Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial)
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial) worth booking?
Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial) is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $45 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Explore one of the oldest indigenous markets in South America. Visit Quitsato, the astronomical middle of the world. Standing on two hemispheres is only possible on the equator line. Visit the largest agave garden in Sou
What you get
- Pick-up from hotel or Quito Airport
- Activities according to the program
- Professional Guide/Driver with private car
About this experience
Explore one of the oldest indigenous markets in South America. Visit Quitsato, the astronomical middle of the world. Standing on two hemispheres is only possible on the equator line. Visit the largest agave garden in South America. See a traditional workshop where textiles are still made by hand on a backstrap loom. Walk to the ancient waterfall where the natives used to initiate the ceremonies of the Inti-raymi or festival of the sun. Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; a workshop of Andean instruments. What day can I visit the Otavalo Market? The market operates everyday, however on Wednesdays there is a larger influx of people and on Saturdays the market is bigger because all the market merchants show their products.
What's included
Included
- Pick-up from hotel or Quito Airport
- Activities according to the program
- Professional Guide/Driver with private car
Not included
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch
- Rose plantation
What you'll see and do
Quito
Two hours of travel from Quito will be enough to reach out Otavalo city. As we drive north, we will take several first-order roads that will allow us to see an Andean scenery with variations due to its climate, altitude and especially its people. We will take several photos and admire the northern part of the well-known "Avenue of the volcanoes". Upon arrival, we will observe some enormous volcanoes which are consider sacred by the native people.
Pass by without stopping
Quitsato Sundial
Quitsato's Middle of the World is based on scientific and astronomical concepts. The site of the True Middle of the World. It is an astronomical centre that investigates how ancestors used this knowledge in favor of the crops. Standing out on two hemispheres is just possible in this place. Learn how indigenous people used the mountains to determinate the middle of the world.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Miralago
From this viewpoint, we observe the San Pablo lagoon. The lagoon is considered the largest one in Ecuador and is located at the foot of the Imbabura Volcano (15,190 feet). Also, it is time to take a break and taste a local biscuit called "biscocho" that will be served along with a leaf cheese and a delicious coffee or tea.
30 minutes here
Otavalo Market
In our eyes, the nice city of Otavalo appears. The majority of the population is indigenous which creates a good and unique atmosphere in this town. When, we are parking, our guide will give us useful guidelines so that we can discover more about the market. The dynamic and millenial market is popular in Ecuador and South America because it houses a wide range of textiles. The sale activity starts very early. A lot of vendors from the city of Otavalo show their works. The products that stand out are alpaca caps, sweaters, sheep caps, gloves, hats, tablecloths, blankets or sheep ponchos. However, you can also find saddlery, silver jewelry or wooden crafts.
90 minutes here
Cascada de Peguche
The Peguche waterfall is a magical place that will fill you with energy. This place is still a purification center for indigenous people on special dates such as the Sun festival. Besides, the waterfall represent; the origin and end of all things, associated with birth, it acomplishes with the function of dissolving, abolishing, purifying, washing, generating, fertilization, restore. It is the sap of life, contrary to death or dryness. The goddess venus arose from the waters. From the water, we created all living things.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; un taller de instrumentos andinos. A local musician will demonstrate how to play the different Andean instruments. The instruments are made in this workshop by José, who was a member of the famous musical group Nanda Mañachi. At the end of the exhibition you will be able to collaborate with the economy of this family by buying their musical instruments (if you wish).
45 minutes here · Admission included
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Galapagos My World
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $239
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Galapagos My World, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.7.
See everything Galapagos My World runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial) cost?
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Prices start at $45 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, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial) 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 Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 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, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial)?
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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, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial) suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial)?
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Around 3 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 Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial) 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 tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. 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.
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