Otavalo Market & Cotacachi: Private Day Trip from Quito

Summary

Otavalo’s colors, Cotacachi leather & Peguche waterfall day trip

You’ll weave through Ecuador’s highlands with a local guide—browsing Otavalo’s lively market, pausing by San Pablo Lake, shopping leather goods in Cotacachi, and feeling the cool mist at Peguche waterfall. Expect real conversations with artisans and plenty of time to wander before heading back to Quito with new stories (and probably something handmade).

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought I’d just see a lot of ponchos and maybe buy a scarf. But the drive out of Quito toward Otavalo surprised me—houses got smaller, painted in these faded greens and blues, and you could spot people walking with bundles balanced on their backs. Our guide, Andrés, pointed out Imbabura volcano—he said locals call it “Taita Imbabura,” like a father figure. The air had that cool mountain smell, kind of sharp but clean. We stopped for a minute at San Pablo Lake; the water was so still I could hear someone chopping wood across the shore.

The Otavalo market itself? It’s loud in the best way—vendors calling out prices in Spanish and Kichwa, colors everywhere. I tried to ask for “mote” (corn snack) and Li laughed when I tried to say it in Kichwa—probably butchered it. There’s this rhythm to how people bargain here, but no one seemed pushy. Andrés knew half the vendors by name; he explained how Otavaleños are proud of their weaving traditions. I picked up a woven belt after watching an older woman finish one right there—it still smelled faintly of wool and dye.

Cotacachi was next (it’s only about 20 minutes away), famous for leather stuff. The shops all had that rich leathery scent—kind of earthy and sweet at the same time. Lunch was optional but we were hungry; ended up sharing a plate of hornado (roast pork) that left my fingers greasy but happy. On the way back we stopped at Peguche waterfall—the spray felt cold on my face, which woke me up after all that food. The whole day felt like moving through different worlds just an hour or two from Quito.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Quito to Otavalo and surroundings

• Depart Quito at 8:00 am
• View Lake San Pablo and Imbabura Volcano
• Visit Otavalo Artisan Market for shopping
• Explore Cotacachi leather town
• Have lunch (optional)
• Visit Peguche village and waterfall
• Return to hotel around 4:30 pm

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Quito to Otavalo?

The tour starts around 8:00 am from Quito and returns by about 4:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Otavalo market tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included from your hotel in Quito.

Can I visit the Otavalo market on days other than Saturday?

Yes, the market is open every day though it is larger on Saturdays.

Are meals included during the tour?

Lunch is optional; you can choose where or what to eat during the stop in Cotacachi.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; infant seats are available if needed.

What else do we visit besides Otavalo market?

The itinerary includes San Pablo Lake, Cotacachi (for leather goods), and Peguche waterfall.

Do guides speak English on this day trip?

A bilingual local guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

How much time do we spend at Otavalo market?

You have about one hour to explore and shop at the Otavalo handicraft market.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your hotel in Quito with bottled water along the way, plus a knowledgeable local guide who knows both Spanish and English—and if you’re traveling with little ones, prams or infant seats are available too.