Otavalo - The Drive, The Market and Cuicocha Lagoon

ezflaw
Jun 19, 2023
1 min read

Otavalo is a small pueblo located high in the central Andes about two hours by bus north of Quito. It is famous for its Wednesday and Saturday market which is purportedly one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. It is also a good location from which to visit the nearby Cuicocha Lagoon and another of Ecuador's pueblos mágicos, Cotacachi.

We have enjoyed our bus rides throughout Colombia and Ecuador. They provide an opportunity to really enjoy the views through the small towns and country sides. You do not have to worry about watching the road or checking the map and directions every five minutes.

The market is bright, colorful and bustling. There is a mix of mostly indigenous groups who sell there.

A couple of photos from the bus on the way to Otavalo.

Photos from Laguna Cuicocha. This is a beautiful crater lake high in the Andes.

Video of the lagoon and surrounding area.

Last pics from around Otavalo

3 Comments

krisdonley1971

Jun 20, 2023

This is winter there, correct? What are the highs and lows this time of year—temperature wise?

ezflaw

Jun 20, 2023

Replying to

This close to the border, it is really more about the rainy and the dry season. The temperature changes are more affected by altitude. The temperature might be a little cooler in the rainy season, but that is mostly caused by the cloud cover.

Here is an example of the effect of the altitude on temperatures. Right now we are in Loja, Ecuador in the southern part of the country. The altitude is around 6,750'. The high is in the low 60s and the low is in the low 50s. We were in Vilcabamba this past weekend. It is only an hour to the south of Loja but the altitude is just below 5,000 feet. Although we had an odd wea…

Unknown member

Jun 20, 2023

Such gorgeous views. Really appreciate your taking time to share. Isabell surely adds to the landscape! Keep up all the fun.

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