Otavalo Market Weekend

The Hacienda of Guachala was established in 1580, less than 100 years after Christopher Columbus first reached the Americas and only 60 years after the Spanish conquered what is now Ecuador. The present owners can trace their family back to these early settlers. The farmhouse, which has now been converted into a comfortable hosteria, stands in an area of outstanding natural beauty some 15 kilometers south of the city of Cayambe. It makes an outstanding base for exploring the surrounding countryside, which is rich in Spanish and pre-Colonial history and is still largely populated by the descendants of the indigenous people who have lived in this region since the 5th century.

Day 1-Hill Forts of Rumicucho and the Pyramids of Cochasqui

Leaving your hotel in Quito early on Friday we visit the Inca hill fort at Rumicucho and the ancient pyramids of Cochasqui. Here the management of this site are trying to remove the plants and trees that have been introduced since the 16th century. There is now a small medicinal plant garden, authentic examples of traditional housing and a small museum and interpretative center.

Day 2-The Otavalo Market and Local Craft Villages

Saturday we leave Guachala to spend the morning at the busy market at Otavalo. At the market you will find art and craft products from all over Ecuador as well as the weavings for which Otavalo is famous. After the market we often visit the town of Cotacachi, famous for it's leather goods and San Antonio de Ibarra where the local craft industry is woodcarving. Alternatively on a sunny day it can be very pleasant to go to the lakes and high paramo of the Mojandas for hiking and birding. 

Day 3-Guachala and Return to Quito

On Sunday morning there are horses available at Guachala, time to explore the surrounding countryside and relax by the pool before returning to Quito in the afternoon.

Safari offers the following other adventures to Otavalo:
Otavalo Day Adventure
Quito to Otavalo by Bike

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