Otavalo and Imbabura

Imbabura is the Andean province north of Quito, known as the land of lakes. Between the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes there are crater lakes, agricultural valleys and kichwa villages, and the region has been recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark. The town of Otavalo, at about 2,550 meters altitude and 110 km from Quito, is the center of the kichwa Otavalo people, known for weaving and trade.

The Otavalo market occupies the Plaza de los Ponchos and the surrounding streets. It operates every day but grows on Saturdays, when stalls take up much of the town center, selling ponchos, rugs, alpaca and sheep wool blankets, embroidery, hats, costume jewelry, musical instruments and handicrafts. The Otavalo people keep traditional dress: men with long braids, hats and ponchos; women with embroidered blouses, golden necklaces and dark skirts.

Around the town are the Cascada de Peguche, in a eucalyptus wood sacred to the communities, the Lago San Pablo at the foot of Imbabura, and, about 15 km away, Cotacachi, a town of leather shops. Above Cotacachi, the Laguna de Cuicocha fills a volcanic crater of about 3 km, with two islands in the middle and a trail along the rim.

The climate is highland: mild days and cold nights, with rain more common in the afternoon. Otavalo works as a day trip from Quito, but one or two nights let you see the market at a relaxed pace and walk around the lakes.

This destination brings together 1 city: Otavalo.