
Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito worth booking?
Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $70 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (41)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $70 per person
The Otavalo cultural tour is a wonderful way to discover and combine the famous artisan indigenous market in Ecuador with some of the most amazing views nearby the capital. Wander around one of the most famous indigenous markets of South America, walk on the Equator Line, taste delicious bizcochos, hike around the beautiful Cuicocha Laguna, visit the Cotacachi leather-town and savour a local lunch - the perfect mix of culture, nature, history, and gastronomy.
What you get
About this experience
The Otavalo cultural tour is a wonderful way to discover and combine the famous artisan indigenous market in Ecuador with some of the most amazing views nearby the capital. Wander around one of the most famous indigenous markets of South America, walk on the Equator Line, taste delicious bizcochos, hike around the beautiful Cuicocha Laguna, visit the Cotacachi leather-town and savour a local lunch - the perfect mix of culture, nature, history, and gastronomy.
What's included
Included
- Professional and Bilingual Guide
- Lunch & Bizcochos tasting
- Transportation from/to Quito's meeting point
Not included
- Market Purchases
- Quitsato Entrance Fee (Equator Line) $2 per person
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Mitad del Mundo Globe Guachala
NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE MAIN MONUMENT Entrance fee to the small Equator monument - $2 per person The Quitsato Sundial is a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del Mundo, near Cayambe, 47 km north of Quito. It was built in 2006 and inaugurated in 2007 as an independent, non-profit project in a 24,756 ft² (2300 m²) area. Its main goal is to share crucial aspects of the astronomical knowledge of the prehispanic cultures of the region. The expositions are carried out by community members as a self-sustaining project. According to Google Maps, the central pillar is 4 meters south of the true equator. After this very interesting visit, we will head to a traditional bizcochos factory. You will learn everything about the traditional biscuits of the Cayambe region and, of course, taste those delights!
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Miralago
We will stop at the viewing point “Mira Lago” where it is possible to see Cayambe, Imbabura, San Pablo Lake, Tabacundo and flower farms.
30 minutes here
Otavalo Market
You will have time to explore the famous indigenous market, exchange with the friendly sellers, and do some shopping.
60 minutes here
Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve
Visit the town of Cotacachi, declared as "Magic Village of Ecuador" because of its cultural richness. Indeed, Cotacachi is know as the " leather town", which makes it the perfect place for you to buy some locally-made leather pieces. There, we will also enjoy a delicious lunch in a local and charming restaurant.
60 minutes here
Cuicocha Lake
Here, you will have time for a small walk around the Laguna. Enjoy the magnificent landscapes and the views of the nearby volcanoes!
30 minutes here
Quito Old Town
Return to Quito and drop off at your original meeting point.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus.
Meeting point
Quito
7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus. Dates: Tuesday and Saturday Return point: Plaza San Blas
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus.
Ends at
7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus. Dates: Tuesday and Saturday Return point: Plaza San Blas
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
- Tue, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 18 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ecuatraveling
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances
- Necessary equipment: Warm clothes, gloves, hat. Sunglasses & Sunscreen. Water, snacks. Hiking shoes. Camera and Waterproof jacket. Cash.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 41 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
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.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
41 verified traveler reviews for Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fine if you have a lot of time in Quito or love sitting in a bus!
Skip this tour unless you have a lot of time in Quito. We should have done Mindo or Coatapaxi instead. Our pick up time was 7:10. We waited in a coffee shop until after 7:30 when the bus arrived. We drove to a place to try biscochos and some people bought coffee or breakfast. The Solar Museum was $5 USD per person, not $2 as stated on the site. They did not have change for a $20 bill, so be prepared with cash. It was interesting and informative. Otovalo market was not nearly as large or impressive as others we've visited, and things were more expensive. It was 1/4 the size of an average WalMart. The lagoon was pretty. Stairs, but not a strenuous hike at all. Lunch was simple and tasted fine, but we didn't eat until nearly 3 PM. We had a little time to visit the town, but not much. There was no demonstration of the leather goods. It felt like most of the day was spent driving, and the long distance was not worth the sites along the way. The bus was not comfortable and was very old. Traffic was bad, so we didn't arrive back to Quito until 7:30 PM.
via Viator
Otavalo and surroundings
This was an amazing day with a great guide! Joe was extremely helpful at every stage of the trip and his knowledge of the sites is complete. Highly recommend him and this tour!
Response from the operator: Hi Daniela, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had an amazing day exploring Otavalo and its surroundings. Joe will be so happy to know his guidance and knowledge made your experience memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Warm regards, Ecuatraveling Team 🌿✈️
via Tripadvisor
Otavallo excursion
I felt there was too much time at the Otavallo market and not enough time at the lake. I think the lake is the main attraction. Otherwise both the driver (Romiro) and the guide (Joel) were excellent.
via Viator
Mostly good.
I liked the tour. I enjoyed the solar museum and hearing about the traditions of the indigenous people. It would have been nice if we had been told that we would have a place to buy breakfast. We had gotten up extra early to have time to eat in the hotel. Also, while I enjoyed the explanation of the indigenous girls clothing, I didn't appreciate the pressure to buy something from her before we even got to the market to see what else was available. And having the painter pass his paintings around the bus was way too much.
via Viator
Great experience, totally worth it!!!!
We had a great experience with our tour guide Stui! He told us so much about the volcanos, the history and people of the region! We enjoyed the tour because we got to taste Bizcochos at the place where they are made, we went to Lago de San Pablo, the Otavalo market, Cotacachi and hiked a bit in Cuicocha to see the beautiful lake! This experience was amazing,many thanks to our guide Stui, you are going a great job!!!
Response from the operator: Dear Marisol, We appreciate you informing us about our tour leader, Stui and your amazing experience. We are happy to hear that Stui gave you a lot of information on the volcanoes, the history of the area, and its inhabitants. It's great that you had a good time on the tour and got the chance enjoy some delicious bizcochos, and see Lago de San Pablo, discover Cotacachi, and trek in Cuicocha to take in the lake's splendor. We sincerely appreciate your kind sentiments, and we'll make sure to let Stui know how much we appreciate him. We work hard to give our clients incredible experiences, and comments like yours inspire us to keep up the good work. Once more, thank you for choosing us, and we hope to see you soon. Sincerely, Ecuatraveling Staff
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ecuatraveling, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.3.
See everything Ecuatraveling runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito cost?
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Prices start at $70 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 Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 41 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 Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito?
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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 Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito?
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Around 14 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito 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 Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito?
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Included: Professional and Bilingual Guide; Lunch & Bizcochos tasting; and Transportation from/to Quito's meeting point. Not included: Market Purchases; Quitsato Entrance Fee (Equator Line) $2 per person; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito?
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6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito 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 Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito?
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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 Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito?
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Across 41 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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