Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Explore one of the oldest indigenous markets in South America. Visit Quitsato, the astronomical middle of the world. Standing on two hemispheres is only possible on the equator line. Visit the largest agave garden in South America. See a traditional workshop where textiles are still made by hand on a backstrap loom. Walk to the ancient waterfall where the natives used to initiate the ceremonies of the Inti-raymi or festival of the sun. Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; a workshop of Andean instruments.
What day can I visit the Otavalo Market?
The market operates everyday, however on Wednesdays there is a larger influx of people and on Saturdays the market is bigger because all the market merchants show their products.
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Pick-up from your centrally hotel in Quito
A Certified Guide/Driver (English or Spanish speaking)
Tourist, cultural information
Travel insurance
Meals
Entrance fee: Quitsato/Middle of the World $5 pp
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
We offer pick-up travellers from the Quito airport (No extra cost)
Traveler pickup
Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Quito, Ecuador Two hours of travel from Quito will be enough to reach out Otavalo city. As we drive north, we will take several first-order roads that will allow us to see an Andean scenery with variations due to its climate, altitude and especially its people. We will take several photos and admire the northern part of the well-known "Avenue of the volcanoes". Upon arrival, we will observe some enormous volcanoes which are consider sacred by the native people.
Quitsato Mitad del Mundo Monument, Cayambe, Ecuador Quitsato's Middle of the World is based on scientific and astronomical concepts. The site of the True Middle of the World. It is an astronomical centre that investigates how ancestors used this knowledge in favor of the crops. Standing out on two hemispheres is just possible in this place. Learn how indigenous people used the mountains to determinate the middle of the world. 45 minutes
Miralago, San Pablo Del Lago, Ecuador From this viewpoint, we observe the San Pablo lagoon. The lagoon is considered the largest one in Ecuador and is located at the foot of the Imbabura Volcano (15,190 feet). Also, it is time to take a break and taste a local biscuit called "biscocho" that will be served along with a leaf cheese and a delicious coffee or tea. 30 minutes
Otavalo Market, Otavalo, Ecuador In our eyes, the nice city of Otavalo appears. The majority of the population is indigenous which creates a good and unique atmosphere in this town. When, we are parking, our guide will give us useful guidelines so that we can discover more about the market. The dynamic and millenial market is popular in Ecuador and South America because it houses a wide range of textiles. The sale activity starts very early. A lot of vendors from the city of Otavalo show their works. The products that stand out are alpaca caps, sweaters, sheep caps, gloves, hats, tablecloths, blankets or sheep ponchos. However, you can also find saddlery, silver jewelry or wooden crafts. 90 minutes
Cascada de Peguche, Peguche, Ecuador The Peguche waterfall is a magical place that will fill you with energy. This place is still a purification center for indigenous people on special dates such as the Sun festival. Besides, the waterfall represent; the origin and end of all things, associated with birth, it acomplishes with the function of dissolving, abolishing, purifying, washing, generating, fertilization, restore. It is the sap of life, contrary to death or dryness. The goddess venus arose from the waters. From the water, we created all living things.
60 minutes
Peguche Wasi, Otavalo, Ecuador Visit a traditional work shop in Peguche town. María and her family is one of the few weaving artisanal people that remains all by hand using a centuries-old technique. You will see the whole process, starting with the carding (the last step in the preparation of the wool for spinning, which cleans, separates and straightens the fibers of the wool). The soft "rolag" is then assembled into long strands to prepare it for spinning. Once converted into thread, María proceeds to weave, using the waist loom, which consists of sticks, rope and a strap that is worn around her waist. Then you will have the opportunity to admire (and buy, if you wish) the finished products. 45 minutes
Peguche, Otavalo 100204, Ecuador Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; un taller de instrumentos andinos. A local musician will demonstrate how to play the different Andean instruments. The instruments are made in this workshop by José, who was a member of the famous musical group Nanda Mañachi. At the end of the exhibition you will be able to collaborate with the economy of this family by buying their musical instruments (if you wish). 45 minutes
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Carolyn_J
28 Mar 2023
Excellent Guide-friendly and knowledgeable. Loved the Middle of the World; Otovalo Market was not what I expected-low quality sellers/products. Lunch was very good. Enjoyed all but the Market.
Ryan_W
13 Mar 2023
Marcelo was an amazing tour guide! His knowledge of the area is unparalleled, and a huge added bonus was that he is a master of Ecuadorian history and wildlife! Super cool guy, great tour, and my favorite day trip I took from Quito. Also, I enjoyed the freedom and options that he provided. Thanks again
arunasalamn2022
04 Aug 2022
We had a nice trip with Eduardo. He an excellent guide. Showed us nice view points on the way to Otavalo. Very patient and gave us ample time to visit the market and explained very well about the history and traditions.
This tour in
Quito
is organized by
Galapagos My World
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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