Otavalo Excursions

Peguche Waterfall And San Pablo Lake

Peguche waterfall is an historical place which was used in the time of the Incas to bath before the Inty Raimy (Sun Holiday) party. It's about one and a half hour from Otavalo. On our journey, we will hike up to the top of the waterfall and then head to the San Pablo Lake. On the way, we will watch the indigenous washing their clothes in the river. Afterwards, we'll return to Otavalo.

The Golondrinas Cloud Forest.

This is the most exiting trip available to the cloud forest. We will depart from Otavalo at 6 a.m. headed for Ibarra. From Ibarra, we'll take the train to San Lorenzo (around 3 hours), crossing tunnels, long bridges, and beautiful landscapes on the way. The view is amazing and unique. Departing the train, we'll travel down the mountains to the cloud forest by car. We'll visit tropical fruit orchards and sample some typical local cuisine. Later we'll visit the forest's waterfalls and then return to Otavalo.
Transportation: Railway and private car.

Cuicocha Lake

Cuicocha lake, a volcanic crater lake also called "the lake of the Gods", is located near the town of Cotacachi.  Here, we'll hike around the lake taking in the breathtaking views. After our hike and a short break we'll return to Otavalo. On this trip we recommended taking warm clothes, sun block, and camera.
Transportation: Private car.






San Antonio De Ibarra

Traveling by bus, we'll journey thirty minutes north of Otavalo to San Antonio de Ibarra where the people are known for their exquisite woodcarvings. Wandering through the pueblo we'll have a chance to visit the finest artisans' shops and see them working before returning to Otavalo.
Transportation: Public bus.






Cotacachi And Its Museum.


This small town, some 15 km. north of Otavalo, is famous for its leatherwork. Upon arriving, we'll visit its museum, learning the area's history, customs, and traditions. Afterwards, we'll do some shopping before returning to Otavalo.
Transportation: Public bus.

Mojanda Lakes


Situated high in the Andean paramo at an altitude of 3800 meters, these three lakes - Caricocha (man lake), Huarmicocha, and Yanacocha - are awe-inspiring. Slowly hiking around the lakes, we'll enjoy 3 hours or so here. We recommend taking warm clothes and/or rain gear, depending of the weather.
Transportation: Private car.

Horseback Riding

Anglo Arabian horses will be taking you on a breathtaking adventure through the highlands around Otavalo. This ride will take you to some of the sacred places of Otavalo's culture such as El Lechero (a sacred tree, centuries old), from which point we'll have an amazing view of San Pablo lake and Otavalo. Afterwards, we'll descend to the Peguche waterfall and then we'll head to Otavalo.






Cochasqui Pre-Inca Ruins.

Located one and a half hours south of Otavalo by car, these ruins were built by the Caras Indians before the Inca conquest. Exploring the site's 15 pyramids, we'll learn about their strategic, ceremonial, and astronomical purposes. The view here is spectacular. If the day is clear we'll see volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antizana, Illinizas, and the Pichinchas as well as Quito .
Transportation: Private car.

Ibarra

Located a half hour away from Otavalo at an altitude of 2,250 m, Ibarra is the capital of the Imbabura Province. The city is surrounded by the majestic, extinct Imbabura Volcano (4,650 m.) and the historical Yahuarcocha lagoon (Blood Lake). A beautiful area, the city is best known for its historic churches and famous train. And you'll be delighted by the traditional "helados de paila" (Special ice cream).
Transportation: Private car.

Mountain Biking

Enjoy 3 hours of mountain biking around the scenic San Pablo lake and going through Indian villages including Agato, Iluman and Peguche. The roads are free of cars and most of the journey is flat land for an enjoyable ride. From Otavalo we will take a bus to San Pablo to begin our tour.
Transportation: Bus and quality mountain bikes.

The Monument Of The Middle Of The World

Located south of Otavalo (90 Kms.), the Equatorial Monument ("Mitad del Mundo"), marks the exact middle of the world, latitude 0º, longitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. We'll visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Besides the monument, there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs.
Transportation. private car.

Baños Trip

We will spend an unforgetable 2 days in Baños. After visiting Cochasqui we will depart by bus to Baños, arriving late in the afternoon. The next day, after breakfast we will depart by bike, traveling downhill to Rio Verde. Along the way we will be able to see beautiful waterfalls such as Manto de la Novia and el Pailon del Diablo. We will cross la Tarabita over the Pastaza River. Lunch at Rio Verde. Return to Baños by car. In the afternoon we will relax in the hot springs. Stay overnight. The next day we will make a tour visiting the most important places and outlooks of Baños. Depending upon the season, we can go water rafting in the rivers close to the city.