Great Pastor Scenes on the Walk out of Otavalo Ecuador
Many visitors come to Otavalo for one day. They reserve a Friday night room, shop the Saturday markets, and head back to Quito. Precisely because no one stays long in Otavalo, we booked a week at the Hotel Riviera Sucre. On a hunch, we stayed to see the sights and we weren’t disappointed.
Colonial Style Courtyard at Hotel Riviera Sucre in Otavalo
With just two extra days in Otavalo, you can see the town in a completely different light. You’ll get to sample the flavor of the indigenous cultures and observe the lifestyle they’ve preserved over centuries.
What to Do in Otavalo
During the day, visit the markets at their normal size. When tourists aren’t clogging the lanes, the fruit and textile markets are lovely places for a mid-afternoon stroll as well as sweet and savory snacks.
Night at the Iglesia, Otavalo
The Puppet Master Entertained Locals and Tourists All Day Long in Otavalo
On busy street corners, keep a lookout for the puppeteer. A local resident, he plays classic rock from his boombox and simulates a live show with his skeleton musicians. Kids love this! They watch for hours. In between sets, the puppet master stretches his limbs, rubs out the knots in his shoulders, and collects coins from the audience. It’s a good show, especially when he plays Led Zeppelin!
At night, snap a few pictures of the illuminated church, Iglesia de El Jordán. With such few people in town, the streets will empty at sunset and allow you to take that iconic colonial church shot.
Our Friend & Trekking Buddy, Lisa from Hotel Riviera Sucre
What to Do Outside of Otavalo
If you’re staying in a hostal, make some friends over breakfast and head out to the countryside. We buddied up with a solo-traveling Brit named Lisa and took the long trail from Otavalo up to Laguna San Pablo. The walk took 6 hours but was filled with great sights, off the beaten path. We saw a chicken chase a dog, shepherds herd their flock, lambs graze the mountainside, and even bikers zip down a steep trail. Parque Condor—closed Mondays—is a great stop too. Try to make it there during free flight time, when rangers exercise the raptors over the cliff. El Lechero is a spiritual stop on the path. The tree sits alone on the hilltop and its branches lean over into the skyline.
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Stellar images from the Otavalo blog. How could you not want to spend time there. You have also shared with us the experience that most travellers miss when they just do the day trip from Quito on the hotel buses.
Thanks, Paul! The extra time in Otavalo was completely worth it. Great pastural scenery and lovely people. In Ecuador, one “buenos dias!” goes a long way! People smile and open up. Plus, on these walks you get to see how they live, how they get their wares ready for market.