
Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 86 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings worth booking?
Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $130 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 86 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (86)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $130 per person
Our first stop will be in Cachiviro on the shores of Lake San Pablo, where we will taste the traditional and delicious cakes and cheese accompanied by a good coffee and the best landscape we can imagine next to the Imbabura volcano. We continue with the visit to the Peguche waterfall, where we will have a walk of about half an hour through the path that leads to this attractive. Finally we will visit the ponchos market in the city of Otavalo, this place has become a concentrating square of Ecuador’s artisan offer, it is recognized as the largest indigenous fair in South America, where more than three thousand artisans offer their products, in this place we will have adequate time to tour every corner and buy the products that are to our liking. Before returning to Quito we will taste a typical lunch of the place. The service is private and all tours are with a tour professional who is also a certified guide.
What you get
About this experience
Our first stop will be in Cachiviro on the shores of Lake San Pablo, where we will taste the traditional and delicious cakes and cheese accompanied by a good coffee and the best landscape we can imagine next to the Imbabura volcano. We continue with the visit to the Peguche waterfall, where we will have a walk of about half an hour through the path that leads to this attractive. Finally we will visit the ponchos market in the city of Otavalo, this place has become a concentrating square of Ecuador’s artisan offer, it is recognized as the largest indigenous fair in South America, where more than three thousand artisans offer their products, in this place we will have adequate time to tour every corner and buy the products that are to our liking. Before returning to Quito we will taste a typical lunch of the place. The service is private and all tours are with a tour professional who is also a certified guide.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Lago San Pablo
We make you live the experience and enjoy the moment, in this tour you will learn more about the north of Ecuador, its customs, traditions and landscapes. Our first stop will be at Lake San Pablo, where we will enjoy a spectacular landscape next to the Imbabura volcano, we will also taste the traditional biscuits with cheese together with a delicious hot coffee.
45 minutes here
Cascada de Peguche
Our second stop is the beautiful Peguche waterfall, surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus forests, a favorite place for excursions, full of mysticism and history, located in the heart of the indigenous community of Faccha Llacta. In the "Manto Blanco" waterfall, which is reached after a short walk, where the shamans perform ceremonies and cleanse other people of bad energy. The Peguche community is a large artisan workshop where bags, ponchos, rugs, and handicrafts are made. Musical instruments are also made.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Otavalo Market
Our last stop will be in the city of Otavalo, here we will visit the traditional and colorful market of the Ponchos, located 96 km from Quito, it is considered the capital of Ecuadorian handicrafts, due to the variety and quality of products that are offered to the visitors. It is internationally famous for its traditional indigenous artisan market, the Ponchos market is recognized as the largest indigenous fair in South America, where more than three thousand artisans offer their products. It has become a place of concentration of the artisan offer of Ecuador. There are colorful woolen ponchos and rugs from the nearby community of Peguche, hand-woven sheep's wool sacks, different leather products made in Cotacachi, handmade ceramic masks, tablecloths, bags, hats, purses, and other typical crafts from the place. Finally before returning to Quito we will taste a delicious and traditional lunch.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- latitudetripec
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 86 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
86 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A challenging driving adventure!!! Lots of curvy roads with crazy drivers!!!
Andres was fantastic. We enjoyed exploring the indigenous village at Lake San Pablo and then the water falls in Otavalo before a visit to the local market. That’s the good news. The not so good news was the trip home as there was some torrential rain that caused a land slip that closed the main road back to Quito. Thanks to Andres, we made a U-turn early and took an alternative route. All in, a 4 hour drive back, so about 6 1/2 hours of driving. Was it worth all that driving, for us, no. Would I recommend taking this tour, no. Am I grateful for Andres, absolutely. He is a knowledgeable guide and did a fantastic job getting us back to our hotel.
Response from the operator: I completely understand the frustration caused by the delay and the long drive, but I cannot control the weather. Taking an alternative route was the only option to arrive safely at the hotel. Safety is always our top priority. Regards, Andres
via Tripadvisor
We had a great experience...
We had a great experience Andres! The private car was clean and he was a wonderful and safe driver. We went to the lake and waterfalls before the Otavalo market. He also had good recommendations for restaurants. We really enjoyed talking with him, but he also gave us plenty of free time at the market.
via Viator
Market and much more
Andres is an excellent guide- personable, knowledgeable and a great communicator. The lake/ volcano stop at the indigenous village with biscottes was delightful, as was the hike to the waterfalls. Otavalo itself is a great town, and the market and the ability to interact with the indigenous people from the area was wonderful.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for the review Larry! I m glad you had a good experience.
via Viator
Easy Day Trip with Great Guide
This is an simple, easy day trip that won’t tire you out. The market is worthwhile in itself if you’ve never been to an indigenous market. The Peguche waterfall, tea and bizcochos by the Lake San Pablo, lunch, and stop for coffee/chocolate after made for a relaxing day. Andrés was an excellent guide. Personable and easy going, he was also prompt and flexible. Andrés was a wonderful guide. Easy going, prompt, personable, and a great help at the market.
via Tripadvisor
Trip Well Spent-Thanks to Andres
We want to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for our incredible trip to Otavalo in Ecuador. Our driver and tour guide, Andres, was an absolute gem. His extensive knowledge of the places we visited and his ability to share fascinating insights about his country, Ecuador, made the entire journey an enriching and enjoyable experience. Andres’s exceptional skills as a tour guide are truly commendable. Not only did he provide us with a wealth of information, but he also ensured that we felt safe and relaxed throughout the trip. While driving in Ecuador can be challenging, Andres’s driving expertise put our minds at ease, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the country. We wholeheartedly recommend Andres as an outstanding tour guide. His exceptional English skills further enhance his ability to communicate effectively with our group. If we ever find ourselves in Ecuador again, we will undoubtedly seek his guidance and expertise for our next adventure.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much! I hope you come back to Ecuador soon. It was a real pleasure spending the day with you.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by latitudetripec, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.0.
See everything latitudetripec runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings cost?
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Prices start at $130 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 86 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings?
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Around 30 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings?
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Included: Private transportation; Surcharges on fuel; and Parking fees. Not included: Lunch; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 318 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings?
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Across 86 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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