OTAVALO HANDCRAFT TOUR
private, full-day, daily from
Quito, includes lunch
This excursion goes north, to the land of
the Otavalos and South America’s most famous Indian fair along the Panamerican
Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests
will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings,
woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here
Otavaleņos barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets;
take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then,
proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the
artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and
everyday life and then take the cobblestone road to San Pablo, with a stop along the way
at a weaving workshop specialized in fine backstrap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or
haciendas of the area.
OTAVALO CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
private, full-day, daily fromQuito, includes lunch
at restaurant Mindala or similar
This excursion offers an in-depth
experience into the traditional way of living of the Otavalo people, their history,
customs, handicrafts and, very importantly, music.
Early departure from Quito towards the north along the Pan American
Highway, to the famous market of Otavalo –visit the textile and vegetable markets-
and then continue on to Peguche, a small Indian town just five minutes north of Otavalo. The people of Peguche are famous for the weavings,
done in pedal shuttle looms and also in the ancient back-strap loom where the finest belts
or fajas are exquisitely woven. Guests
have the opportunity to roam around the town, go into the houses -- which are open to
visit, observe, photograph and shop for handcrafts. The
natives of Peguche often travel all over the world selling their merchandise of good
quality and bright colors, such as wall hangings, blankets, scarves, shawls, baby alpaca
sweaters, woven belts and many other items. Peguche
is also well known for the music groups and shops where Andean musical instruments are
produced, such as the large panflutes or zampoņas, quena flutes,
drums, charangos and guitars. The artisans
will delight you by playing the instruments they manufacture.
For lunch, guests will have the opportunity
to taste the best of the Andean delicacies lovingly prepared
in the traditional way.
This is a real ethnic
experience, in close contact with the Otavalo culture.
OTAVALO MARKET TOUR
private, full day tour, Saturday only, includes lunch
Otavalo is South America’s most famous Indian fair. Early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery. You will have ample time to visit the famous market
and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets with many stalls full of ponchos, scarves,
blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleņos barter in silence, in marked
contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best
bargains. Lunch is at one of
the charming country inns or haciendas.
