Introduction
In this post I’ll give you an overview of Things to do in & around the market town of Otavalo. As well as the nearby “Magical city” of Cotacachi in the northern part of Ecuador.
Otavalo & Cotacachi are located in the small northern province of Imbabura, Ecuador. Imbabura is still a mostly rural province.
Most of its inhabitants still live in the countryside – el Campo. That is, outside the main cities: Ibarra, Otavalo & Cotacachi. Something you’ll notice the moment you enter our province.
It’s the greenest province of Ecuador, blessed by pure mountain air. Besides some majestic volcanos, it houses many lakes, rivers, waterfalls & forests. That makes the province of Imbabura not only one of the healthiest places to visit, but also one of the most beautiful.
- Imbabura features enough natural attractions to have earned the title of Global GeoPark recently, by UNESCO. Furthermore, it’s the first GeoPark in the country.
The main attractions around Otavalo & Cotacachi, besides Otavalo’s world famous handicrafts market, are:
But wait, wait… isn’t the Otavalo Crafts Market the main attraction?
Yes, right… of course, the Otavalo handicrafts market is probably the provinces’ most famous attraction. And also one with a long, interesting history.
- If you want to learn more, click on: History of the Otavalo Market.
And then for all the other attractions around:
The Cuicocha crater lake
One of the most popular things to do around Otavalo & Cotacachi is a visit to the Cuicocha crater lake (30/20 minutes by car/taxi-pickup respectively).
Ideal for hiking. A complete tour around the beautiful lake takes between 4-5 hours. A real outdoor adventure through unique flora & fauna, which you can also enjoy during a shorter tour of the lake.
On your way around you can almost permanently enjoy views of the lake, but also of the surroundings. From the rim you can spot several towns and many smaller villages. As well as some of the highest mountains of Ecuador: the Cotacachi, the Imbabura, the Cayambe, and sometimes also the Cotopaxi.
On the weekends & holidays small boats can take you around the two islands in the middle of the lake.
For more tips & info on this day trip, click on Cuicocha crater lake.
The Mojanda lake area/Fuya Fuya volcano
Another popular thing to do near Otavalo & Cotacachi is a visit to the Mojanda lake area/Fuya Fuya volcano (30/45 minutes by car, taxi-pickup respectively)
Besides the Cuicocha lake, Mojando is another ideal option for hiking. Or, if you wish, just to enjoy a walk and nature.
Mojanda houses three bigger lakes and several smaller ones. There are many trails here to choose from. Also several summits to conquer. The most popular one though is the top of the Fuya Fuya volcano (4263 m./13.986 ft.). A challenging, but adventurous Andean peak…actually, a twin peak!
For more tips & info on this day trip, click on Fuya Fuya volcano.
The Condor Park
Another “Thing to Do” near Otavalo/Cotacachi is to visit the Condor Park (15/30 minutes by car, taxi-pickup respectively, 1 hour uphill hiking from Otavalo).
You’ll find the Condor Park above Otavalo, on the eastern hill. The park is dedicated to the rescue of birds of prey. The park is beautiful in itself for a visit, but there are also two daily flight shows
- Note: Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9-17 hours, flight shows: 11:30 and 15:30.
From the Condor Park you can enjoy beautiful views of the Lago de San Pablo. As well as an overview of the Awakening Valley of Otavalo, with the village and Mount Cotacachi in the background.
For more tips & info on this day trip, click on Condor Park.
The Peguche Waterfall
Another Thing to Do nearby, is to visit the Peguche Waterfall. In car 15/25 minutes distant from Otavalo/Cotacachi respectively. Or if you like, a 30-45 minute walk from Otavalo’s city center.
Trails lead you through a relaxing, park-like forest, at the end of which you’ll find the Waterfall.
Well, .. actually you can continue on. The trail leads to a spectacular spot above the waterfall. And even further on, to a road that leads to the Lake of San Pablo.
For more tips & info on this (half a) day trip, click on: Peguche Waterfall
Village-tour around Otavalo
Around Otavalo you’ll find many little villages like Peguche, Agato, La Companía, San Rafael & others, where you’ll find many workshops.
These family workshops are the main producers of the handicrafts for sale on Otavalo’s famous marketplace, the Plaza de Ponchos. Foremost weavers, but also hat makers, instrument makers, woodworkers.
Besides the handicrafts, the little village of Iluman is known for shamanism.
You can visit these villages hiking, but it’s better to hire a friendly, trustworthy & well informed driver to guide you.
For more tips & info on this (half a) day trip, click on: Otavalo Village Tour
Thermal springs Chachimbiro
If you just want to relax, we recommend a visit to the Thermal springs of Chachimbiro. About an hour drive from Otavalo/Cotacachi.
There are several thermal pools to choose from, but we would recommend Arco Iris Hot Springs (4.4* on Google). Mainly because it has many pools – hot-warm-cold – set in a beautiful garden.
To read more about this relaxing day trip, click on: Thermal Springs of Chachimbiro.
Colonial city of Ibarra, Ecuador
The capital of Imbabura, Ibarra, is just a 30 minute drive away from either Otavalo or Cotacachi. Or, a little over half an hour in bus.
Ibarra has its own attractions. Above all its historical centre grouped around two beautiful central parks.
And while you’re there, why not try Ibarra’s traditional Helados de paila. Ice cream freshly made in big copper kettles. There are several places in the centre where they still show you how they make the famous ice cream.
It’s also the starting place of a 2.5 hours old-fashioned train ride to Natabuela. But only on certain days. For more info go: Tren de Tayta Imbabura.
A visit to Mitad del Mundo, Cayambe
Near the town of Cayambe you’ll find an alternative Mitad del Mundo-monument. From Otavalo, 30 minutes in taxi, or 45 minutes with a local bus. A little longer when you’re staying in Cotacachi.
- If you choose to take the bus to Cayambe, you’’ll need a taxi to go to the Mitad del Mundo monument (10 minutes).
There’s an older monument, but also a modern one… This last one, on the exact spot.
To read more about this (half a) day trip, click on: Mitad del Mundo, Cayambe.
- If you like to know a little bit more about the special spot Ecuador represents on our planet, read my posts about: The historical visit of the French mission to Ecuador in the 18th century.
Touring the Authentic Rural area around Zuleta
Another beautiful tour you can take from Otavalo or Cotacachi leads to the beautiful, authentic rural area around Zuleta.
Ideal for hiking, biking, horse riding. Or just to tour around or a picnic.
To read more about this (half a) day trip, click on: Visit to Zuleta
A little firther away you can visit Oyacachi. A unique, beautiful Andean village which surprisingly belongs to the Amazonian province of Napo. Still easily reachable on a day trip from Otavalo or Cotacachi.
To read more about this adventurous day trip, click on: Visit to Oyacachi.
The Pambamarca mountain range near Cayambe
On the way to Oyacachi you’ll pass along the Pambamarca mountain range. An area which combines history with amazing bird-eye views of the area.
In Pambamarca you can find the remains of several Inca fortresses, called Pucarás. Formerly strategic places which nowadays provide us with the beautiful views mentioned.
To read more about this adventurous day trip from Otavalo, click on: Visit Pambamarca.
A visit to the Archaeological Site of Cochasqui
There are many archaeological remains spread over the country, but few which you can visit officially. The Pre-Inca site Cochasqui – constructed & inhabited from 850AD until the Spanish conquest in the 1530s – is one of them.
To learn more, click on: Visit Cochasqui.
Final overview of things to do around Otavalo (overview):
- Authentic rural area around Zuleta
- Mitad del Mundo, Cayambe
- The hidden village of Oyacachi
- Historical zone of Pambamarca
- The pre-Inca Pyramids of Cochasquí
- Valley of Intag Cloud forest (under construction)
How to get to the Things to do around Otavalo/Cotacachi
On Foot:
Some of the attractions mentioned are accessible on foot from Otavalo. Like the Peguche Waterfall (easy hike) & the Condor Park (a steep hike up, but doable).
Sometimes people take a taxi to the Waterfall or the Condor Park and walk back.
All the other attractions are further away. Some are reachable by bus, but seldom directly. So, the best way to get there is by hiring a taxi. When you don’t have you own car, or rented one.
By Taxi:
All over Otavalo & Cotacachi you can find (yellow) taxis, which can bring you to the attractions you want to visit:
- I would recommend you to negotiate a price beforehand & pay at the end of the tour.
- And secondly, be sure he – or sometimes she – knows how to drive. (Hard to know beforehand, but I’d say hire a somewhat older driver – not the young guys – and if you don’t like the way he/she drives soon enough, look for another one).
- For further general information on Ecuador, join my Visit Ecuador Facebook Group.
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