Otavalo Market Extension

Otavalo is famous for its local arts and crafts market. Start your trip from Quito by driving through Calderón, unique for its handmade bread-dough figures, and stop by Cayambe for the local specialty, "bizcochos." Pass by some of the most attractive Andean landscapes, such as the Santa Rosa and Mira Lago. Arrive in Otavalo and head to its famous indigenous market, one of the most well-known markets in South America. You are just in time to bargain for hand-knitted wool sweaters, colorful tapestries, wood carvings, silver jewelry, paintings, wool and straw hats, and much more. Attired mostly in traditional dress, the “Otavaleno” weavers make and sell their beautiful textiles here. There are three main plazas in Otavalo: Poncho Plaza, the Main Plaza, and the Food Market. Then, travel north of Otavalo to Cotacachi, a town famous for its handmade leather crafts. The town also boasts a lovely central plaza. Lunch will be served at a typical hacienda, or country inn. Afterwards, enjoy amazing landscapes on your way back to Quito. (L)