Otavalo All Inclusive Tour: Cayambe, San Pablo Lake and Indigenous Market

Quito , Ecuador

Otavalo All Inclusive Tour: Cayambe, San Pablo Lake and Indigenous Market

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About this experience

Otavalo, the handicraft capital of Ecuador, is a beautiful and vigorous city. It is home to a large indigenous population located in the Imbabura Province, with approximately 92,000 inhabitants. Otavalo is surrounded by the Imbabura, Cotacachi, and Mojanda volcanoes. This is a gorgeous and enchanted town in which you will enjoy a cultural tour and discover the famous indigenous market, along with some of the amazing attractions in locations near Otavalo. An English speaking guide will stay with you the whole tour.

Available options

Otavalo private Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Meals (1x hot chocolate or coffee with Biscochos, 1x lunch).

Professional tourism driver.

Activities as described in the itinerary.

Transportation from and to Quito’s hotel (urban zone).

24/7 assistance in Dutch, English and Spanish.

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked at your hotel in Quito, and your journey will begin. After approximately 2 hours, your first stop will be at the San Pablo lake, where you will be amazed by the beautiful views of the landscape. Coffee or hot chocolate will be served, along with local biscochos at Lago San Pablo.

From San Pablo lake, you will be driven to Condor Park, which takes about 20 minutes to reach. At arrival, you will visit this park home of birds rescued from illegal captivity or unsuitable environments. Your guide will explain a little bit more about the park and what they do. Later, you will enjoy a bird show with Eagles and Hawks.

Stop 3

After a 20 minute drive, you will reach Otavalo’s market, also known as 'Plaza de Ponchos'. Here you will be able to discover the beauty and diversity of handicrafts that Otavalo produces, from alpaca sweaters to traditional jewelry, and of course, you can get some souvenirs. After visiting the market you will enjoy a delicious local lunch.

After a 15 minute drive from Otavalo, you will get to Peguche waterfall, your final point of the tour. You will be able to appreciate the beauty of this waterfall, and also the nature that surrounds it. Alternatively, you could also visit to Cotacachi’s leather town, instead of Peguche's waterfall. Cotacachi is well known for its leather goods and handicrafts. At around 4:00 PM, you will return back to Quito.

What's not included

Extra food and beverages.

Optional tips for the guide.

The extra charge of $ 40 (for the round trip per group) must be paid directly to the driver

Extra fee of $ 20 to add the Cuicocha crater lagoon according to the itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

It is important that you will have current travel insurance including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

The Condor Park is closed every Monday and Tuesday

Due to extra paperwork to enter the Cuicocha crater lagoon there is an extra fee (check Exclusions section). We also need 5 work days to arrange the paperwork.

Time Disclaimer: We recommend this private tour to start no later than 08:00 am because you will enjoy the tour at a good pace and you will not miss out on any activities. If you choose for a later departure time it might be possible that you will miss some activities due to traffic or other circumstances.

In order to process your reservation please help us with all this information:

Pick-up location and time: Please let us know what time (between 7am and 9:30) and where is the pick-up on.

Whatsapp phone number (in case you use Whatsapp and would like us to contact you that during your stay via Whatsapp)

For all guests: Passport numbers, Date of birth, Nationality, Medical restrictions.

Important notes

Contact: Rebecca Adventure Travel office is based in Quito, Ecuador (Time zone: UTC -05.00). Please note that between office hours you can call our office phone (+593-26007590). You can reach us on the emergency phone (+593-980051675) 24/7 for EMERGENCIES, please don’t call us for availabilities or general questions.

Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-17:00 and Saturday 9:00-17.30

Voucher: Please note you receive from the operator an updated travel voucher based on your travel details, flights and availabilities. You will receive this updated travel voucher in general 2 weeks before departure via the Viator chat. If you haven’t received this please send us a message. Your standard Viator voucher is NOT your personal travel voucher and CAN’T be used during your trip.

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.