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Tailor-made toursOtavalo
For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socialising. The colourful local markets of the Andean Valleys are famous for their fine handicrafts. The Otavalo Indian market dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on back-strap and shuttle looms. Otavalo Handcraft Tour
Otavalo Market Tour Otavalo is South America’s most famous Indian fair. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets. Early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery. You will have ample time to visit the famous market and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indians wearing blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas. Otavalo Cultural Experience
For lunch, guests will have the opportunity to taste the best of the Andean delicacies, lovingly prepared in the traditional way, using only firewood for cooking to preserve the original taste. Start with corn-on-the-cob and lima beans (freshly picked from the field right behind the house) and served with fresh cheese. Chicken and the traditional guinea pig are carefully roasted in a large bread oven. Vegetarians will love quinua soup (a complete protein grain), and an array of steam cooked vegetables and potatoes. You can also try the special Chicha drink, made with fermented corn and enjoy live music during lunch. Otavalo Two-Day Tour
On the second day, after a hearty country breakfast, visit the market of Otavalo, piled high with ponchos, woollen goods, tapestries, the original “Panama” hat, sweaters, Indian jewellery and many handicrafts. Otavalo Three-Day Tour This trip is designed for an in-depth and more relaxed experience of Imbabura, the Province of the Lakes and its many attractions: natural areas, landscapes, artisans, handicrafts, Indian culture in general, haciendas and great gastronomy. Drive north of Quito to Calderón, where bread dough figurines are made in many shapes and sizes. Continue along the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, with their dairy farms and rose plantations. Arrive at lunchtime at one of the charming country inns or colonial haciendas where you will overnight (see description below). In the afternoon, visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its woodcarvings. On day two, visit the market of Otavalo, piled high with ponchos, woollen goods, tapestries, the original “Panama” hat, sweaters, Indian jewellery and many handicrafts. Lunch will be at another of the beautiful haciendas or hosterías in the area. There will be the opportunity to go horseback riding or take a scenic cruise on San Pablo Lake in the afternoon. On the third day, visit Cuicocha Lake and the town of Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to fine leather products, plus the town of Peguche where textiles are woven in old-fashioned shuttle looms. Accommodation and all meals are included. The order of the visits may vary - depending on weather and day of the week. Useful tips
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To the north of Quito, the province of Imbabura is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador: a magical land of lakes, snow-capped mountains and terraced farmland.
This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavaleños and South America’s most famous Indian fair. Early departure from Quito towards Calderón, a small village that keeps the tradition of making colorful dough figurines of Indian dolls, llamas, flowers and even great Christmas ornaments. You can see how each figure is molded by hand, with dough of different colors carefully put together; then it is baked and varnished. Continue on the Panamerican Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Lunch is at one of the charming local country inns or haciendas. Later, visit the small village of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its woodcarvings. You can see the talented wood carvers at their workshops and browse through the many shops around the main square and adjacent streets. Carvings are made mainly of cedar and walnut woods and go from life-size saints for church decorations to baroquely decorated furniture and ornaments, hundreds of figurines and remarkable modern art.
This excursion offers an in-depth experience of the traditional way of life of the people of Peguche, their history, customs, handicrafts and, most importantly, music. Depart Quito northwards along the Pan American Highway, with a stop at the famous market of Otavalo. Then continue to Peguche, a small Indian town just five minutes north of Otavalo. The people of Peguche are famous for their weavings, done by pedal shuttle looms and by the ancient back-strap loom. The finest belts or fajas are exquisitely woven. You will have the opportunity to roam around the town, go into the houses - which are open to visitors, observe and photograph. The natives of Peguche often travel all over the world selling their merchandise of good quality and bright colors, such as tapestries, blankets, scarves, shawls, sweaters, woven belts and many other items. Peguche is also well known for the music groups and shops where Andean musical instruments are produced, such as the large panflutes or zampoñas, quena flutes, drums, charangos and guitars. The artisans will delight you by playing the instruments they manufacture.
This trip is a treat of brilliant scenery and artisan villages, such as Calderón, where bread dough figurines are made in many shapes and sizes. Continue along the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, with their dairy farms and rose plantations. Arrive at lunchtime to one of the charming country inns or colonial haciendas where you will spend the night (see description below). Visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its woodcarvings, the town of Cotacachi, dedicated to selling fine leather products, and the town of Peguche where textiles are woven in old-fashioned shuttle looms. Accommodation and all meals are included.