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Town in Imbabura, Ecuador
Photo: Bcasterline at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Otavalo is a city in the North of Ecuador. It has about 50,000 inhabitants and is the capital of the canton of the same name. Otavalo is world-famous for its indigenous population, the Otavalos, many of which are travelling around the world to sell their famous handicrafts or play in Andean Folk music groups. The Otavalos are considered the economically most successful indigenous group of Latin America, and many of the grandest houses and largest pick-up trucks in Otavalo are owned by Otavalos. However, a great percentage of the Otavalos, especially in the surrounding villages, live in poverty and are victims of racial discrimination. Otavalos are easily recognized by their traditional dress: white pants and a dark poncho for men; a dark skirt and a white blouse with colourful embroidery and colourful waisteband for women. Both sexes wear their hair long (the men usually platted).
The restaurant may be named after the famous fast food chain, but expect much higher quality food. Hearty, delicious, inexpensive Mexican food. Various combination plates for $2-3 (with vegetarian options). Fantastic, fresh guacamole and salsa bar. $2 lemon margaritas. Good Mexican food is extremely hard to find in Otavalo (and Ecuador in general), so this place is a real gem. The owner, Carlos Suarez, is friendly (and also speaks English).
Tiny rooms, not super clean, no internet, but can't beat the price.
Hostel with 3-bed dorms. Rooms have a TV, Wi-Fi, 24-hour hot water, terrace, kitchen and common area, laundry service, book exchange and travel guides, hot coffee every morning and are clean.
Centrally located, clean, wifi, rooms have TV.
García Moreno 3-80 y Roca. This place has a nice colourful yard with a water fountain. A single room costs $15. Excellent service, beautiful rooms and gardens with hummingbirds. It's beautiful colonial architecture includes a stone water fountain and three courtyards in which to sit, read, write or enjoy the sun. It also features a library with a book exchange, and two inviting fireplaces to warm the spirit.
San Pablo del Lago, Imbabura. Restored 17th-century estate 20 minutes south of Otavalo by taxi ($5). Excellent service, beautiful rooms and gardens, great food. World known Hacienda Cusin offers horseback riding, massages, Spanish lessons, and lots more. Rooms start at$90.
Near the Central Park and the Saturday market, Doña Esther is a colonial style, small and cosy hotel. All rooms are situated around a green inner court yard. The restaurant serves excellent food in Mediterranean style with an Andean touch, and probably the best pizzas in town.
A bed and breakfast, previously known as Hotel Ali Shungu, is spoken of favourably by guests. Email reservations are accepted.
Is a network of local community tourism projects, offering accommodation, transport and activities in six villages around Lake San Pablo.
Indigenous Homestay
El Rancho is a large family home in Ilumàn, a village 6km outside Otavalo, which takes 15mins on a bus, and buses run every 15 mins. The family are indigenous Otavaleños who have lived here for generations and sold jewelry and weaving on the market for 15 years. Esthela is a great cook of traditional dishes, and usually prepares fresh food picked from the gardens of her nearby family. The views of volcano Cotacachi (4961 m) from the huge roof terasse are amazing elrancho.edicypages.com/gallery, and volcano Imbabura (4610 m) is directly behind the house. It´s a great place for hikers, birdwatchers, or language students.
Pijal Baja is a beautiful Andean village at the south-east shore of San Pablo Lake. A couple of years ago, the inhabitants of Pijal baja set up their own tourism project, and today nearly 20 families offer double rooms with private bathroom for visitors. Activities include hikes to nearby mountains and lakes, guided tours of their organic farms, and lessons in their traditional embroidery. $15-20 per night including all meals.
From the north
If you come from Tulcán near the Colombian border, buses will probably drop you off at the Pan American highway. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the center.
Taxis will take you anywhere within town for $1. Some 'taxis' appear to be white/gray pickup trucks and will drive passengers from outskirts of town into the city.
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Quito · International · UIO
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