Welcome to Otavalo!
 
Otavalo is famous around the world for its handicrafts, and its weekly market is one of the biggest in the whole of South America. However, the surroundings of Otavalo have much more to offer: a breathtaking landscape, beautiful villages with friendly people, a vivid cultural life, and lots of serenity.  Here, stress and hassle are unknown.
Therefore it is recommendable to plan a bit more time for Otavalo during your travels through Ecuador so that you can enjoy the pandemonium of the famous market as well as the tranquility of the countryside. For many visitors to the area, the contact with local people from the rural communities and the immersion into their culture and traditions is the absolute highlight of their trip.

Recommendations

   Buying handicrafts
No trip to Otavalo is complete without visiting a traditional handicrafts workshop in one of the surrounding villages. Nowadays, most of the stuff sold at the famous handicrafts market in Otavalo is made in factories or imported from other countries. So sometimes it can be really difficult to find your truly unique souvenir. Chances are much higher in the countryside, where many people still practice the traditional arts of weaving, woodcarving, and embroidery. Not only can you buy some handmade and really unique handicrafts, you also learn about the single processes, hard work and craftsmanship it takes to make them. In addition, by buying directly from the producers you help that they get a fair price for their works and that their skills are passed on to the next generation.

Latest news

Turismo Otavalo, 20.12: Musician from Otavalo wins German talent show 0
Turismo Otavalo, 20.12: Archaeological finds near Tocagon 0
Turismo Otavalo, 05.12: New bicycle route planned 0