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Otavalo Journals

Otavalo: Ponchos & Pigs

A September 2000 trip to Otavalo by globe trotter

Quote: There's more to Otavalo than buying a poncho at the tourist market - get up at the crack of dawn & visit the animal market - join the locals as they drag, pull & carry cows, sheep, pigs, goats & llamas - & watch where you step!
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Otavalo: Ponchos & Pigs Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
People and animal watching at the animal market.
Buying souvenirs at the Otavalo tourist market.
Buying leather goods at Cotacachi.
Hiking around the aqua blue Cuicocha crater.

Quick Tips:

Set your alarm for 5:45 at the latest if you want to get to the animal market in good time and arrange a taxi the night before.

Best Way To Get Around:

Hiking, walking, bus, or taxi!

Hacienda Pinsaqui Best of IgoUgo

Hotel

Quote:
If you've heard the rumours - they're absolutely true - the owner does gather all his guests in an underground bar with a huge open fire, serves them hot toddies then brings his horse in to the crowded room for everyone to sit on & have their pictures taken! Very bizarre but not something you'll forget in a hurry. The Hacienda is set on lovely grounds and the rooms are as eccentric as the owner - one on them has an outdoor passage complete with garden en route to the en suite! Ours was tamer - we had an open fire & a bathroom with a huge cast iron tub & 19th Century Parisian fixtures - it was very atmospheric. Dinner & breakfast is pretty standard hacienda fare and are included in the price....Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 13, 2000

Hacienda Pinsaqui
Cotacachi
Otavalo, Ecuador

Hotel Sebastain Best of IgoUgo

Hotel

Quote:
This is one of the nicest hotels in Quito- the rooms are modern & comfortable-with all the usual amenities.
The restaurents lack all atmosphere- regardless of the time of day you dine- but the food is OK.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on November 13, 2000

Hotel Sebastain
Quito
Otavalo, Ecuador

Hacienda Cuisin Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
This is a great place to stop for lunch after visiting the Otavalo market. The interior is done in bold colours and rich textures and is a joy to see. The garden is also full of beautiful flowers.
You can also stay here and I would consider this if I went back again.
The menu is a 3 course with choices - the vegetarian lasagna was great and the chocolate-coffee mousse is a must have.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 13, 2000

Hacienda Cuisin
Otavalo
Otavalo, Ecuador

Laguna de Cuicocha Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
This is probably the most photographed crater lake in Ecuador- its brilliant blue colour makes it very photogenic.
The trail is along the ridge of the crater & gradually winds up to a lookout point half way around the lake. The views are amazing all the way - as you have an uninterrupted view of the surrounding coutryside- Imbabura, Cayambe and Cotocachi volcanoes can be seen. Out of all the hiking I did in the volcanos around Quito, this was my personal favourite.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 13, 2000

Laguna de Cuicocha
Cotacachi Reserve
Otavalo, Ecuador

Otavalo Market Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
This is probably the most famous tourist market in Ecuador - I saw more 'gringos' here than I had seen the whole week I'd spent in the highlands. You can buy ANYTHING here - & bargaining is expected. It's also interesting to take some time out to see the locals do their weekly shopping at the vegetable market located alongside.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 13, 2000

Otavalo Market
Otavalo
Otavalo, Ecuador

Otavalo Market Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Otavalo 'Animal' Market"

Quote:
In my opinion, this market is far better than the more famous Otavalo tourist market. It is a local market- tourists are welcome to watch but are largely ignored as the Otavalans try to trade a pig for a sheep or a goat for a cow! They get quite vocal in their bargaining and even if you don't understand Spanish, you can kind of understand what's going on!
Take note: you do have to get up at 5:30 to see this spectacle and wear old shoes - you don't know what you'll step in. It's all part of the fun!!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 13, 2000

Otavalo Market
Otavalo
Otavalo, Ecuador

About the Writer

globe trotter

globe trotter
Manchester, United Kingdom

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