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Otavalo Private Tour: Experience Artisan Markets and Natural Sights in Ecuador
4.9
72 Ratings
San Pablo Del Lago
Embark on a private tour of Otavalo in Ecuador and explore artisan markets, natural sights, and cultural landmarks. Taste traditional treats, visit the Peguche waterfall, and shop at the largest indigenous fair in South America.
Embark on a private tour of Otavalo in Ecuador and explore artisan markets, natural sights, and cultural landmarks. Taste traditional treats, visit the Peguche waterfall, and shop at the largest indigenous fair in South America.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Lago San Pablo - We make you live the experience and enjoy the moment, in this tour you will learn more about the north of Ecuador, its customs, traditions and landscapes.
Our first stop will be at Lake San Pablo, where we will enjoy a spectacular landscape next to the Imbabura volcano, we will also taste the traditional biscuits with cheese…
-
Lago San Pablo - We make you live the experience and enjoy the moment, in this tour you will learn more about the north of Ecuador, its customs, traditions and landscapes.
Our first stop will be at Lake San Pablo, where we will enjoy a spectacular landscape next to the Imbabura volcano, we will also taste the traditional biscuits with cheese together with a delicious hot coffee. -
Cascada de Peguche - Our second stop is the beautiful Peguche waterfall, surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus forests, a favorite place for excursions, full of mysticism and history, located in the heart of the indigenous community of Faccha Llacta. In the “Manto Blanco” waterfall, which is reached after a short walk, where the shamans perform ceremonies and cleanse other people of bad energy.
The Peguche community is a large artisan workshop where bags, ponchos, rugs, and handicrafts are made. Musical instruments are also made. -
Otavalo Market - Our last stop will be in the city of Otavalo, here we will visit the traditional and colorful market of the Ponchos, located 96 km from Quito, it is considered the capital of Ecuadorian handicrafts, due to the variety and quality of products that are offered to the visitors.
It is internationally famous for its traditional indigenous artisan market, the Ponchos market is recognized as the largest indigenous fair in South America, where more than three thousand artisans offer their products. It has become a place of concentration of the artisan offer of Ecuador.
There are colorful woolen ponchos and rugs from the nearby community of Peguche, hand-woven sheep’s wool sacks, different leather products made in Cotacachi, handmade ceramic masks, tablecloths, bags, hats, purses, and other typical crafts from the place.
Finally before returning to Quito we will taste a delicious and traditional lunch.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
- Private transportation
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Our journey begins at Cachiviro, located on the picturesque shores of Lake San Pablo. Here, visitors will enjoy the traditional and delectable biscuits with cheese, perfectly paired with a delightful coffee, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the Imbabura volcano.
Next, the tour proceeds to the Peguche waterfall, where a scenic one-hour walk…
Our journey begins at Cachiviro, located on the picturesque shores of Lake San Pablo. Here, visitors will enjoy the traditional and delectable biscuits with cheese, perfectly paired with a delightful coffee, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the Imbabura volcano.
Next, the tour proceeds to the Peguche waterfall, where a scenic one-hour walk along the trail leads to this natural wonder.
The final destination is the vibrant ponchos market in Otavalo. This bustling marketplace is a hub for Ecuador’s artisan crafts and is renowned as the largest indigenous fair in South America, featuring over three thousand artisans showcasing their creations. Visitors will have ample time to explore and purchase their favorite items.
Before heading back to Quito, a typical local lunch will be served.
This private service ensures all tours are conducted by a tourism professional who is also a certified guide.
Location
Lago San Pablo
Calle Lago
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(72 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Danielrn4416se
Apr 12, 2026
Wonderful trip to Otavalo - Our trip to Otavalo with Andres was excellent. Andres is a very knowledgeable guide. His English is excellent and he navigated us from Quito to the lake, waterfall, and market very well. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the home of a family that Andres knew that has been hand weaving blankets and other garments for generations. We would highly recommend booking Andres for a trip to Otavalo, the largest indigenous market in Latin America.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
Mar 29, 2026
Know the indigenous people! - Andres was very helpful. He helped sourced for us a large 1.5mx1m Ecuadorian wool tapestry that was very difficult to find. The visit to the Otavalo market and the surrounding area is an interesting way to know more about the indigenous people. Andres was punctual, polite and very helpful, so THANK YOU!
Review provided by Viator
J4952ouelizabethl
Mar 21, 2026
Great tour! - We had an absolutely perfect day in Otovalo and surroundings! Andres was a fantastic tour guide. He is warm, knowledgeable, and extremely accommodating. We felt very well taken care of and had a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kari-ann
Mar 19, 2026
Fantastic day visiting Otovalo, Petuguche Waterfall and area! Andres was a great guide! - We had a great day visiting Otovalo and area, the biscuits and cheese served with tea at the lake was a fun first stop. The waterfall was beautiful and the community there very friendly. Otovalo market, lunch and coffee to end the day was everything we expected and more! Andres is a great guide, very friendly and knowledgeable, we really enjoyed our day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
778clifforde
Mar 10, 2026
Great time. - Solid time with our guide Giovani and scheduler Maria. The markets were fantastic and exciting stuff to buy. There is bargaining, which I don't really like. Prior to getting to Otavalo we went to the Ecuator and a bakery where bizcochos are made. I think you could easily rent a car and do this on your own. The cost of a rental car, gas, finding a place to park, and knowing where to go definitely made this worth the cost of hiring it out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspiration546108
Feb 25, 2026
Great tour! - If you’re going to Otavalo, you have to go with Andrés. He’s super easygoing and knows exactly what he’s doing. He was so helpful at the market (negotiating like a pro!) and helped us track down some football jerseys. The morning tea with bizcochos by the lake was such a nice touch, and the waterfall was stunning. It wasn't just a rigid tour; it felt like hanging out with a local friend. 10/10 experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phobulgogi
Feb 12, 2026
More than “just” Otavalo- what a beautiful day! - This experience was a wonderful start to our time in Ecuador! Andrés was our guide that day- and he was punctual, knowledgeable, and pleasant. He made our trip feel personalized and took the time to get to know us, as well as providing us with good tidbits and knowledge regarding Ecuador, Otavalo, etc. Loved meeting the gem that was Sr. Alberto Conejo and learning about his traditional craft! Gracias Andrés!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Genesiso405
Feb 6, 2026
Amazing Experience! - Andres was absolutely wonderful! He took us to a beautiful waterfall, a stunning lake, and the famous Otavalo Market in Ecuador—each stop was perfectly planned and unforgettable. He also brought us to a great local coffee shop and arranged a wonderful lunch that truly completed the experience.
He is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely caring. He made the entire day feel easy, fun, and special, and we always felt safe and well taken care of. This was hands down one of the best tours we’ve ever done.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
131haleyg
Jan 30, 2026
Wonderful Day in Quito with Andres! - We had the best time today! Andres was a great tour guide - friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. We enjoyed the drive to Otavalo and the stops along the way. He offered to add a slight detour to the Intiñan Equator Museum and we are so glad we accepted. It was an educational and fun hour. If you’re coming to Quito, ask for Andres!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R3rohde
Jan 19, 2026
Go with Andres’ - Andre’s’ picked us up at our hotel in Quito right on time. He navigated the crazy streets and traffic like a pro and his driving was impeccable. Our first stop was Lake San Pablo in Cachiviro where we enjoyed the local scenery, and delicious tea and biscuits by the water. Andres’ is extremely knowledgeable of the area and the inhabitants, pointing out specific details and explaining how the locals harvest reeds from the lake and weave them into rugs, hats, etc. to sell in the markets. Next stop was Cascade de Peguche where the indigenous community of Faccha Llacta live and create beautiful shawls and rugs among other items. We visited a weaving studio and met the couple who made lovely ponchos, etc on their looms. The waterfall was stunning and a peaceful respite from the city of Quito. Lastly was a visit to Otavalo Market, the largest indigenous fair in South America. If you can’t find a special souvenir there, it’s not to be found. A very vibrant, lively square with no pressures to buy. All in all, I cannot say enough about Andres’ and his tour. He listened to what we wanted to do and shaped the day around that with a great stop for coffee at the end. When I get back to Quito, he will definitely the person I arrange my tours with.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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