
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito worth booking?
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito is a 7-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $220 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $220 per person
The Otavalo Market with its colorful plaza de ponchos is one of the most important and popular indigenous markets in Ecuador and South America. Otavalo has a large indigenous population of Otavalos, where their mother language is Kichwa. In the Otavalo Market, you can find typical food and several places where the Otavaleños sell their handicrafts, textiles, ponchos, blouses, shirts, hats, alpargatas, and handmade alpaca tapestries. The Otavalo market or Otavalo fair is fully active every Saturday, however, you can find a smaller number of vendors on other days of the week.
What you get
About this experience
The Otavalo Market with its colorful plaza de ponchos is one of the most important and popular indigenous markets in Ecuador and South America. Otavalo has a large indigenous population of Otavalos, where their mother language is Kichwa. In the Otavalo Market, you can find typical food and several places where the Otavaleños sell their handicrafts, textiles, ponchos, blouses, shirts, hats, alpargatas, and handmade alpaca tapestries. The Otavalo market or Otavalo fair is fully active every Saturday, however, you can find a smaller number of vendors on other days of the week.
What's included
Included
- Visit Otavalo Market
- Bilingual Tour Guide
- Miralago View Point
- Entrance to Cuicocha Lagoon
- Visit Bizcocho factory
- Pick Up / Drop Off
- Private Transportation
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Fabrica de Bizcochos San Pedro
Then we will go to Cayambe, here you can taste a biscuit or "bizcocho cayambeño" as a snack, it can be accompanied with dulce de leche or also called the delicacy of milk and with leaf cheese, chocolate or coffee, the traditional food of Cayambe.
30 minutes here · Admission included
San Pablo Del Lago
Miralago Viewpoint : Leaving Cayambe we go to the Miralago viewpoint located south of Otavalo, you can see a wonderful view of the Imbabura volcano and the Lagoon of San Pablo.
30 minutes here
Otavalo Market
At half in the morning we will arrive at the Otavalo market. We will have a time of 2 hours to explore the plaza de ponchos and its crafts. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
120 minutes here
Laguna de Cuicocha
After our visit to Otavalo, we make a 30-minute trip to the lake. Cotacachi lake is famous for being inside the crater of the Cotacachi volcano and is known as the lagoon of the gods because of its translation from Kichwa
60 minutes here · Admission included
Cotacachi
Visit the charming town of Cotacachi, renowned for its high-quality leather goods and vibrant artisan market. Nestled in the Andes, Cotacachi offers stunning views, rich culture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Join our tour to explore this picturesque destination and shop for unique leather crafts.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 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
- Real Dreams Tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must-do tour!
Andrés is a knowledgeable guide who taught us so much about Ecuador! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how great our driver Jimmy was as well. My friend and I had a wonderful day exploring with them! Absolutely would recommend booking this tour to anyone.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! dear Maddie, We're thrilled to hear you had such a great day exploring Ecuador with Andrés and Jimmy. They both work hard to create memorable experiences, and it means a lot to know their efforts made a difference. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more adventures soon! :)
via Tripadvisor
Otalavo y Laguna Cuicocha trip
The trip was super good, the breakfast with the bizcochos, the cuicocha lake was amazing and Otavalo market was impressive Lucia and Veronica were super helpful and their explanations about the region were very interesting
Response from the operator: We’re so happy to read your review! 😊 It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the trip from the breakfast with bizcochos to the stunning views at Cuicocha Lake and the vibrant energy of Otavalo Market. Lucia and Veronica will be thrilled to know that their support and insights made your experience even more special. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for trusting our team salutations!
via Tripadvisor
Extraordinary experience!
Extraordinary experience! We started tasting a delicious breakfast, Los Bizcochos and admire the panorama of Miralago. Then we went through Otavalo market, Catachi lagune and Catachi city. The tour guide, Chris, was amazing and nice. He deeply explain us everything about Quito environment, population and culture. 5 stars for him!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌟 We’re delighted to know you enjoyed the delicious breakfast, the views from Miralago, and the unique charm of Otavalo, Cuicocha Lagoon, and Cotacachi. Cristobal will be thrilled to hear your kind words. We hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable adventure in Ecuador! Greetings, Real Dreams Team
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic trip to local market and beautiful nature.
Very nice trip to a very nice market. This is South America's largest outdoor market. Also got to stop at the original center of the world, and taste very good biscuits 😁
Response from the operator: Tusen takk for den fine kommentaren! 😊 We're so glad you enjoyed the market it's truly a special place! And it's great you got to visit the real middle of the world and try those delicious cookies too 😄 Velkommen tilbake når som helst! Best Regards, Real Dreams Team
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Otavala Market
Great trip to the Otavalo market. Andrés was a wonderful guide who shared so much history and stories about Equador and the area. A great day tour from Quoto.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! :) We’re thrilled to hear you had a fantastic day trip to the Otavalo Market and that Andrés made the experience special with his knowledge and stories. It’s truly a unique place full of culture, colour, and tradition. We hope to see you again soon on another adventure from Quito! -Real Dreams Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $220 to $280
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Real Dreams Tour, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.4.
See everything Real Dreams Tour runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito cost?
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Prices start at $220 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito take?
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Plan for about 7 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito?
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Around 4 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito?
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Included: Visit Otavalo Market; Bilingual Tour Guide; Miralago View Point; Entrance to Cuicocha Lagoon; and Visit Bizcocho factory. Not included: Breakfast; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 237 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip 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 & Cuicocha Crater Lake Day Trip from Quito?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 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.
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