The Latin America Travel Company

OTAVALO | ECUADOR

Why Visit Otavalo & the Highlands in Ecuador?

"Otavalo and Ecuador’s highlands is the best place to sample the nation’s captivating culture with artisan markets and traditional haciendas."

The small town of Otavalo hosts one of the oldest and most important Andean markets in Latin America. Long established as a centre for the local traders to sell their wares the market has become a must-see attraction. The local people dressed in their colourful traditional attire showcase a bewildering array of hand made products such as ponchos, textiles, blankets, tapestries, rugs, embroidered blouses, jewelry and woolen goods. The farmland and dramatic mountain scenery around Otavalo are dotted with grand colonial haciendas which are perfect for hiking, horse riding and experiencing the idyllic rural Ecuadorian life. As part of your Ecuador tour package you can also take a train ride from Ibarra to Salinas, a scenic journey through the highlands.

Map of Otavalo & the Highlands in Ecuador

When is the Best Time to Visit Otavalo & the Highlands in Ecuador?

Otavalo and the highlands can be visited at any time of year. The cooler and rainier time of year is December until May with April receiving the most rain. This, however, does not usually spoil a trip to this region. The drier season from June to October is also a popular time to travel.
ecuador otavalo climate chart

What are the Highlights of Otavalo & the Highlands in Ecuador?

Otavalo and the surrounding highlands is Ecuador’s heartland and a great place for exploring outdoors. Here are our top experiences and highlights for the Otavalo area.
destination ecuador otavalo scenery
Scenery
destination ecuador otavalo markets
Markets
destination ecuador otavalo hats
Hats
destination ecuador otavalo crafts
Crafts
★ Peruse the handmade crafts at Otavalo Market

★ Stay on a traditional Hacienda

★ Taste Ecuador’s hearty country cooking

★ Ride the Tren de la Libertad from Ibarra to Salinas

★ Go hiking and horse riding in the bucolic countryside

Explore These Destinations in Ecuador

Browse the incredible destinations we cover in Ecuador from the Cloud Forest, a bird watcher’s haven, to the Amazon jungle and the quaint colonial cities of Cuenca and Quito. In between you will find the legendary Avenue of Volcanoes, the unexplored coast and the cacao plantations of the south. Get in touch to start planning your tailor made tours in Ecuador!
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