Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito) worth booking?
Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito) is a 7-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $24 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $24 per person
Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by in
What you get
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Transport by private vehicle
- Bottle of water
About this experience
Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Transport by private vehicle
- Bottle of water
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Plaza De Los Ponchos Mercado
Driving north of Quito is the most famous indigenous market of Ecuador: Otavalo, full of traditions and handcrafts. Following the route is Cayambe, very well known by local people for its salt biscuits called Bizcocho that is usually served with local cheese and milk caramel. Then driving northern a nice lake can be appreciated with the background a majestic Imabura Volcano. Finally arrive to Otavalo town where the local market is based. If you want to see the market at its fullest, visit on a Saturday or Wednesday. Some typical items can be found such as handmade textile, ceramic, wood, silver, leather, and metal products.
60 minutes here
Cotacachi
The last stop for the day is Cotacachi located just 10 minutes away from Otavalo, a town known for its leather goods with really great leather jackets and bags. Afternoon time to drive back to Quito.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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
- Ecuador Local Guide
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
6 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Well worth the time and money! Best way to see and experience Cayambe, Otovalo Market and Cotacachi by car from Quito!
Well worth the time and money! Mijal was our guide for this Private Day trip (picking us up in front of our AirBnB in La Carolina). He took us through traffic, confidently navigating through a snarl due to an earlier accident on our way to our first stop in Cayambe, telling us about the history and interesting information about the area. We proceeded to the Otovalo Market (which is busiest and best on a Saturday), where he provided solid recommendations on where to eat, and source reputable vendors and specialists among the hundreds of vendors. Make sure to bring cash and make sure your Spanish and your haggling skills are sharp! He made sure to give us plenty of time to walk around and find the best deals. We then made our way to Cotacachi, a town reknown for its leather goods. Although we did not do much shopping there, it is worth a visit, as the shops are filled with beautiful wares made with care, and there are some deals to be had. Cotacachi is a pretty little town as well to visit. Overall, I would thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone. Mijal took very good care of us. Note: that there were no water bottles offered during the trip, although we brought our own.
via Tripadvisor
Otavalo market private tour
We truly enjoyed the experience, the guide was very helpful, accommodating and kind!!! We really reccomend the experience to everyone
Response from the operator: Dear Alyssa, Thank you so much for your kind report. We're delighted to hear that you had a great day with our guide from Ecuador Local Guide. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Best regards, The Ecuador Local Guide Team
via Tripadvisor
Great trip to Otavalo
Our private trip to Otavalo market was amazing. Our guide Javier was super friendly and knowledgeable about everywhere we stopped. I was expecting to just travel to the market and back to Quito but Javier stopped at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking a volcano and at a rose stand on the way. The time at the market was just enough to enjoy (without spending too much money!) and then he took us to a nearby park and waterfall. Lunch is not included but the restaurant he took us to was very reasonably priced and delicious. Our last stop was at a bird rescue where he told us all about the native Ecuadorian condors. Overall we had a great (and tiring day) and enjoyed it all. We would definitely book it again!
Response from the operator: Dear Aid Thanks so much fr your amazing report abut our Services. Even when January 01st most of the places are closed we were really happy to assist you with this day trip and very happy to hear our guide Javier did a god job, We are not focused only to provide the service as the program details, we are happy to go ahead with an extra-mile as well. Thanks for trusting Ecuador Local Guide and Happy New Year!! Best, Javier
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience!
This was a great day trip! Our guide was very helpful, kind, and full of interesting information about the area and history. He knew both English and Spanish fluently. This was a pet-friendly excursion. We were in a large van that comfortably accommodated us and our medium sized dog. Both the driver and the guide were flexible, considerate, and interested in ensuring we had the best time! I would gladly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a private tour or excursion around Ecuador.
Response from the operator: Dear Cassandra, Thanks so much for your great comments about our services and we are pet-friendly as well. Hope you had a great day at Otavalo market with your dad and your dog. If you need additional services for the future don't hesitate to reach out to Ecuador Local Guide. Best regards, Ecuador Local Guide Team
via Tripadvisor
Great day with Cristian. Private tour.
We had Cristian as our guide and he was fantastic! He drove us to several sights then to the market which was a highlight! A wonderful tour guide, knowledgeable and professional and fun! Would highly recommend anyone going to Ecuador and spending the day with Cristian!
Response from the operator: Dear Terry Hope you stay safe and healthy. Thanks so much fro your report. Ecuador Local Guide appreciate your time. As information, the Otavalo market is opend even the pandemic is not over yet, but while we respect the protocols safety there is not risk for shopping at one of the biggest craft market in South America. Best regards, Ecuador Local Guide Team!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $24 to $215
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ecuador Local Guide, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.9.
See everything Ecuador Local Guide runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito) cost?
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Prices start at $24 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 (PRIVATE 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 (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 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 (PRIVATE 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 (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito) 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 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)?
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Around 2 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 (PRIVATE 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 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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