Otavalo
If you arrive on Saturday to Otavalo, you might not even see the town. What you will see however, is one of the biggest open-air markets in the Andes. Crowded streets, lined with vendors selling their brightly woven textiles and colorful crafts, will have you roaming for hours on end looking for the perfect Ecuadorian souvenir.
Otavalo is situated just off the Pan-American Highway, and has a similar climate to that of Quito. A few quaint churches and plazas are scattered throughout the town and make for pleasant sights outside of the busy marketplace. The primarily indigenous population here hints at the long legacy Otavalo has had as an Andean commercial hub, and an extremely successful one at that.
While Otavalo has only a few notable features, it’s likely that you will come for the market—something Ecuadorians have been doing for centuries. The official market day is on Saturday, and vendors primarily sell woven textiles, wooden carvings, jewelry and other assorted trinkets. The market, however, is actually open throughout the rest of the week, but with less fanfare. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fascinating to wander around the market and observe the range of items for sale.
Otavalo itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Otavalo itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Chasing Family Adventure in Ecuador
Go on an unforgettable journey as you traverse the landscapes of Ecuador. Volcano tours, the city in the ‘middle of the world’, and cloud forests are just a few of the wonders.
Experiences in Otavalo
Explore hand-picked Otavalo tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Otavalo Full Day Tour
Where to stay in Otavalo
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Otavalo accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hacienda Cusin
Hacienda Cusín offers an idyllic stay in the Ecuadorian countryside, in the mountainous terrain just outside of Quito. It replicates the charm of a colonial country estate and cultivates the natural beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes, with 8 acres (3 ha) of pristine grounds. These grounds have attractive gardens as well as roaming llamas, peacocks, geese, and horses, which add to the pastoral loveliness of the 400-year-old hacienda.
Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
