Description
Make your trip from Quito to Otavalo especially memorable by enhancing it with one of our tour themes.
Each tour theme emphasizes a different kind of interest or energy level, but all of them get you to Otavalo by the end of a full day. You will be amazed at the rich Andean world of history, culture, and traditions crammed between your origin and destination, and be so grateful you didn’t pass them by.
Every theme includes personal transport and a Spanish-speaking driver to get you to and from each sight along the way.
These are self-guided tours, which means we do not supply or guarantee English-speaking interpretation of the sights visited and you explore them on your own. However, you are welcome to bring your own guide as an additional passenger.
- Meals and gratuities are not included.
- Minimum 2 persons required.
- A minimum of three days advance notice is required.
Cancellation Policies:
| Sorry, there are no refunds for the tours described in this section once you place your reservation. | ||
| If you are concerned your plans might change, instead of placing a reservation, we recommend you place a request through our contact form that we invoice you directly with a due date of the invoice seven days ahead of your trip, and this will allow you to delay payment until that time. | ||
| Culture | Food | Hiking | Leisure |
|---|---|---|---|
| What's included: Pick-up from your hotel in Quito. Self-guided tours to: --the lesser-known but amazing equator center near Cayambe. --the Archaeological museum of Cayambe where you will see the discoveries of the French anthropologist, Dennos Franks. The collection includes evidence of the Cara and Panzaleo cultures between the 100 and 1534AD. --the Guachala castle, a unique greek, neogothic and renascentist building, built with materials from the local context. It is an eclectic design and allows you to see one of the most unique buildings constructed in Ecuador. Delivery to your hotel in Otavalo. | What's included: Pick-up from your hotel in Quito. Self-guided tours to: --Stop in San Andres village, and try the popular dishes of Cayambe, like "bizcochos" (a buttery bag of biscuits) with hot chocolate and fresh string cheese. People drive long distances to Cayambe for these three products for a good reason. --Ready to try what locals have on a daily basis? Hornado is a pork-based meal accompanied with hominy, raw onion, potato patties and sweet plantain. There are meat-less options for vegetarians as well. --Lunch with a breathtaking view! Stop at Lago San Pablo lake and have a full, warm and very traditional lunch. Hint: Order the trout, the area is famous for it. --Late afternoon dessert near Ibarra, the provincial capital, which is also the capital of the famous helado de paila, a gelato type of ice cream stirred in wide copper pots right in front of your eyes. Delivery to your hotel in Otavalo. | What's included: Pick-up from your hotel in Quito. Self-guided tours to ONE of the following: --Waterfall hike to Peguche an easy trail for those who love nature destinations but without the rigor. After the trail, refresh with a stop to get a creamy helados de paila (ice cream). --Cascadas de Cariacu, just 10 km from Cayambe, in the parish of Ayora, on a trail that leads to 16 waterfalls that starts 2 km from the community house. --Hidden gem: Hike to the Sun temple, in the Intag Valley to see the traditions and beliefs of the ancient culture of the area. Delivery to your hotel in Otavalo. | What's included: Pick-up from your hotel in Quito. Self-guided tours to: --Stop on the road to try fresh chirimoyas (a delectable local fruit) and a creamy helados de paila (ice cream) --Visit the Guayllabamba zoo and see the local flora and fauna --the Zuleta and Otavalo markets to see hand embroidered fabrics and tablecloths. Delivery to your hotel in Otavalo. |
| What's not included: --Snacks or meals --Museum admission --Tips or gratuity | What's not included: --Snacks or meals --Tips or gratuity | What's not included: --Meals or snacks. Please bring a sack lunch with you as we will be eating on the trail. --Tips or gratuity | What's not included: --Snacks or meal cost in Pujili --Museum admission --Tips or gratuity |
| Price: $94 per person. | Price: $94 per person. | Price: $94 per person. | Price: $94 per person. |
| Departure from Quito: 7:30 AM | Departure from Quito: 7:30 AM | Departure from Quito: 7:30 AM | Departure from Quito: 7:30 AM |
| Arrival to Otavalo: approximately 5:30 PM, but may be earlier if travelers want to go at a quicker pace. | Arrival to Otavalo: approximately 5:30 PM, but may be earlier if travelers want to go at a quicker pace. | Arrival to Otavalo: approximately 5:30 PM, but may be earlier if travelers want to go at a quicker pace. | Arrival to Otavalo: approximately 5:30 PM, but may be earlier if travelers want to go at a quicker pace. |
