Cuenca, Ecuador - December 24,2018: Christmas parade Pase Del Niño Viajero (Traveling Child) in honor of baby Jesus. Group of folk dancers in costumes Otavalo and Cayambe people at the historical center of city

Otavalo

Otavalo's market is legendary, but it shouldn't be the only reason you come to this charming Andean minicity. The buzzing little burg, whose sidewalks are embossed in red, yellow and blue (the colors of the national flag), is a perfect jumping-off point for regional hikes (Cotacachi, Peguche) or train trips (Ibarra, Salinas), and has enough interesting restaurants and cafes to sate your taste buds for a few days. Two days a week the cemetery springs to life as residents honor their dead with vibrant flowers and hearty meals. There's a brewpub in town and a few fun weekend bars too. And, oh yes, that market.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Parque Cóndor
Otavalo
Get an up-close view of Andean condors, as well as eagles, owls, falcons and hawks, at this Dutch-owned foundation, which rehabilitates these and other…
Crafts Market
Otavalo
Plaza de Ponchos, the nucleus of the crafts market, is filled every day with vendors selling woolen goods, such as rugs, tapestries, blankets, ponchos,…
El Lechero
Otavalo
While this tree outside Otavalo is famous for its magical healing powers, it's much more reliable as a great picnic spot, romantic or otherwise, and for…
Cementerio
Otavalo
Each Monday and Thursday morning, groups of Otavaleños summit the Calle de las Almas (Street of Souls) to this hillside cemetery, sharing meals, songs,…
Daily Market
Otavalo
Next to the Animal Market, this large, covered complex just west of the Panamericana houses the vendors who previously plied their trade in a messy…

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Articles

Latest stories from Otavalo

Quilotoa volcano with water-filled caldera.

Beaches

Ultimate Ecuador: plan your perfect adventure

Jan 7, 2016 • 4 min read

When it comes to adventure, you can’t go wrong in Ecuador. There are towering Andean peaks and volcanoes, vast swaths of Amazonian rain forest, chilled…

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