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Ecuador - OTAVALO REGION
The most popular day trip from Quito is that to the Otavalo region. The main attraction of the area is the market in the town of Otavalo. The locals, known as Otavaleños, are famous for their masterful craftsmanship. Every Saturday, local converge in the small town and fill a large square and the streets leading to it with their wares. Popular items include: Tapestrieis, ceramics, sweaters, paintings, silver, and wood products. Bartering at the market is recommended. Day trips to the region also include a stop at a small equator monument, Calderon (for bread dough figures/ornaments), Cotacachi (for leather products), San Antonio de Ibarra (for wood products).
If you have the time and would like a more relaxed visit of the region, you can stay overnight in one of many haciendas. In addition to seeing the area and its people, a stay at a hacienda allows for time to go horseback riding, hiking or trekking at nearby volcanoes.
Full day tour to the Otavalo region
This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavaleños and South America’s most famous Indian fair. Early departure from Quito towards Calderón, a small village that keeps the tradition of making colorful dough figurines of Indian dolls, llamas, flowers and even great Christmas ornaments. Guests can observe how each figure is molded by hand, with dough of different colors carefully put together; then it is baked and varnished. Continue on the Panamerican Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and beliefs. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.
Overnight tour to the Otavalo region
This trip is a treat of brilliant scenery and artisan villages, like Calderón, a small town where bread dough figurines are made in many shapes and sizes. Continue along the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, with their dairy farms. Arrive at lunchtime to one of the charming country inns or colonial haciendas where you will spend the night (see description below). Visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for the woodcarvings, the town of Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to selling fine leather products, and the town of Peguche where textiles are woven in old-fashioned shuttle looms. Accommodations and all meals are included.
The second day, after a hearty country breakfast, visit the market of Otavalo, piled high with ponchos, woolen goods, tapestries, the original “Panama” hat, sweaters, Indian jewelry and many handicrafts.
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