Cidade Turismo
Ecuador

Before you go

Your trip to Otavalo.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Otavalo – Imbabura

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) Quito · 90 km
  • Terminal Terrestre de Otavalo 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre in Quito, about 90 km away. From Quito buses depart from the Carcelén terminal and take about two hours to Otavalo's terminal. Ibarra, the capital of Imbabura, is about 25 km away.

How many days

One day for the market and Peguche as a day trip from Quito. With one or two nights you can include Cuicocha, Cotacachi and Lago San Pablo.

When to go

Mild days and cold nights year-round, with rain more common in the afternoon. From June to September the sky is usually clearer. In June Inti Raymi is celebrated in the communities.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center is walked on foot, and local buses and taxis take you to Peguche, Cotacachi and Cuicocha. A car helps for the lakes and more remote haciendas.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Otavalo
  1. Morning
    Mercado de Otavalo

    Start early at the Plaza de los Ponchos and the market streets; on Saturday, visit the livestock fair first.

  2. Afternoon
    Peguche

    Have lunch at the food market and then head to the Cascada de Peguche and the community weaving workshops.

  3. Late afternoon
    Lago San Pablo

    Go to the shore of Lago San Pablo to see Imbabura at sunset.

  4. Evening
    Dinner in Otavalo

    Dine in the center, near the Plaza de los Ponchos.

2 days in Otavalo

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Market

    Plaza de los Ponchos and the market streets.

  2. Afternoon
    Peguche

    Trail along the old railway line to the Cascada de Peguche.

  3. Late afternoon
    Lago San Pablo

    Late afternoon at Lago San Pablo.

  4. Evening
    Hacienda

    Dinner at a hacienda in the surroundings.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Cuicocha

    By taxi to Cuicocha and a walk along the crater rim or a boat trip.

  2. Afternoon
    Cotacachi

    Lunch of roasted meats and leather shopping on Calle 10 de Agosto.

  3. Late afternoon
    Return to Otavalo

    Bus back to Otavalo.

  4. Evening
    Departure

    Continue to Quito or stay one more night.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Quito to Otavalo?

By bus from the Carcelén terminal, about two hours, or with a tour or private driver.

What to eat in Otavalo?

Hornado (roast pork) with mote and llapingachos (potato patties with cheese); fritada; and the corn tortillas from the market.

Who are the Otavalos?

A kichwa people of the region, known for weaving, music and trade, who maintain traditional dress.

Where to stay in Otavalo?

In the center, near the plaza, or at a hacienda in the surrounding countryside.

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