Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Day Trip from Quito Otavalo Cotacachi tour

Discover the cultural and scenic highlights of northern Ecuador with this Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Day Trip from Quito. Travel along the Pan-American Highway to visit the famous Otavalo indigenous market, the leather town of Cotacachi and the beautiful Cuicocha Crater Lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano, all in one private day tour from your hotel or Airbnb in Quito.

This route offers a perfect mix of culture, handicrafts, Andean villages and volcanic landscapes. Your private driver takes care of the transport and timings while you enjoy the views, explore the market at your own pace and take photos at one of the most scenic crater lakes in the region.

Highlights of the Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Day Trip

• Enjoy the journey through Andean valleys and views of Cayambe Volcano as you travel north from Quito along the Pan-American Highway.
• Visit the famous Otavalo indigenous market, one of the largest and most colorful in South America, where you can find textiles, handicrafts, ponchos, scarves, musical instruments and more.
• Enjoy free time to walk around the market, interact with local artisans and, if you wish, taste typical snacks such as Cayambe biscuits and local cheese.
• Continue to Cotacachi, a charming Andean town known throughout Ecuador for its high-quality leather goods, including bags, belts, jackets and shoes.
• Visit the stunning Cuicocha Crater Lake, a volcanic lagoon with two small islands in the middle, located at the base of Cotacachi Volcano, with short trails and viewpoints for photos and easy walks.
• Travel comfortably in a private vehicle, allowing you to adjust the pace of the day, time at each stop and quick photo viewpoints along the way.

A typical Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha day trip from Quito lasts around 9–10 hours, depending on traffic and how long you choose to stay at the market and the lagoon.

What’s Included in Your Private Day Trip

Included

• Bilingual tour guide providing assistance and clear explanations at each stop, suggesting the best viewpoints and local spots based on your interests.
• Private transportation in an SUV, minivan, van, or bus depending on the number of passengers, for the entire Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha route, with round-trip service from Quito.
• Pick-up and drop-off at hotels, Airbnbs, and the airport area in Quito.
• Private vehicle, fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
• Bottled water on board.

Not included

• Tips are optional and not included in the tour price; any tipping is entirely up to you.
• Meals and drinks are not included, but we’ll be happy to recommend good local places along the way.
• Does not include admission fees to tourist attractions.