Otavalo

Stalls bow under the weight of vibrant textiles, mountains of spices fill the air with their rich aroma and locals wander past in traditional dress; this is the famous Otavalo market and a complete feast for the senses.

Located a few hours north of Quito, Otavalo is a predominantly indigenous town famous for its buzzing weekly market. Although trade goes on daily in the Plaza de los Ponchos, the Saturday market is the largest and teems with life as the townsfolk gather to sell their crafts. At its busiest, one-third of the town can be covered with stalls selling everything from dream catchers and jewellery to woven rugs and spices. Browse the unique collections of handmade crafts and admire the weavings and textile skills of the people of Otavalo.

Otavalo’s market tradition stretches back to before the Inca Empire, and today the town still retains much of its original flavour. The villagers host the markets in traditional attire, with women donning embroidered blouses, headcloths (fachalinas), and beads, whilst men dress in ponchos and felt hats. When you’re not shopping for souvenirs or bargaining with vendors, head off to explore and enjoy the mountainous scenery surrounding the town. Imagine endless patchwork hills, lush pastures, volcanoes, and hidden emerald lakes, perfect for hiking, horse-riding, and mountain biking.

Properties
Itineraries

Hacienda Zuleta

Otavalo, Central Highlands, Ecuador

Dating from the 17th century, the historic Hacienda Zuleta lies in the spectacular Andean mountain range of Ecuador at 9,600 feet above sea level, and only two hours north of Quito and one hour from the famous indigenous market town of Otavalo.

10 nights

Galapagos & Ecuador with Kids

Quito, Galapagos and Otavalo

For a truly memorable family holiday, this trip taking in both Ecuador’s urban and rural charms, along with the magical wildlife wonderland of the Galapagos Islands, is a fabulous, shared experience for all ages, tastes, and interests. Stand in the Middle of the World, swim with sea lions and turtles, trek volcanic landscapes and enjoy exploring the fabulous Otavalo countryside on foot, bike, and horseback.

From

£6,800 pp

13 nights

Galapagos & Ecuador Highlights

Otavalo, Amazon, Quito, Galapagos, Guayaquil

This magnificent trip offers boundless adventure, magnificent wildlife encounters, immense geographical diversity, and a series of unforgettable experiences. Explore the cultural highlights of UNESCO-listed Quito. Trek the trails and paddle a canoe in the steamy Amazon rainforest. Swim with sea turtles, sea lions and sharks and hang out with giant tortoises and iguanas in the Galapagos Islands. All before relaxing in a stylish hacienda deep in the Ecuadorian countryside.

From

£9,400 pp

14 nights

Ecuador Uncovered

Otavalo, Amazon, Quito, Avenue of Volcanoes, Cuenca, Guayaquil

One of the most diverse nations on the planet, tiny Ecuador not only straddles the equator but includes the mighty Andes, steamy Amazon and nine national parks. This Ecuadorian odyssey offers an amazing variety of landscapes and experiences. Enjoy the colonial charms of Quito and Cuenca, explore the rainforest, bird, and wildlife of the Amazon, relax amid the rural charm and warm hospitality of a hacienda stay, and discover the volcanoes of the Central Valley where age-old traditions prevail.

From

£6,700 pp

12 nights

Galapagos Island Hopping

Quito, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz, Otavalo.

Sign up for some of the world’s most spectacular sights and experiences. Discover Ecuador’s colonial history, captivating culture, and UNESCO-listed landmarks, before island hopping in the enchanted Galapagos Islands. Explore other-worldly volcanic landscapes. Meet giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Swim alongside reef sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions, before relaxing back on the mainland with a stay at a fabulous hacienda set in the glorious Andean landscape.

From

£9,400 pp

12 nights

Epic Galapagos & Ecuador

Taking in Ecuador’s stunning capital city, mist-shrouded cloud forest, magical Galapagos Islands, and glorious landscapes of the Otavalo countryside, this is a trip of exciting contrasts. From colonial plazas, rainforest hikes, snorkelling with sea turtles and cantering along magnificent mountain trails, a lifetime of memories awaits.

From

£11,500 pp

Why Scott Dunn for Otavalo Holidays?

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