Otavalo, Ecuador: travel guide
Andean market town of weavers, crater lakes and volcano views
An indigenous market town in the northern Andes, home to South America's largest artisan craft market (Plaza de Ponchos), surrounded by volcanoes and crater lakes such as Laguna de Cuicocha and the Peguche waterfall.
About Otavalo
Otavalo is an Andean town in Imbabura province, ringed by volcanoes and known across Ecuador for its Kichwa weaving traditions and its market. The Plaza de los Ponchos fills with textiles, tapestries, jewellery and handicrafts, and is at its busiest on Saturdays.
Beyond the stalls, the countryside is the draw. You can walk to the Peguche waterfall, look out over Lago San Pablo, hike around the crater lake of Laguna de Cuicocha, or visit the Parque Cóndor to see birds of prey against a mountain backdrop. Nearby villages continue the weaving and leatherwork that made the area known.
Otavalo suits travellers who enjoy markets, crafts and easy highland walks, and works well as a day trip or overnight from Quito. Mornings are usually clearest, and the drier months from June to September are the most dependable.
- Country
- Ecuador
- Currency
- USD
- Time zone
- America/Guayaquil
Last updated
Top places to visit in Otavalo
Plaza de los Ponchos (Mercado de Otavalo)
craft_market · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
South America's largest indigenous craft market, where Otavaleño artisans sell textiles, ponchos, alpaca goods, jewellery and handicrafts daily, peaking on Saturdays.
Laguna de Cuicocha
crater_lake · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A stunning blue crater lake in the Cotacachi-Cayapas reserve with two forested islets, a rim hiking trail and boat rides, ~20 km from Otavalo.
Cascada de Peguche
waterfall · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A sacred 18 m waterfall in a eucalyptus forest near Otavalo, important in Andean ritual (used in pre-Inti Raymi cleansing), with easy trails.
Parque Cóndor
bird_park · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A raptor-rehabilitation park on a hill above Otavalo with Andean condors, eagles and owls, and twice-daily free-flight demonstrations plus valley views.
Lago San Pablo
lake · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A large lake at the foot of Imbabura volcano, popular for kayaking, sailing and lakeside walks with classic volcano reflections.
Mirador del Lechero
hill · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A hilltop lookout by a sacred lechero tree with panoramic views over Otavalo and Lago San Pablo, significant in local Kichwa cosmovision.
Things to do
- Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Day Tour Day Tour · 7 h · from USD 55 per person
- Laguna Cuicocha Rim Hike Hiking · 5 h · from USD 35 per person
- Peguche Waterfall & Textile Workshop Cultural · 3 h · from USD 30 per person
Day trips and tours
- Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lake Day 8 h · from USD 55
Where to stay in Otavalo
- Plaza de Ponchos / Centro about USD 45 per night
Right by the craft market and restaurants, ideal for early-morning market access.
Hotels
- Hacienda Cusín 5-star · USD 150 to USD 280 per night
- Hostal Doña Esther 2-star · USD 25 to USD 55 per night
- Hotel Otavalo 3-star · USD 45 to USD 85 per night
- Hostal Riviera Sucre 2-star · USD 14 to USD 40 per night
Where to eat
- SISA Ecuadorian, International, Cafe · about USD 12 per person
- Mi Otavalito Ecuadorian · about USD 10 per person
- Mercado Copacabana / 24 de Mayo Ecuadorian, Street Food · about USD 4 per person
Getting to Otavalo
Nearest airport: Quito (UIO), about 41 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Ecuador
Frequently asked questions about Otavalo
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Otavalo?
- The highest-rated places in our Otavalo guide are Laguna de Cuicocha, Plaza de los Ponchos (Mercado de Otavalo), Parque Cóndor, Cascada de Peguche, Lago San Pablo.
- Where should I stay in Otavalo?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Otavalo: Plaza de Ponchos / Centro.
- How do I get around Otavalo?
- Ways to get around Otavalo covered in our guide: City bus, Taxi, Walking.