Otavalo Travel Guide
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Otavalo: 95km (59 miles) N of Quito, 515km (319 miles) NE of Guayaquil, 537km (333 miles) N of Cuenca
Imbabura Province, and the town of Otavalo in particular, is a shopper's paradise. The locals, known as Otavaleños, have been famous for their masterful craftsmanship for centuries. The market in Otavalo is the area's best-known attraction and one of the most popular markets in Ecuador. In Otavalo's main plaza, the local people still wear their traditional clothing as they sell their exquisite handicrafts. Saturday is the main market day, and this is when the town bursts with life. But luckily for travelers with tight schedules, the market has become so popular that it now takes place on the other 6 days of the week, though on a much smaller scale. In addition to shopping at Otavalo's market, you can also explore the back roads of the province and visit local studios. Some of the smaller towns specialize in specific crafts: Cotacahi is known for leather work, San Antonio de Ibarra for its age-old woodcarving techniques.
Even nonshoppers will love Otavalo and its surroundings. The town has an almost perfect setting. It's nestled in the Sunrise Valley in the shadow of two protective volcanoes, Cotacachi and Imbabura. According to local legend, Cotacachi is the area's symbolic mother; Imbabura is the father, standing watch. To feel the inspirational powers of Mother Nature, I recommend spending a few days exploring the area, breathing in the fresh air, gazing at the dark blue waters of the local crater lakes, and standing in awe of the snow-covered volcanoes. After you find the perfect alpaca sweater, you can wear it as you take a stroll around Cuicocha Lake or a hike in the mountains; then you can soothe your sore muscles by trying out the ancient health remedies at one of the several traditional spas in the area.
