Otavalo

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Otavalo: Ponchos & Pigs

A September 2000 trip to Otavalo by globe trotter

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!

  • 7 reviews

Otavalo: Ponchos & PigsBest of IgoUgo

Overview

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 PinsaquiBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

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.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 13, 2000

Hacienda Pinsaqui
Cotacachi Otavalo, Ecuador

Hotel SebastainBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

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 by globe trotter on November 13, 2000

Hotel Sebastain
Quito Otavalo, Ecuador

Hacienda CuisinBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

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 by globe trotter on November 13, 2000

Hacienda Cuisin
Otavalo Otavalo, Ecuador

Laguna de CuicochaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

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 by globe trotter on November 13, 2000

Laguna de Cuicocha
Cotacachi Reserve Otavalo, Ecuador

Otavalo MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

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 by globe trotter on November 13, 2000

Otavalo Market
Otavalo Otavalo, Ecuador

Otavalo 'Animal' MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

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 by globe trotter on November 13, 2000

Otavalo 'Animal' Market
Otavalo Otavalo, Ecuador

About the Writer

globe trotter
globe trotter
Manchester, United Kingdom

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