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Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial)

Location Quito, Ecuador
Location Pifo, Ecuador
$159.00
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

Explore one of the oldest indigenous markets in South America. Visit Quitsato, the astronomical middle of the world. Standing on two hemispheres is only possible on the equator line. Visit the largest agave garden in South America. See a traditional workshop where textiles are still made by hand on a backstrap loom. Walk to the ancient waterfall where the natives used to initiate the ceremonies of the Inti-raymi or festival of the sun. Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; a workshop of Andean instruments.
What day can I visit the Otavalo Market?
The market operates everyday, however on Wednesdays there is a larger influx of people and on Saturdays the market is bigger because all the market merchants show their products.
Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial)
Pickup included
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 8 hours

Availability depends on seasonality and number of participants. Bookings can not be made for the same day. Please read our TnC’s.

When giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience during a booking process. Otherwise, you can choose one after checkout and voucher redemption.
  • Tourist, cultural information
  • A Certified Guide/Driver (English or Spanish speaking)
  • Pick-up from your centrally hotel in Quito
  • Entrance fee: Quitsato/Middle of the World $5 pp
  • Meals
  • Travel insurance

  • Two hours of travel from Quito will be enough to reach out Otavalo city. As we drive north, we will take several first-order roads that will allow us to see an Andean scenery with variations due to its climate, altitude and especially its people. We will take several photos and admire the northern part of the well-known "Avenue of the volcanoes". Upon arrival, we will observe some enormous volcanoes which are consider sacred by the native people. (pass by)
  • Quitsato Mitad del Mundo Monument
    Quitsato's Middle of the World is based on scientific and astronomical concepts. The site of the True Middle of the World. It is an astronomical centre that investigates how ancestors used this knowledge in favor of the crops. Standing out on two hemispheres is just possible in this place. Learn how indigenous people used the mountains to determinate the middle of the world.
  • Miralago
    From this viewpoint, we observe the San Pablo lagoon. The lagoon is considered the largest one in Ecuador and is located at the foot of the Imbabura Volcano (15,190 feet). Also, it is time to take a break and taste a local biscuit called "biscocho" that will be served along with a leaf cheese and a delicious coffee or tea.
  • Otavalo Market
    In our eyes, the nice city of Otavalo appears. The majority of the population is indigenous which creates a good and unique atmosphere in this town. When, we are parking, our guide will give us useful guidelines so that we can discover more about the market. The dynamic and millenial market is popular in Ecuador and South America because it houses a wide range of textiles. The sale activity starts very early. A lot of vendors from the city of Otavalo show their works. The products that stand out are alpaca caps, sweaters, sheep caps, gloves, hats, tablecloths, blankets or sheep ponchos. However, you can also find saddlery, silver jewelry or wooden crafts.
  • Cascada de Peguche
    The Peguche waterfall is a magical place that will fill you with energy. This place is still a purification center for indigenous people on special dates such as the Sun festival. Besides, the waterfall represent; the origin and end of all things, associated with birth, it acomplishes with the function of dissolving, abolishing, purifying, washing, generating, fertilization, restore. It is the sap of life, contrary to death or dryness. The goddess venus arose from the waters. From the water, we created all living things.
  • Peguche Wasi
    Visit a traditional work shop in Peguche town. María and her family is one of the few weaving artisanal people that remains all by hand using a centuries-old technique. You will see the whole process, starting with the carding (the last step in the preparation of the wool for spinning, which cleans, separates and straightens the fibers of the wool). The soft "rolag" is then assembled into long strands to prepare it for spinning. Once converted into thread, María proceeds to weave, using the waist loom, which consists of sticks, rope and a strap that is worn around her waist. Then you will have the opportunity to admire (and buy, if you wish) the finished products.
  • Visit the Ñanda Mañachi; un taller de instrumentos andinos. A local musician will demonstrate how to play the different Andean instruments. The instruments are made in this workshop by José, who was a member of the famous musical group Nanda Mañachi. At the end of the exhibition you will be able to collaborate with the economy of this family by buying their musical instruments (if you wish).

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This experience requires good weather.
    If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • How it works?
    01 You choose from 10 000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Otavalo Market, Art and Music with Middle of the World (Sundial)

    Location Quito, Ecuador
    Location Pifo, Ecuador
    $159.00
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10 000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
    Delivery options
    eVoucher
    • Free
    • Instant delivery
    • Environmentally friendly
    Physical Gift Box
    • $10.00 fee
    • 2-5 business days
    • Shipping Worldwide

    No expiration date
    Easy refund
    Free exchange
    Easy booking
    Planet friendly
    Global availability
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