OtavaloSituated north of Quito amongst the Andean foothills, is an area famed for its lakes, national parks and the bustling market town of Otavalo. For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socialising. The Otavalo Indian market, renowned for its fine handicraft, dates back to pre-Inca times, and textiles are still woven on back strap and shuttle looms. This is where friendly locals in colourful traditional dress will test your bartering skills! The surrounding area has some of the best Haciendas in the country, where you can take walks around the nearby lakes, horse ride around the Andean foothills or simple relax and enjoy the rustic surroundings. TO SEE AND DO AROUND OTAVALOThe area north of Quito can be visited as a day trip, or as part of a more thorough investigation lasting 2 to 3 days. Below are some examples of what you can do, though we can tailor any itinerary to suit your interests. Small towns. The drive north towards Otavalo and the Columbian border is spectacular, passing through and over Andean valleys dominated by towering snow-capped volcanoes. You stop in the quaint little towns of Calderon and Cayambe and pass through the line of the Equator, visiting the Equator monument. Otavalo. The Saturday market here contains an array of textiles and crafts. Split into 3 different markets; food and spices, weavings and carvings, and buying and selling of animals. The men wear their hair long and plaited with calf length white trousers and blue ponchos. Women wear colourful embroidered blouses, shoulder wraps and colourful beads. San Antonio. The town is principally known for its woodcarving handicraft skills but is dominated by its plaza, which is lined with palm trees, jacarandas and hibiscus. Cotacachi. An interesting town where leather goods are made and sold, also containing the museum of culture with displays about early Ecuadorian history and indigenous traditions. Cuicocha Lagoon (3200m). Forming part of the ecological reserve this Crater Lake contains 2 islands that can be visited by boat, offer good birding possibilities. There is also an 8 km trail around the lagoon, which takes around 6 hours to walk, and provides superb views of the Cotacachi, Imbabura and Cayambe peaks. Haciendas. The region offers a range of accommodation in the from of colonial haciendas, which can be used as a base to explore the region, they also offer horse riding and walking trails.
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