Otavalo Market & Peguche Falls Day Trip from Quito with Local Music

Summary

Otavalo’s vibrant market, sacred waterfall and music in Imbabura

You’ll wander Otavalo Market’s lively maze with a local guide, taste fresh-baked bizcochos in Cayambe, stand beneath Peguche Waterfall’s misty spray, and share music at a family home in Imbabura. Expect friendly faces, real conversations, and moments that linger long after you’re back in Quito.

What’s the experience like?

“You can always tell who’s local by how they bargain,” our guide Diego grinned as we squeezed through the crowd at Otavalo Market. He’d grown up a few towns over, so he knew which stalls had the best wool scarves (I’m still not sure I picked the right color, but the woman selling them smiled so warmly I didn’t care). The sounds here — people calling out prices, laughter mixing with the smell of roasted corn — it’s all a bit dizzying at first. I tried to haggle for a woven bag and probably paid too much, but honestly? It felt good just being part of it.

The drive up from Quito was longer than I expected, but there was this stop in Cayambe for bizcochos — these buttery, crumbly biscuits that melt if you dip them in hot chocolate. We watched them roll dough by hand at the factory, and I swear I could smell butter on my jacket hours later. Diego explained how the equator cuts right through here; he pointed out where the line runs past the monument outside. It’s funny how something so scientific can feel almost magical when you’re standing there.

Peguche Waterfall surprised me. The air got cooler and everything sounded softer except for the water itself — thunderous but somehow calming. A couple of locals were setting up candles nearby (Diego said it’s part of an Inti Raymi ritual), and even though we didn’t join in, just watching felt special. My shoes got muddy but nobody seemed to mind; people greeted us with little nods or just a smile.

The last stop was Ñanda Mañachi house, where a family played Andean music for us. There was this old wooden flute — I tried to play it (badly), and everyone laughed, including me. The room smelled like wood smoke and something sweet I couldn’t place. On the drive back to Quito, my new scarf still smelled faintly like market spices. Sometimes you don’t realize what sticks with you until later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Imbabura highlights and Otavalo market

• Cross Guayllabamba Valley
• Visit equator monument
• Tour bizcocho factory and taste cake
• Visit Otavalo indigenous market
• See Peguche Waterfall ritual site
• Visit Ñanda Mañachi local music house

Top questions

How long is the Otavalo day trip from Quito?

The tour lasts about 10 hours including travel time from Quito.

Is hotel pickup included for this Otavalo tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your booking.

What is included in the Otavalo Market day trip?

The tour includes a bilingual guide, hotel pickup, all entrance fees, and tourist transport.

Will we visit Peguche Waterfall on this trip?

Yes, visiting Peguche Waterfall is part of the itinerary after Otavalo Market.

Do we get to try local food during this day trip?

You’ll stop at a bizcocho factory in Cayambe to taste these traditional biscuits.

Is this Otavalo tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and infants can sit on an adult’s lap.

Will we meet any local musicians during this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Ñanda Mañachi house to learn about Andean music from a local family band.

Is lunch included on this Otavalo day trip?

No lunch is specifically mentioned as included; snacks like bizcochos are provided during stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Quito, comfortable tourist transport through Imbabura province with a bilingual guide leading every step. Entry fees are covered for all sites — from tasting bizcochos in Cayambe to exploring Otavalo Market and visiting Peguche Waterfall — plus an intimate visit with local musicians before heading back home in the evening.