Otavalo Travel Guide
Quick answer: This Otavalo travel guide covers everything you need for a visit to Ecuador’s famous market town: how to get there from Quito or Tulcan, the best things to see (Plaza de los Ponchos, El Lechero, Peguche Waterfall, Cuicocha Lake), where to eat cheaply and where to sleep from USD 10 a night.
Otavalo sits in a valley in northern Ecuador surrounded by the peaks of the Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda volcanoes. The town is famous for its indigenous population and its 100-year-old market, “The Plaza of Ponchos”, a major artisan fair in Ecuador and South America.
The People of Otavalo
The indigenous Otavaleños are considered economically the most successful indigenous group in Latin America. They are known for weaving textiles, usually from wool, and for traditional Andean folk music. Every summer, the music of Otavalo and its surroundings plays a central role in Inti Raymi, the indigenous festival of the summer solstice.
Men are known as Otavaleños and women as Otavaleñas. Otavaleñas traditionally wear distinctive embroidered white blouses with flared lace sleeves and black or dark overskirts. They usually wear many strings of gold beads around their necks – the number of strands and thickness of beads represent their age and wisdom – with matching tightly wound strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers and dark blue ponchos.
Getting to Otavalo
From Quito
Buses to Otavalo leave from the “Terminal Carcelen” in the north of Quito. The journey takes two hours on the Pan-American Highway and costs USD 2.50.
From Tulcan or Ibarra
If you are coming from Tulcan on the Colombian border, it is best to change buses at Ibarra, a town 35 minutes from Otavalo. A Tulcan–Quito bus would instead drop you on the Pan-American Highway, which runs 15 minutes outside town.
| Route | Travel time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Quito (Terminal Carcelen) – Otavalo | 2 hours | USD 2.50 |
| Tulcan – Ibarra | 3 hours | USD 3 |
| Ibarra – Otavalo | 35 minutes | USD 0.30 |
Getting Around Otavalo
Otavalo is a small town, so it is easy to walk from one end to the other. Taxis will take you anywhere within town for USD 1.25 during the day or USD 1.50 at night.
What to See in Otavalo
San Pablo Lake
One of the largest lakes in Ecuador, set at the foot of Imbabura Volcano. You can rent motor boats and go kayaking at Parque Acuático in the village of Araque.
Plaza de los Ponchos
In the heart of Otavalo. The market runs every morning on a smaller scale, but it is best to visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when indigenous and mestizo people from Otavalo and nearby villages sell their handicrafts.
Animal Market (Mercado de Animales)
This market bustles just outside the town centre, across the Pan-American Highway, as farmers buy and sell livestock. It runs only on Saturday mornings from 07:00 to 10:00.
El Lechero Viewpoint
El Lechero offers a panoramic view of Otavalo, and from here you can see all three of the valley’s volcanoes. There is a sacred tree believed to renew the energy of those who touch it. Indigenous legend says El Lechero and Lago San Pablo are two lovers from rival families who tried to escape to live freely together; they were caught and turned into the tree and the lake, to remain side by side forever.
Condor Park
Built by the Dutch government as an educational centre, Condor Park cares for and trains injured raptors and teaches people about the importance of keeping raptors healthy.
Peguche Waterfall
An 18-metre waterfall 2.5 km from Otavalo. It is considered sacred by the indigenous people, whose deep relationship with the mountains, water and trees inspires tales, myths, legends and rituals.
Cuicocha Lake
A crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano, 3,246 metres above sea level. On the second day of Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) at each summer solstice, indigenous shamans use Cuicocha for ritual cleansing and purification.
Indigenous Cemetery
Mondays, Thursdays and the second of November are considered days of the deceased by the indigenous people. Families visit the cemetery to worship through offerings, sacred songs and prayers. To honour the faithful departed, they prepare different foods – especially the deceased’s favourite dish – and offer them at the cemetery in the early morning.
Where to Eat in Otavalo
Plaza de los Ponchos at dusk
The bustling market square gets a new look at dusk, when indigenous people set up stalls selling authentic local food at very cheap prices. Don’t forget to try the Ecuadorian steamed puddings “humitas” and “quimbolitos”, and the local drink “morocho”.
Mercado 24 de Mayo
A newly opened central market selling fresh fruit and vegetables – the best place to find lunch. Try the fresh fruit juice, and the typical beer with egg.
The Pie House
Next to Plaza de los Ponchos, the Pie House serves classic fruit pies from pineapple to blueberry and beyond – one of the must-tries in Otavalo. Some days there are twelve flavours to choose from.
Where to Sleep in Otavalo
Chuquitos
Located in the town centre, Chuquitos has small but clean rooms and fast WiFi. Single private rooms start from USD 12, including a simple breakfast.
Hostal Mirador Otavalo
Uphill, about 4 blocks from the main square, with rooms offering a panoramic view of the town. Private rooms start from USD 10. Breakfast isn’t included, but there is a fully equipped kitchen and good WiFi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day to visit the Otavalo market?
Wednesdays and Saturdays, when artisans from Otavalo and nearby villages fill Plaza de los Ponchos. The animal market runs only on Saturdays from 07:00 to 10:00.
How do you get from Quito to Otavalo?
Take a bus from Quito’s Terminal Carcelen. It takes two hours and costs USD 2.50.
How much does a taxi cost in Otavalo?
USD 1.25 anywhere in town during the day, or USD 1.50 at night.
What should you eat in Otavalo?
Try humitas, quimbolitos and morocho at the evening stalls on Plaza de los Ponchos, and a fruit pie from the Pie House.
Conclusion
With its famous market, rich indigenous culture, volcano views, lakes and waterfalls, Otavalo is an easy and rewarding trip from Quito. Use this Otavalo travel guide to plan your days, eat well and sleep cheaply.
I am going there tomorrow and looking for timing for the animal market. Thank you! Your Otavalo, Las Lajas, and border crossing guide helped me plan my journey. Cheers!
Otavalo is a place waiting to be explored. A hidden gem for travellers. I was unaware of it and now this place has mesmerized me with it’s natural beauty and the colourful ponchos.