Otavalo Travel Packages

The best time to visit Otavalo is from June to September, during the dry season, when the skies are clearer, and the famous Otavalo Market is vibrant and bustling with activity. However, the market runs year-round, and weekends are especially lively. Travelers during Inti Raymi in June can experience traditional Andean festivities.

Top tours in Otavalo include visiting the Otavalo Market, one of the largest indigenous markets in South America, exploring nearby waterfalls such as Peguche, and visiting traditional weaving workshops. Day trips to Cuicocha Crater Lake and Cotacachi are also popular.

Visitors can shop for textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and ceramics at the market, experience live music, and observe traditional clothing. Cultural interactions with Otavalo artisans are highly rewarding, and exploring nearby natural attractions like lakes and forests enriches the experience.

Otavalo enjoys a mild Andean climate, with average temperatures ranging from 12–20°C year-round. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so layered clothing is recommended. The rainy season lasts from October to May, while June to September tends to be drier.

The nearest airport to Otavalo is Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, about 90 kilometers away. From Quito, buses and private transfers connect directly to Otavalo in approximately two hours.

Otavalo offers accommodations ranging from boutique hotels and colonial-style haciendas to budget hostels. Many haciendas provide immersive cultural experiences and are surrounded by scenic Andean landscapes.

Local restaurants serve Andean specialties such as cuy (guinea pig), locro de papa (potato soup), and empanadas. Visitors can also find international dining options and cafés around the market square and town center.

The US dollar (USD) is the official currency of Ecuador. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but cash is recommended for market purchases and small local shops.

Otavalo is known for its Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) celebrated in June, which features music, dancing, and rituals honoring the Inca sun god. The Yamor Festival in September celebrates corn harvest with parades, concerts, and traditional drinks.

Otavalo, located in northern Ecuador, is world-famous for its indigenous market and rich cultural traditions. The town is surrounded by scenic mountains and lakes, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Key highlights include Otavalo Market, Peguche Waterfall, Cuicocha Lake, and Cotacachi town. The surrounding Imbabura Province offers beautiful landscapes and authentic encounters with Andean culture.