The Northern Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 133

Other hikes and treks within the park include Reventador Volcano
and San Rafael Waterfall , described on page 331, Upper Amazon
Basin .
Tour Operators & Guides
Local guides are often associated with individual accommo-
dations. Quito, however, has several quality outfitters that
offer climbing excursions to Cuyambe, hiking around the
region, and mountain biking, listed below and in Quito &
Vicinity , pages 94-97. Otavalo also has local guides offering
cultural excursions to nearby indigenous villages, hiking
and horseback riding. There are also a few lodging options
that have horses and bicycles for rent. Ask around.
Around Otavalo
Peguche Waterfalls & Surrounding Villages
Northeast of Otavalo are the villages of Peguche , Lluman , and
Agato . By foot from town, these villages make for a pleasant after-
noon hike in the countryside among rolling hills and beautiful
streams. The people in this area are known for their abilities to weave
andmake other crafts. If you are walking along and hear the spinning
of a wheel from inside, give a warm hello and you might be allowed to
watch someone at work. Note that specific families have demonstra-
tion workshops and sell their work on-site, but the easiest way to find
the best ones is through a local outfitter.
Las Cascadas de Peguche , a waterfall just south of Peguche, is a
great side-excursion. A trail leads from the railway through the forest
and to the falls, which is managed by Fundación Natura. It's a popu-
lar hike, and there may be a small entry fee at the parking lot. To get
there, pick up a local map and directions in town, or use a guide a
make a day of it in conjunction with visiting local villages.
For the local villages , follow the train tracks northeast from
Otavalo. In a couple of miles you will reach the village of Peguche .
The road to Peguche then continues on a couple of more miles to the
village of Lluman . Alternatively, the village of Agato is due east of
Peguche, where you can track down the best weaving and embroidery
around.