2-DAYS PRIVATE TOUR OTAVALO INDIAN MARKET AND SURROUNDINGS

DAY 1: You start the adventure at 08h30 towards Cochasquí, one of the largest and most important
archaeological sites in Ecuador. The complex has fifteen pyramids and several tombs from the period 850 B.C. – 1580 A.C. Here we will have the opportunity to be surrounded by hundreds of
llamas, while we learn all about the Caranquis, one of the most developed civilizations in South America! After the unforgettable hike along the Inca Trail, we will drive towards a local
rose plantation to learn all about the process of planting, harvesting and exporting roses! We will have time for lunch in a local restaurant, and only after a 10 minute drive from there, we will stop at the Quitsato sundial, which is a large circular stone mosaic of 52 meters of diameter, located exactly in the
middle of the world! Finally, we will go to the
Hacienda Guachalá, considered the oldest one in Ecuador, built by the Spaniards in colonial times (1580), where we stay the overnight in guest rooms with charming fireplaces!
Day 2: We leave at 08h00, towards the populated, colourful and the most famous indigenous market in South America! Before going to Otavalo, we will visit the beautiful viewpoint of
Laguna San Pablo, which is at the foothills of
Imbabura Volcano (4.610 m.a.s.l.). We continue to the animal market, and then we go to the "
Plaza de Ponchos", a place that shows a large variety of Ecuadorian handicrafts. It is also possible to visit the rural parish of
Peguche, where we can learn more about the local culture and the weaving process of carpets and tapestries. After lunch we will visit the town of
Cotacachi, well-known as the “Capital of Music in Ecuador”, rich in the production of leather products, which are displayed for sale in small shops throughout the city centre. Then we will visit
Cuicocha Lake, which is inside the crater of
Cotacachi volcano. Once we finish this wonderful tour, we will drive you back to Quito, and we will arrive to your hotel approximately at 17h00. End of this fantastic getaway from Quito!