Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon Tour: Indigenous Crafts

One of South America's largest indigenous markets, where local artisans sell fabrics, embroidery and handicrafts

A full-day tour from Quito to Otavalo with a bilingual professional guide, visiting the Otavalo Market (one of South America's largest indigenous markets), the Plaza de Ponchos, Cotacachi's leather workshops, and Cuicocha Lagoon viewpoint. The tour includes private transportation from Quito, an Ecuadorian lunch, and sightseeing stops along the way. It runs on a fixed schedule (Tuesday and Saturday for shared departures, daily for private bookings) and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Cayambe Volcanopassing by
2. Otavalo Market3h

Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lagoon Tour

• Scientific explanation of ancient solar clock
• View Cayambe Volcano during journey
• Visit Otavalo indigenous market
• Hike to Cuicocha Lagoon viewpoint
• Explore Cotacachi leather town

The experience

The route north from Quito passes the Cayambe Volcano and stops at the equator monument for a scientific explanation of this ancient solar clock before reaching Otavalo. The Otavalo Market itself is one of the largest indigenous markets in South America, where you'll have time to browse and buy fabrics, embroidery, and handicrafts made by local artisans. The guide walks you through the Plaza de Ponchos, the heart of the market district.

After the market, the tour moves to Cotacachi, a town renowned for leather craftsmanship. You'll explore the workshops and shops there. A viewpoint visit and a walk to Cuicocha Lagoon follow, offering panoramic views across the landscape. Lunch is an Ecuadorian meal included in the day, and the bilingual guide (English and Spanish) travels with the group throughout, explaining what you're seeing at each stop.

The full day runs 11 hours from pickup in Quito to return. Choose the private tour option if you want the flexibility to depart any day and customize the pace. The shared tour runs Tuesdays and Saturdays and travels with other travelers.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Quito to Otavalo and back.
• bilingual professional guide in English and Spanish.
• Ecuadorian lunch.
• sightseeing stops at the equator monument, Cayambe Volcano viewpoint, Otavalo Market, Plaza de Ponchos, Cotacachi leather workshops, and Cuicocha Lagoon viewpoint.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cultural tour of Otavalo covering the market and a visit to Cuicocha Lagoon, all inclusiveGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Otavalo tour with a professional guide and transportation, including visits to the Otavalo market and Laguna Cuicocha among other stops. Focused on safety, enjoyment and professionalism. Duration: 10 hours. Lunch: included, consisting of hot soup, a main dish and juice. Transport: tourist bus or car.

Otavalo Private TourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Hotel pickup: the tour begins and ends at your hotel in Quito, which must be within Quito's urban area. Otavalo private tour with a professional guide and private transportation, visiting the Otavalo market, Cuicocha Lagoon and more. Focused on safety, enjoyment and professionalism. Duration: 9 hours. Lunch: included, consisting of hot soup, a main course and juice. Transport: car. Not included: entrance tickets or personal expenses, Quitsato at 2.00 USD, and personal expenses.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Barak Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the private tour if you need a specific departure day. The shared tour on Tuesday or Saturday works if you're flexible and want to travel with other visitors.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Otavalo Market like when we arrive?

The Otavalo Market is one of South America's largest indigenous markets, filled with local artisans selling fabrics, embroidery, and handicrafts of all kinds. You'll have time to walk through, browse, and make purchases directly from the makers.

Do we get lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, an Ecuadorian lunch is included in the tour. The meal is part of the all-inclusive package, so there's no separate cost for it.

What's the difference between the private and shared tour options?

The private tour departs any day you choose and lets you set the pace. The shared tour runs on fixed days (Tuesday and Saturday) and travels with other groups. Both include the same stops, guide, transportation, and lunch.

How much time do we spend at the Otavalo Market?

The itinerary gives you time to make purchases and explore the market thoroughly, though the exact duration depends on your interests and whether you're on a private or shared departure.