1 Day Tour Cotacachi Cuicocha Otavalo Market
During our 1 Day Tour Cotacachi Cuicocha Otavalo Market you will visit Cuicocha Crater Lake, located 12 km southwest of Cotacachi and 14 km from Otavalo. One of the most beautiful Lake in Ecuador and an “off the beaten path” destination! Cuicocha lies at the foot of the extinct volcano Cotacachi (4968m) in the Western Cordillera in the province of Imbabura, north of Quito. The fascinating Caldera has a 3 km wide and approx. 200 mts deep crater lake.
But also the Otavalo Market, which makes this market town famous, is undoubtedly one of the most important and spectacular markets in all of Latin America.
Our 1 Day Tour Cotacachi Cuicocha Otavalo Market will combine the Visit or Hike of the Cuicocha Lagoon, Cotacachi Leather Market and the Otavalo Market, Otavalo is attractive to visitors for both its outstanding shopping and its cultural significance.
One of the particularities of Cuicocha Crater Lake that makes it even more special than Quilotoa are the 2 islands in the middle of it, actually they are lava domes, which rise over the water surface. They are well covered with vegetation and support some wildlife. It is possible to do the Cuicocha Loop (approx. 4-5 hours) but if you want to dot it we would need to know to contact a local guide (extra cost).
The best day of the week to hit Otavalo market is Saturday, which is the biggest market day for tourists and locals alike. The textile part of the market is busiest on Saturdays but operates all week and you will always find some attractive souvenirs and handicrafts on sale here. It is recommended to take part in this tour on weekends, but if you can’t, it is not a problem. 1 Day Tour Cotacachi Cuicocha Otavalo Market
What makes the Saturday special is the Otavalo animal market. By 6am, with the sun rising and the mountains casting improbable shadows over the town, the market is already alive. Otavalo Market is one of the most popular Ecuador tourist attractions. The market is full of brightly-coloured, woven craftwork and the indigenous people of Otavalo wear their traditional costume on a daily basis.
1 Day Tour Cotacachi Cuicocha Otavalo Market
Quito to Quitsato
We will start from Quito at 7.30AM. We will pick you up from your hotel and our first stop will be the Quitsato middle of the world sundial near Cayambe.
Cuicocha Crater lake
Our second stop will be the Cuicocha Crater lake, if you want to do the crater loop. If you just want to visit the lagoon, we could do the activities in a different order.
Cotacachi Leather
Once we end the hike or the visit of Cuicocha, we will head the charming town of Cotacachi. To visit the Leather street and have a lunch.
Otavalo Market
To end this beautiful day trip, we will visit the Otavalo's world-renowned "Plaza de Ponchos" traditional market.
Prices:
From 2 people - US$ 160 /person
From 4 people - ask for our group rates
Ask us for our special group prices.
Cuicocha options:
Option 1: You will see the ancestral interpretation path and take pictures of the Crater Lake doing a little walk (approx. 15 minutes).
Option 2: You can hike around the Cuicocha loop. It takes around 5 hours and you will follow 12km of trail. If you choose this hike, we will not have time to do all the described activities.
Included:
Private Transportation Quito - Cotacachi - Quito
Bilingual Guide
Activities
Not Included:
Hiking Guide for the Cuicocha Loop (extra cost, ask us in the booking form)
Meals and Extra activities.
Tips and Energetic beverages
Enquire or Book now
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