Tour: 3-Day Otavalo Nature & Cultural Experience

Our first stop will be in Cayambe, where we’ll enjoy a sample of bizcochos (biscuits) and a hot drink, or perhaps a local alcoholic treat for the adults. This culinary experience will give you a taste of one of Ecuador's traditions and flavors. As we drive through the Ecuadorian Andes, you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes with fertile valleys and stunning volcano views leading us to the next stop at the popular Mira Lago viewpoint. The viewpoint is located above San Pablo Lake which is considered the biggest water mirror of our Andes region. The presence of artisans' stands serves as a definitive marker, confirming your arrival in the heartland of Ecuador's most renowned artisans.

The bustling Otavalo Market awaits as the focal point of your adventure, offering ample time for exploration. Typically, our arrival coincides with midday, allowing for a leisurely late lunch, with opportunities to indulge in snacks available throughout the market. Here, vibrant textiles, intricate wooden handicrafts, shimmering silver pieces, household goods, and delightful treats beckon, inviting you to engage in the time-honored tradition of bargaining.

Your guide will provide recommendations for lunch, with typical meal options ranging from $10 to $15, or slightly more if you're inclined to try the local delicacy of guinea pig!

In the afternoon you will have three important visits: 

Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop: Where you will gain insight into traditional Andean weaving techniques. Witness skilled artisans at work as they create intricate textiles using ancient methods, and have the opportunity to purchase authentic handwoven souvenirs.

Our next visit will be to a Dreamcatcher Workshop, where you will participate in a hands-on Dreamcatcher workshop led by local artisans. Learn about the cultural significance of dreamcatchers in indigenous traditions and create your personalized dreamcatcher using traditional materials and techniques.

The Peguche Waterfall is our last visit of the day, located just outside of Otavalo you will embark on a scenic hike through lush forest trails to reach the waterfall, where you can marvel at the majestic cascade and enjoy the serene ambiance of the natural surroundings. This is a ceremonial and important spot for the Indigenous people of Otavalo, it is a perfect escape to nature to recharge yourself, here you will have a nice and tranquil walk in the forest that is about 20 long until we reach the waterfall, this beautiful waterfall is 30mts tall and 8mts wide. During the Inti Raymi festivities, the Peguche waterfall is the ceremonial center for the purification ritual. Dancers from various communities bathe in its waters starting at 8:00 p.m. and then continue dancing under the moonlight.

The day ends today with check-in at your hotel in or near Otavalo, where you’re free to wander around and take some photos of local life in Ecuador, or sit back and enjoy a drink. Your guide will recommend a couple of dining options for the evening.

This morning, we take our transportation to Cotacachi, which is 17 km away from Otavalo. Our first stop takes us to the majestic Cuicocha Lake, formerly known as the Lake of the Gods, a volcanic crater lake with a diameter of three kilometers and a depth of 148 meters, located within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. This natural wonder will be the backdrop for our thrilling hike, which will take us approximately 3 hours to fully enjoy. Feel the excitement as we explore pristine trails and immerse ourselves in the stunning beauty of the Andean landscapes. With every step, we delve into the untamed splendor of the Andean landscape, where each vista promises breathtaking views and unforgettable moments of discovery. As the sun climbs higher, let the thrill of the hike invigorate your senses, leaving you energized and ready for the next chapter of your adventure.

After working up an appetite, prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an immersive cooking experience, where you'll uncover the secrets of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine from Otavalo. We will drive to Quichinche, where we will be able to eat a traditional Ecuadorian meal and prepare cornbread from the beginning of shelling the corn to putting the bread in the oven. The preparation of our food and our lunch is made with fresh, organic products and also according to the seasons of the year.

Then, let the rhythm of the Andes captivate your soul as we delve into a vibrant music workshop, where you'll learn the melodies that echo through Ecuador's cultural heart. As the day winds down, return to Otavalo, where you're free to explore the charming city at your leisure, perhaps discovering a cozy spot for dinner or a leisurely coffee, tailored to your own unique itinerary.

Our first visit of the day is to Condor Park home to dozens of predator birds such as hawks, falcons, eagles, and osprey. You’ll also find the massive Andean Condors here. At this rehabilitation and rescue center, you may catch a bird show or explore the area on your own to learn more about these birds of the Andes.

We will make some time to have lunch you can expect to spend between $10-17 for an international-style meal.

After finishing lunch we will return to Quito and will make our last visit to Quitsato Solar Museum on the way, Quitsato is an integral project where a wide range of work is developed concerning the study and enhancement of the concept of the True Middle of the World and the basis of the cultural identity of Ecuadorians.

Here we will learn the relationship between the equinoctial line and the archaeological cultural heritage that is based on the Andean Cosmovision, which is manifested in the ethical principle of reciprocity, where the balance and equilibrium of life acquires vital importance for our equatorial culture.

Following a delicious lunch, where you can expect to spend between $10-17 for an international-style meal, we begin our return journey to Quito, with a final stop at the Quitsato Solar Museum along the way. This innovative project delves into the study and celebration of the True Middle of the World, showcasing Ecuadorian cultural identity rooted in Andean cosmology. Explore ancestral customs and traditions, including the production of Agave Honey known locally as Chaguar Mishqui, renowned for its medicinal properties and rich flavors.

As the afternoon draws to a close, marking the end of our mini-adventure, we embark on a 2-3 hour drive back to Quito. Your guide will ensure a comfortable drop-off at your hotel, or any preferred location if communicated in advance.