Otavalo has about 40,000 inhabitants and is located in the province of Imbabura. The town is located 2,530 meters above the sea level and its climate is very pleasant. Throughout the whole year the climate is mild with 15-25 °C during the day and not too much rain.

The city is 95 km north of Quito and 20 km south of the provincial capital of Ibarra.

Otavalo is a very safe place with a lot of friendly and helpful people. The main attraction of Otavalo is the famous indiginous handicraft market. It is considered to be one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. Around Otavalo there are many indigenous communities that are famous for producing textiles and handicrafts. The inhabitants are known to uphold their music, clothing, customs and traditional values.

The beautiful scenery around Otavalo offers a lot (see below) and of course we are pleased to help you with information for your trips.

Handicraft market at the Plaza de Ponchos

There is every day an indigenous handicrafts market on the Plaza de Ponchos. On Wednesdays it is slightly larger than on the other days, but the real highlight is the Saturday market. The  stalls are spread across the Plaza de Ponchos and all its surrounding streets. This market is the largest indigenous market in South America. In addition to the Galapagos Islands and Quito's old town, it is one of the top 3 destinations in Ecuador.
The Otavaleños sell their handicrafts, colorful woven cloths and fabrics, scarves made of alpaca wool ponchos, hammocks, selfmade jewelry, finely crafted ceramic and leather goods, handmade instruments and much more.
Of course the price must be negotiated, but this runs relatively discreet and is not comparable to oriental bazaars or markets in india.

Market on the Copacabana

The fruit and vegetable market takes place every day. Even if you do not want to buy anything, it is definitely worth a visit. Most of the indigenous farmers offer their fresh, colorful foods in a beautifully stacked manner. For only little money you can shop delicious fruits and vegetables.

Cascada de Peguche

A very beautiful waterfall, about 30-45 minutes walking distance from the center of Otavalo. For the indigenous, this is a sacred place of purification, in particular during the Inti Raymi festival. During the week the surroundings of the waterfall are rather quiet. However, on Sundays it’s quite busy and the surrounding meadows are used for games and picnics.

Cascada de Taxopamba

A very beautiful waterfall halfway to the Laguna de Mojanda. A 20-30 min. footpath leads through wonderful nature to this secluded waterfall. It is less visited than the Cascade de Peguche.

Laguna de Mojanda and the volcano Fuya Fuya

Heading from Otavalo, these beautiful volcanic lagoons can be reached in about 30-45 minutes by car. The volcanic craters of the Mojanda lagoons are at an altitude of 3.735 meters and consist of three lakes. From the largest lagoon, it is possible to climb up the volcano Fuya Fuya (4.286 meters). From the top you have a wonderful panoramic view towards Otavalo and the surrounding mountains, including the impressing volcano Cayambe. However, there are also many beautiful trails around the lakes.

Laguna de Cuicocha

This beautiful lagoon is located below the Cotacachi volcano. Its name is Kichwa, in the language of the indigenous people, that  means "guinea pig lake". In the middle of the lake there are two small islands, which apparently formerly inhabited wild guinea pigs. The lake is up to 200 meters deep, lies at 3.068 meters above sea level and is part of the big Nature Reserve Cotacachi-Cayabas. The lake can be surrounded on a very beautiful and impressive four-to-five-hour hike, that rises up to 3.450 meters. Furthermore, there is a museum and a panoramic restaurant to visit or you take a boat tour on the lake.

Lago San Pablo

A very beautiful lake near Otavalo with a wonderful panorama. The volcano Imbabura (4.621 meters of altitude) rises behind the lake, in the northeastern direction. As the largest lake in the province of Imbabura it serves for recreational purposes and water sports.

Cotacachi (Volcano)

The Cotacachi volcano is 4.935 meters high and extinguished long time ago. It can be climbed in a day, but you need a mountain guide and you should be experienced in mountaineering. . The volcano can be seen from Otavalo and its summit is often covered in snow.

Imbabura (Volcano)

The Imbabura is another extinct volcano that can be seen from Otavalo. Its altitude is 4621 meters high and it can be climbed with a guide. There is also the opportunity to explore the mountain with horses.
In the indigenous world the Imbabura occupies an important position and many legends have developed around it. One of this is "El corazon del Imbabura", the "Heart of the Imbabura". This legend is about the big heart that looks like cut into the mountain slope.