You’re probably eager to go to Otovalo because of its market. And indeed, the oldest, biggest and most famous indian market of entire Latin America is exceptionally fun to visit for a morning. But there’s more to explore in this village in the high Andes, situated three hours north from Quito by bus. If you have another day to spare, need a while to acclimatise, or if you’re willing to explore the Andes culture, here are some fun ways to spend your time:
Parque del Condor / Condor Park –
Overlooking the gorgeous Otavalo valley, Parque del Condor was built by a Dutch guy as an educational center that provides care and training to injured raptors (yes the bird, not the dinosaur). The foundation teaches the public why it’s important for everyone to keep raptor populations steady and healthy. The park has a lot of exotic birds including owls, vultures, sparrowhawks, eagles, falcons and even the largest flying bird: the nearly extinct Andean condor – both scary and impressive -. Every day there are free flight demonstrations at 11:30am and 3:30pm with a couple of them. The condors are not included in this show, but if you lucky you catch those at dinner time, and that’s a spectacle in itself. Explanations of the demonstrations are unfortunately only in Spanish. Guided tours are available in English, Spanish or Dutch.
Hike to the lake –
While going to the Parque del Condor, we hiked all the way from La Casa Sol Andean Lodge (our hotel, $60,-, really great) through the valley which goes to the lake. You’ll encounter scenic houses, cattle, grain lands and some beautiful faces along the road. Halfway you can climb up and enjoy the stunning views over the surrounding areas.
Peguche waterfall –
If you’d like to round off your walk, from Parque el Condor it’s another half an hour hike to the waterfall of Otovalo. Spectacularly enough there’s also a path that leads quite close to the splashing water. Walking through the surrounding area feels like you’re situated inside some Bavarian hillside landscape scenery. Once you leave the park, where the waterfall is situated, you’ll walk through the village of Peguche, a small but cute yet touristy like area, where there are a couple of pleasant places to enjoy a drink or eat some Ecuadorian food.
Animal market –
From the very early morning onwards on Saturday the Otovaleños, the indigenous people native to the Andeans mountains of the Imbabura province, come to Otovalo to sell their crafts, cattle and dishes. If you’re planning to attend the day, be sure to start off at the animal market, preferably before 9am. Probably there’s no need for you to buy pigs, sheep, guinea-pigs, cows, horses or puppies, but it sure is quite something to see the Otovaleños bargaining over them in the chaos.
Market –
Otovaleños and other Andean people of northern Ecuador are often identified with the pre-Columbian Cara people and as descendants of the semi-mythical Quitu culture, from whence comes the name of the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. These people are famous for their weaving and textiles using the wool from the llama. It’s their colourful outlook and crafts on the main market that make downtown Otavalo every Saturday morning nicely contrast with the green pastures and black volcanic giants in the background.
Here’s another impression of a day walking around on the crafts market, while capturing the spirit of the Otovaleños.
