Private Otavalo and Cotacachi Day Trip From Quito

Explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Ecuador with a private day trip from Quito. This tour takes you to the renowned Otavalo Market, where you’ll learn about a colorful display of textiles, handicrafts, and local cuisine. Venture further to the charming town of Cotacachi, known for its leather workshops and breathtaking views. With a knowledgeable guide and private transportation, you’ll experience the best of Ecuadorian culture in comfort and convenience. But there’s more to this trip than meets the eye – discover the hidden gems that await as you delve deeper into the heart of this remarkable destination.

About Your Stay

• A private day tour from Quito to the renowned Otavalo Market and the leather-working town of Cotacachi, with stops at scenic viewpoints and local food tastings.
• The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, private transportation, entrance fees, and a visit to the picturesque Cuicocha Lake (optional).
• The Otavalo Market is known for its vibrant textiles, handicrafts, and artisanal products, offering an immersive cultural experience.
• Lunch in Cotacachi provides an opportunity to savor local cuisine, such as hearty stews and roasted meats.
• Reviews suggest the tour provides a good value, but caution is advised regarding the Otavalo Market being a potential "tourist trap" requiring bargaining.

Trip Overview

This private Otavalo and Cotacachi day trip from Quito offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of two of Ecuador’s renowned cultural hubs.

The tour begins at 7:30 am with pickup from your hotel or port in Quito, followed by a scenic drive along the Pan-American Highway.

Highlights include stops to taste the delicious chirimoya fruit in Guayllabamba and take in the breathtaking views from the Mira Lago viewpoint.

Spend three hours enjoying the vibrant Otavalo Market, known for its vibrant textiles, before heading to Cotacachi, famous for its leather products.

An optional visit to the serene Cuicocha Lake is also available.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy the expertise of a professional bilingual guide and private transportation.

Included Services

The private Otavalo and Cotacachi day trip includes a suite of services to enhance the traveler’s experience.

A professional bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing commentary and insights throughout the journey. Private transportation is provided, allowing for a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Travelers will also enjoy a tasting of biscuits and leaf cheese in Cayambe, as well as complimentary entrance fees to the various sites.

However, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included in the package.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points are available for the private Otavalo and Cotacachi day trip, and the meeting point is located in Quito, Pichincha Province.

The tour can be arranged with pickup from any hotel in Quito. A map is provided for the selected radius.

The tour starts at 7:30 am and returns to the same location as the pickup. This ensures convenience for travelers, as they don’t need to find their way to a specific meeting point.

The pickup and drop-off service makes the day trip seamless and easy to coordinate.

Otavalo Market

After traveling along the Pan-American Highway, the tour arrives at the renowned Otavalo Market, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant local culture and browse an impressive array of handmade textiles, handicrafts, and artisanal products.

Visitors have approximately 3 hours to explore the bustling market, which is known for its wide selection of traditional Ecuadorian wares, including colorful textiles, leather goods, jewelry, and more.

Whether seeking unique souvenirs or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, the Otavalo Market offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Lunch in Cotacachi

Following the visit to the Otavalo Market, the tour heads to Cotacachi, a town renowned for its leather products. The group will have the opportunity to explore the town and enjoy a lunch stop at their own expense. Lunch options in Cotacachi typically feature local cuisine, such as hearty stews, roasted meats, and fresh produce. To give you a sense of what to expect, here’s a sample of potential lunch choices:

Dish	Price
Locro de Papas (potato stew)	$5-$7
Hornado (roast pork)	$8-$10
Llapingachos (potato cakes)	$3-$5

The lunch break provides a chance to refuel before continuing the exploration of Cotacachi and its renowned leather workshops.

Optional Cuicocha Lake

Continuing on the day trip, travelers have the option to visit Cuicocha Lake. This volcanic lake is located within the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve and is known for its stunning natural beauty.

The lake’s crystal-clear waters are surrounded by lush vegetation and towering volcanic peaks, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Some highlights of visiting Cuicocha Lake include:

• Taking a boat ride to explore the lake and admire the impressive caldera walls
• Hiking around the lake’s perimeter to enjoy panoramic views
• Spotting diverse wildlife, such as birds and small mammals, in the surrounding forests

The optional stop at Cuicocha Lake adds an extra layer of natural beauty and exploration to the Otavalo and Cotacachi day trip.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have left a modest amount of feedback on this Otavalo and Cotacachi day trip, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.

No 5-star reviews were submitted, but one reviewer described the tour as "very punctual and fun." They did caution that the Otavalo Market is a "tourist trap" where bargaining is essential.

The total number of reviews is 2, providing a limited sample size. While the existing feedback is generally positive, more extensive reviews would be needed to draw definitive conclusions about the tour’s quality and value.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Activities?

While the itinerary is fixed, the guide is flexible and may accommodate reasonable requests to customize activities or adjust the schedule to suit the traveler’s interests, within the given time frame.

How Will My Luggage Be Transported During the Tour?

The traveler’s luggage will be transported with them during the tour. As it’s a private tour, the guide and driver will ensure the traveler’s belongings are safely transported throughout the day’s activities and back to their pickup location.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Lunch?

The tour does not provide any special dietary accommodations for lunch. Participants are responsible for choosing their own lunch options during the stop, which allows them to select a meal that fits their dietary needs.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour has a private format, so the group size is flexible and can be tailored to the traveler’s needs. The tour operator doesn’t specify a maximum group size, allowing for a personalized experience.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

This private tour does not offer discounts for seniors or students. The rate is the same for all adults, regardless of age or student status. No special pricing is available for this particular excursion.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This private day trip from Quito offers a chance to take in the vibrant culture of Ecuador. Travelers can explore the renowned Otavalo Market, savor local cuisine in Cotacachi, and enjoy scenic views along the way. With a professional guide and private transportation, the tour promises a convenient and enriching cultural experience.