Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito
Quito, Ecuador

Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito

Outty Ranking 64 4.8 · 5 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $77
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito worth booking?

Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito is a 7-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $77 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (5)
Duration
7 hours
From
$77 per person

A full-day trip from Quito to Otavalo city, passing through some of the most important towns in the northern Ecuadorian sierra. Witness the most beautiful landscapes of the highlands and have a taste of its delicacies on the way to Otavalo. Take some time to shop in the market (only on Saturdays) and then head to Cotacachi valley. Includes lunch.

What you get

    About this experience

    A full-day trip from Quito to Otavalo city, passing through some of the most important towns in the northern Ecuadorian sierra. Witness the most beautiful landscapes of the highlands and have a taste of its delicacies on the way to Otavalo. Take some time to shop in the market (only on Saturdays) and then head to Cotacachi valley. Includes lunch.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transportation Quito - Otavalo - Quito * - Tuesday & Saturdays departures: (Meeting Point - La Mariscal) | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun departures (your hotel in Quito - Hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY)
    • Lunch
    • Bilingual Guide

    Not included

    • Additional Entrances fee
    • Items not mentioned on the itinerary

    What you'll see and do

    1. San Pablo Del Lago

      The trip starts early in the morning driving north of Quito towards one of the most famous indigenous market in Ecuador: Otavalo. The first stop en-route will be at Calderon, a small town famous for “Mazapan” handicrafts. Following, you will stop at Cayambe, also famous for its salt biscuits with “leaf cheese” and “manjar”, delicacy you can have a small taste of if you’d like to make stop. Next stop will be a view point to enjoy the landscape of Imbabura volcano (4610 mts.) and San Pablo lagoon.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Mercado Artesania Otavalo

      Afterwards, we will enter Otavalo, that holds an Indian Market every Saturday, an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. You my do some shopping in the market, from handicrafts to artisanal made clothing, or you may witness and photograph the site. We will then continue towards the peaceful Cotacachi Village, famous for its leather and meet the local craftsmen. We will head back to Quito in the late afternoon. Note: Otavalo holds the local market on Saturdays only. There are usually some exchange activities on Tuesdays, but it depends on the Otavalo villagers. * IMPORTANT NOTE: For Tuesday & Saturdays departures (open departures), meet wtih your guide and fellow travellers at 6:45am at the centrally located meeting point at Mariscal Barrio at 6:45am. For Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun departures, the guide will pick you up at the your hotel in Quito around 8:00 - 9:00am (time will be confirmed on your service voucher).

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Departure Point: Tuesday & Saturdays: (Meeting Point) Barrio Mariscal in Quito - Ecuador (Magic Bean Restaurant or Q Restaurant, both located at Barrio Mariscal at Mariscal Foch y Juan León Mera). At the final confirmation we send the exact meeting point.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Departure Point: Tuesday & Saturdays: (Meeting Point) Barrio Mariscal in Quito - Ecuador (Magic Bean Restaurant or Q Restaurant, both located at Barrio Mariscal at Mariscal Foch y Juan León Mera). At the final confirmation we send the exact meeting point.

    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
    Sat
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Galapagos Tours Nature Galapagos & Ecuador

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

    Photos

    Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito, photo 2Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito, photo 3Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito, photo 4Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito, photo 5Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito, photo 6Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
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    Sort
    Yvonne_R · October 2026

    Solo traveler

    Very good trip nothing rushed very enjoyable guide was great bought some loverly things very cheap and good quaility

    via Viator

    N7206AAmaric · July 2024

    Nice and comfortable day trip for the family.

    The service was excellent, even for a small hour. Our guide, Christian, was very knowledgeable and he was kind to all the travelers. Transportation was comfortable and the food was pretty good. We also enjoyed the cultural insights that the guides at all the places we went to would provide. We will definitely book more trips with them!

    Response from the operator: Dear N7206AAmaric, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We’re so pleased to hear that your family had a comfortable and enjoyable day trip. It’s fantastic to know that Christian stood out with his knowledge and kindness, and that every aspect of the trip—from the transportation to the food and the cultural insights—contributed to a memorable experience. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more adventures. Thank you for trusting us with your family’s journey! NATURE GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR TEAM

    via Tripadvisor

    Sophia W · June 2018

    Great tour visiting Otavalo Marketplace

    Our tour guide is Ivan (if I spell his name correctly). He is on time when picking us up from the hotel. He also introduces us Ecuadorian traditions and cultures. He took us to Otavalo Marketplace and Cuicocha Lake. The lunch is great! Thank you so much.

    Response from the operator: Dear Sophia Yes, you spelled it right :) We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your Otavalo Day tour. Otavalo is most definitely an amazing site, filled with culture and tradition. We will make sure to let Ivan know your thoughts. We are very pleased to hear you enjoyed lunch as well. Thanks for your review and good look with your next trip! Regards

    via Tripadvisor

    Elizabeth P · March 2018

    This was a great tour! Our tour...

    <p>This was a great tour! Our tour guides were very helpful and gave us lots of information. One of the highlights was stopping at the Equator in Cayambe. This stop is better than the more popular Mitad del Mundo on the West side of Quito. The landscape is beautiful and you get to stop at some great places to take pictures. We went on a Tuesday and the market in Otavalo wasn't as large as I expected. I found there to be more shopping and better prices in Quito. The drive and exploration of the country side was worth the trip for sure!</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 64

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)32
    Booking momentum (14% weight)24
    Value for money (12% weight)81
    Listing quality (10% weight)68
    Local standing (8% weight)48
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.

    How much does Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito cost?

    +

    Prices start at $77 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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito take?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 5 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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito?

    +

    Included: Transportation Quito - Otavalo - Quito * - Tuesday & Saturdays departures: (Meeting Point; Lunch; and Bilingual Guide. Not included: Additional Entrances fee; and Items not mentioned on the itinerary. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Otavalo Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito offered in?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and 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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Marketplace and Cotacachi Town from Quito?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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