You’ll depart from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving in Cayambe, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste the delicious Bizcochos de Cayambe (bread baked in a clay oven) paired with local fresh cheese or traditional caramelized milk.
After admiring Lake San Pablo, you'll arrive at the Otavalo Market, the largest in the Americas and where the indigenous people of the area known as 'Otavalos', one of Ecuador's most recognized ethnic groups, make and sell their textiles and handicrafts. You can choose between staying in this area and enjoy more time in the market (the bus will pick you up at the end of the tour), or continue with the journey to the town of Cotacachi, recognized for leather clothing and crafts. On the way to Cotacachi, you'll visit an Andean instrument workshop 'Ñanda Mañachi' located in the area of Peguche, to spend some time with the local people and understand the Andean culture. Here, you'll have enough time to visit the village, the leather goods shops and free time for lunch (not included).
Later, you'll visit the Ecological Reserve where the Cuicocha lagoon is located inside the crater of the Cotacachi Volcano, which originated after a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. If the weather permits, it will be possible to take a walk by the lagoon and to sail in the crater of the volcano in small boats (with an additional cost).
Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
Boat ride
