our travel consultant and she was excellent! She answered all questions in a timely manner and provided... Read more
Yuet
Feb 2025 • 6 nights in Tanzania
From her first email, Joana treated us as family. She asked thoughtful questions and offered responsive suggestions.... Read more
Guest
Feb 2025 • 11 nights in Tanzania
Jenna was great handling the lodging, and Bekim from Exito travel was great handling the flights. I would use... Read more
Ana
Feb 2025 • 12 nights in Tanzania
I mentioned this on the previous page.
Guest
Feb 2025 • 9 nights in Kenya
Annie Irankunda went to all lenghts and further to make my trip to Kenya lovely. She helped with all the things I... Read more
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