Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're looking to experience Otavalo apart from the market try visiting on a weekday
when the city is void of tourists and retains its small town feel. On these days it serves as
a great base for a few nearby excursions, the most important one being the sacred Peguche
waterfalls. Indigenous communities and other Ecuadorians congregate around the water-
falls for the spring solstice celebration
Inti Raymi
which dates before the arrival of the In-
cas. Beginning at San Pablo lake some miles southeast of Otavalo, it forms into a river
and meets with a cliff in the community of Peguche where it finally jets down for 50 ft (18
m.) The water is said to purify anyone who dips into it during the days leading up to the
Inti Raymi. They're a 40 minute hike or five minute taxi ride north of the city.
Laguna Cuicocha is a volcanic crater lake that harbors two islands made of lava domes.
The water, which reflects a cobalt blue, is also used by shamans for purification rituals be-
fore the Inti Raymi. Buses leave regularly from Otavalo to the village of Quiroga where
you can either hike two hours uphill to the crater or hire a taxi - just have them wait for
you or arrange a round trip. Boat trips on the lake are possible on weekends. If you're
looking to climb one of Otavalo's nearby volcanoes, try hiring operators in Ibarra or Quito
as there aren't many in Otavalo.
Some who visit Otavalo's famed market are put off by how touristy it is. I myself love it
but other foreigners may be expecting an authentic Andean market experience. That's be-
cause it's a specifically handicraft market, so if you're looking for delicious farm-fresh
food, dirt floors crawling with droves of dogs or homemade honey sold in recycled jars
look no further than the town's bustling
Mercado 24 de Mayo.
The tented area is crammed
with skinny hallways filled with booths and organized into produce, food, juice, plant and
religious artifact sections. This is as 'authentic' as it gets.
No matter what kind of sights you like to see as a traveler, the Otavalo artisan market is a
must-see for all. Even if you're not in the market for handmade relics, the visual story told
through the colors and materials incorporated into artwork by indigenous craftsman is def-
initely worth witnessing, and they sell specifically local wares, meaning you won't see
these gems anywhere else. First off, the market is immense and easy to get lost in. If
there's something specific you're looking to get, say a silk scarf or embroidered table-
cloth, plan it out ahead of time. Most who have vague ideas of what they want will end up
trying to buy everything. If you're just perusing or snapping photos just make sure to have
a meeting point and time set up with a group beforehand. It's nice to enjoy the colors and
designs of the market without the pressure of having to get anything, but just remember to
ask permission to take photos of vendors beforehand.
