Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lake: A Fantastic Day Tour Review from Quito

So, are you thinking about escaping Quito for a day and seeing something really different? Well, a day trip to Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lake just might be what you’re after. This area, just a bit north of Quito, is packed with seriously cool culture and seriously incredible views. It’s like getting a taste of the real Ecuador, all in one go.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The usual tours from Quito hit up places like the Equator, maybe Baños if you’re feeling adventurous, that being said, Otavalo really stands out because it drops you right into a totally authentic local experience. Of course, you could spend hours, perhaps even days, wandering through the stalls at Otavalo Market, looking at the weavings, the tagua nut carvings, and so much more. Then too it’s almost the quiet beauty of Cuicocha Lake, formed in the caldera of an old volcano, which provides a bit of a counterpoint. All of it combines to give you a peek into Ecuadorian life far beyond what you usually see.

Hitting Up Otavalo Market: A Colorful Treat for the Senses

Imagine, if you will, a scene like something from a movie – mountains all around, colorful textiles spread out as far as the eye can see, and a ton of people chatting, laughing, and seriously bargaining. Very arguably, this is Otavalo Market. It’s arguably one of the biggest indigenous markets in South America, that too it’s almost been happening in some form for centuries, arguably. Anyway, people come here from all over to find handmade goods. The main draw is arguably the textiles: blankets, sweaters, tapestries—basically, if it can be woven, you’ll probably find it here. However, there’s also jewelry, leather goods, and various arts too it’s almost unique to the region. It’s almost definitely a place where you can grab gifts (or just something to remind you of your trip) for some people.

Shopping Tips and Tricks

Alright, before you buy your first alpaca sweater, here’s a little advice to help you get the most from your visit: that, you might want to try and haggle a bit. That’s arguably part of the fun, but still, do it respectfully, you know? Starting with an offer that is maybe half the asking price is arguably a normal opening, but just a little politeness can go a seriously long way. So, too it’s almost try to shop around before you commit to a purchase. A lot of the stalls are arguably selling similar stuff, that’s what I remember anyway, so seeing a range can give you an idea of a good price, I guess. It’s also worth thinking about the quality of the materials, anyway, and the craftsmanship, you know? Like your cheap souvenirs are cool, but if you are arguably looking for something that will really last, anyway, paying a bit extra just might be a seriously good idea, I’m only suggesting. The market just might be open pretty much every day, however Saturday just might be when it’s in full swing and at its absolute biggest.

Cuicocha Lake: Peace and Quiet After the Market’s Hustle

After all the buzz of the market, then too it’s almost Cuicocha Lake that feels like another part of Ecuador entirely, maybe a different planet. “Cuicocha” comes from the Kichwa language (spoken in the Andes), arguably meaning “lake of the guinea pig.” You, like your two islands sit very peacefully in the middle of this crater lake, that, you should think about them for a second, which just might have been formed thousands of years ago when the volcano here blew its top, maybe even before your Grandmother. That just might make for some truly impressive scenery, and, that too it’s almost on a clear day, you can see the snow-covered peaks of other volcanoes far away. Now you could very easily go for a walk along the rim of the crater, and that, if you are feeling energetic, then you should certainly. It takes a few hours, maybe more or less, but the views make it feel very worth it, though. Otherwise, you might consider a boat trip, too it’s almost a trip that gets you closer to the islands, just a bit further back though because that arguably landing is banned to help protect the ecosystem.

Hiking and Boat Tours

So, you just might be the type who loves a good hike, that, if you are, you’ll probably not want to miss the trail around Cuicocha, anyway, which usually goes all the way around the crater rim, that is unless you’re with an actual toddler. It is that on a clear day you could possibly get seriously breathtaking views, of course you could, however be warned: It’s just a little bit challenging, but mostly that’s just down to the altitude; also the air is fairly thin. Still, if you’re pretty well acclimated, you can arguably handle it pretty fine. It just might take you like your four or five hours to walk the full loop. Another thing: then too it’s almost boat trips that tend to run regularly, I want to suggest. They’re arguably shorter and are generally a good option if you’re arguably looking for a less physically challenging way to see the lake. You’ll hear the guide’s story, you know, that also probably goes into detail, more or less, regarding the geology of the area as well as the local plants and wildlife. Anyway, wear sunscreen whatever you decide. This will really do for your skin.

Booking a Tour from Quito: What to keep in Mind

Now, there are a bunch of things to arguably keep in mind when you book one of these tours: that too it’s almost try reading a bunch of reviews online, this will surely save you money and aggravation. That’s arguably how you can check the reputation of the tour companies that are available, right? Arguably find one that fits whatever is your style as far as group sizes and how long they keep you out of doors: just maybe you like something a bit more intimate and slower-paced, or very probably, you like a more standard type bus with twenty strangers to become more familiar with, of course. Be certain they cover the basics such as transport from Quito, guide support in both languages such as English and Spanish; and try to know how much any entrance fees or meals just might set you back; the guides might say they handle those items however the upcharge or add-ons just might get to you, so be sure that those fees are or aren’t worth it to you. One other element to arguably bear in mind could be that altitude sickness, just a bit about it. Otavalo, as well as Cuicocha are arguably higher than Quito, arguably enough to bother some folk.

What to Bring Along

Alright, you definitely need layers for the weather which will very definitely change a lot between when you go into the market, when the tour begins to travel by transport, what it is that day, right? And also when the hike begins, as well as with boats, with weather on the lake itself, really; you will change too between hot in the sun as well as cool on the wind so layers really really help, or your time just might become much less wonderful. Water! Now, it cannot be stressed enough, with or without sunblock and water the trip begins to hurt, I tell you what, this one really is that simple and very many people go home just that bit more disappointed on that topic very specifically. Snacks too! Ecuadorians arguably love their corn on the cob in very touristy areas as well as random empanadas or mystery treats however these, to be honest, come at very upcharged prices because, surprise!, tourists visit the destination! Some form of paper or electronic money comes seriously useful, it could very definitely set your time up better, though too. Now it can very definitely work, so bring some; even cards arguably sometimes work and if it does you, in a way, saved your pockets from crime because that still could happen. One final bit just might also include medication such as those against elevation which you know very well may not impact your time positively but better have something, rather than absolutely nothing at all.