Otavalo Market Day Trip: Indigenous Crafts & Leather Goods

Handcrafted textiles, a volcano backdrop, and leather goods in two mountain towns

A private day trip from Quito to Otavalo, Ecuador's largest indigenous market, where you browse handwoven textiles, ceramics, wood and leather goods made by local artisans, then visit Cotacachi for its renowned leather jackets and bags. The route passes Cayambe (known for its salt biscuits) and a lake with views of Imabura Volcano. Your driver speaks English or Spanish and picks you up from your hotel. The full day takes 7 to 8 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Otavalo Market and surroundings

• Drive north from Quito
• Stop at Cayambe for local snacks
• View lake with Imabura Volcano background
• Arrive at Otavalo town market
• Explore handmade textiles and crafts
• Visit Cotacachi leather goods town
• Drive back to Quito

The experience

Handcrafted textiles and ceramics fill the stalls of Otavalo market, the most famous indigenous fair in the country. The market runs every day, but Saturday and Wednesday bring the fullest selection: colorful knitted sweaters, hats, gloves, and handmade items in wood, silver, leather and metal. Tourists haggle over prices and test their Spanish at vendors from the surrounding villages. The drive north from Quito takes you through Cayambe first, a stop where locals buy Bizcocho, salt biscuits traditionally eaten with cheese and milk caramel.

The route climbs into the highlands, and a lake appears with Imabura Volcano rising behind it before you reach Otavalo town. After browsing the market, the day ends 10 minutes away in Cotacachi, a town built around leather goods: jackets, bags and accessories made by local craftspeople. Your driver and guide handle all the driving. You pick the pace at each stop and decide what to buy. The return to Quito happens in the afternoon, wrapping the full outing into 7 to 8 hours.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Quito hotel or home.
• a driver-guide who speaks English or Spanish.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• pickup and return to your accommodation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ecu-Trans, Tourist Transportation

Is this one for you?The day moves at a relaxed pace with stops to browse and negotiate at each market, so you set how long to spend at Otavalo and Cotacachi. The drive itself is steady but not rushed, and the route suits all fitness levels.

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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: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What's the best day to visit Otavalo market?

Saturday and Wednesday draw the largest crowds and the fullest selection of goods, though the market operates every day with a solid range of handcrafted textiles, ceramics, wood, leather and metal items.

What can I buy at Otavalo and Cotacachi?

Otavalo market sells handwoven textiles, knitted sweaters, hats, gloves, ceramics, wood carvings, silver and metal work made by indigenous artisans. Cotacachi specializes in leather: jackets, bags and accessories.

Does the tour include meals or entrance fees?

The tour includes private transport, bottled water, and a driver-guide. Lunch and market purchases are on your own, and there are no entrance fees to the market itself.

What's included in the pickup?

Your driver collects you from your hotel, home or Airbnb in Quito and returns you there at the end of the day. The full outing runs 7 to 8 hours.

Can I haggle over prices at the market?

Yes, bargaining is standard practice at Otavalo stalls, and many visitors use the trip to practice their Spanish while negotiating prices on handcrafted goods.