ECUADOR: OTAVALO & THE HIGHLANDS

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. You can also take a train ride from Ibarra to Salinas, a scenic journey through the highlands.

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Best Time To Visit Otavalo

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.

Weather Averages in Otavalo

Otavalo Highlights

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.

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

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Flexibility

We understand no two trips are the same and design a bespoke itinerary to meet your specific needs fully tailored to your particular tastes and requirements