In this post, you’ll take an Otavalo tour that’ll show you the highlights and everything you need to know as you plan your actual trip to the Otavalo Market.

One of the top things to do in Ecuador’s Andes mountains is a tour of the Otavalo Market.

In this post, you’ll learn what you need to know to plan you own tour of the Otavalo Market.

The Otavalo Market’s Other Names Otavalo Market Days Otavalo Market Hours Not Everything is Artisan in Otavalo How To Get to Otavalo from Quito Otavalo Ecuador Elevation Otavalo Map Otavalo Weather Los Otavalos or Otavaleños (People of Otavalo) Currency The Other Market: Otavalo’s Animal Market

Otavalo Tour: South America’s Largest Outdoor Market

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11 Things to Know About Your Otavalo Tour

Otavalo is famous around the world for it’s artisan market. Let’s begin our tour here:

1. The Otavalo Market Other Names

Known as the “Otavalo Market” to tourists, it is known locally as Plaza de los Ponchos and also Centenario Market.

2. Otavalo Market Days

While Plaza de los Ponchos is open everyday, some days are better to visit than others. Saturday is the big day and Wednesday is the second largest day.

The expression “market day” refers to the day(s) that have the most activity – when there are both more vendors and more customers.

If you want to see the market at its fullest, visit on a Saturday or Wednesday. Of course, with more commercial activity you’ll see more pickpockets. Some tourists and expats avoid big market days to reduce problems. It’s not a bad idea to travel with an anti-theft backpack or purse – just to improve your odds.

On a “non-market day” you’ll have less vendors and less options. But given the very high percentage of identical stalls and products, many travelers recommend this.

3. Otavalo Market Hours

Otavalo’s artisan market opens at 7am and continues until 6pm.

4. Not Everything is Artisan in Otavalo

It probably isn’t surprising that commercially made goods are featured at an “artisan” market. While you’ll find lots of handmade textile, ceramic, wood, silver, leather, and metal products, there are lots of imported and imprinted souvenir items.

The bottom line: don’t assume that everything is made by an artist.

The textiles from Otavalo are popular souvenirs from Ecuador. Here are some more of the best things to buy in Ecuador.

5. How to Get to Otavalo from Quito

Most tourists travel from Quito to Otavalo by public bus. The trip takes about 2 hours and costs $2.50. At Quito’s Carcelén bus terminal take the Cooperativa Otavalo or the Cooperativa Los Lagos. Otavalo is located 110 kilometers north of the city of Quito.

Within the city of Otavalo, you can take a taxi almost anywhere for $1.25.

6. Otavalo Ecuador Elevation

The city center is located at 8345 feet (2543 meters) above sea level.

Do you need to worry about this elevation? While acute mountain sickness (AMS) can occur above 8000 feet (2400 meters), most people can ascend to this elevation without difficulty.

During the six years we lived in Ecuador, altitude sickness was almost unheard of at this elevation. Some people experience tiredness for a few days. If you have a specific health problem or are unsure if you can handle this, speak with your doctor before travel.

Nearby Imbabura Volcano rises 15,190 feet (4630 meters) above sea level.

7. Otavalo Map

Here’s an overview map of the Otavalo area – showing the major attractions. Image owned by Otavalo Tourism – download pdf version of this map and a detailed urban planning (street map) on their site. Click to enlarge.

8. Otavalo Weather

Given its elevation and location on the equator, the climate in Ecuador’s Andes is pretty stable. It doesn’t change much through the year.

You can expect an average temperatures of around 59 degrees F (15 degrees C). Monthly rainfall averages between 0.5 – 4 inches (10 – 100 cm).

The sun is strong in the Andes – especially at this elevation. Remember to bring a sun hat, sun block and maybe even an umbrella to block the sun.

9. Los Otavalos or Otavaleños (People of Otavalo)

People from New York are New Yorkers and people from Toronto are (awkwardly) Torontonians. The demonym for people from Otavalo is either Otavalos or Otavaleños.

In Ecuador, you’ll hear the term Otavaleño most commonly. As with most Spanish words, the gender of the word changes depending on who you are referring to.

Otavaleño = one man

= one man Otavaleña = one woman

= one woman Los Otavaleños refers to a group of people from Otavalo

Along with the Otavaleños, you’ll also find work by other groups at the Otavalo market including: Kichwa Cayambis, Kichwa Caranquis, Afro Ecuatorianos, and Mestizos.

The Otavaleños are world famous and sell their goods in countries around the world. While on vacation a few years ago in Aruba, we met some Otavaleñas selling in the capital city.

10. Currency

You might be surprised to learn that Ecuador uses the US dollar as their official currency. This is the currency you’ll get from the bank and ATM’s. Don’t expect to have success spending any other currency in the country.

Also, don’t bring many bills larger than $20. Most stores won’t accept $50 or $100 bills. Even the banks are skeptical about accepting a $100 bill due to the frequency of counterfeit money.

11. The Other Market: Otavalo’s Animal Market

In addition to the artisan products, there is also a livestock market in the city. Otavalo’s animal market is also a significant tourist attraction. This market is just outside of the city center near the Yana Yacu pools. A taxi will cost $1.25 or you can walk in just a few minutes.

You can expect to see cows, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs, ducks and rabbits.

This market operates on Saturdays from 6am to noon.

Other Things to Do on Your Otavalo Tour

There’s a lot more to Otavalo than it’s famous open market. I’ll let this video by Otavalo Tourism show some of the highlights.

Watch on YouTube. Otavalo Tourism is the copyright owner of this video.

Ecuador is home to many craft towns. Here are some of the best items produced in Ecuador.

Your Turn

Have you been to the Otavalo Market? What’s your favorite part? Have a question about your upcoming Otavalo tour? Join us in the comments below!