Otavalo’s beauty lies in its people and surroundings, the Otavaleños, and the towering volcanoes that surround the Andean town. The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world! During this 2 Day Otavalo Community Experience, you will be able to go mountain biking, go paddling, and discover beautiful places while sharing with a local indigenous community. Let’s not forget about San Pablo, which is a beautiful eye of water guarded by the Imbabura volcano. If you look for other options, you can find all the Andes Mountain Tours that Rebecca Adventure Travel offers, and discover the adventurer in yourself.
Tour Summary
Gallery
Highlights
- OtavaloOtavalo’s beauty lies in its people and surroundings, the Otavaleños and the towering volcanoes that surround the andean town.
- Paddling ExperienceStart Paddling across San Pablo Lake, this magical place with views of the local towns and Imbabura volcano.
- Biking in OtavaloOur ride takes us over the hills and through dirt patched paths and roads used to connect the farms of local families.
- Calera ComunityBy being part of the Quichua Homestay you will learn about the community’s customs and participate in their culture and traditions.
- MarketOur final step takes us to the colorful and captivating famous Otavalo Market.
- San Pablo LakeThe San Pablo Lagoon, located at the foot of the majestic Imbabura Volcano, offers several trails that will take us to natural viewpoints such as El Lechero and Mira Lago.
Itinerary
-
DAY 1 OTAVALO PADDLE - CALERA COMMUNITY EXPRECIENCE
OTAVALO PADDLE
Early in the morning, you depart from Quito and head north on the Panamerican Highway for two hours, through varying landscapes of rolling hills, snow-capped volcanos, and farmlands towards San Pablo Lake. Here you will have a safety talk from our guide and then start paddling across this magical lake with views of the local towns and the ever-impressive Imbabura volcano. The paddling difficulty is medium intensity. After an hour of paddling, you will continue to Calera Community for a delicious local lunch.
CALERA HALF-DAY TOUR
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to join the community and activities as:
Visit the Alli Maki workshop (hand embroidery).
Visit the Sumak Muyo workshop (tagua necklaces).
Visit Milma Wasi workshop (weaving ponchos, shawls, scarves).
Visit the native garden.- Activity:Paddling. Exploring.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Hotel Homestay Calera Community.
-
DAY 2 OTAVALO BIKING - TRADITIONAL MARKET
After breakfast, you will enjoy an adventurous biking day. Biking intensity is medium. Our ride takes us over the hills and through dirt-patched paths and roads used to connect the farms of local families, passing pastures of quinoa and other grains that are the way of life of the people in the region. Along the way, you will have amazing views of the Imbabura Volcano and the Lago San Pablo.
Our final stop takes us to the colorful and captivating Otavalo Market. The largest indigenous market in Ecuador, let the aisles of locally crafted fabrics, sweaters, carvings, and jewelry inspire you to take a piece of Ecuador home with you in your suitcase.
Late in the afternoon, you will be transferred back to Quito.- Activity:Bird-watching. Biking.
- Transport:Bus. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
Map
2 Day Otavalo Community Experience Map
- Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- English speaking local guide.
- Activities and excursions as described in the itinerary.
- Paddle and biking equipment
- 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
+ Extra food and beverages.
+ Optional tips for the guide.
+ Any extra purchases/personal expenses.
+ Contribution to the Community
Book now
1 guest | $ 966 p.p. |
2-5 guests | $ 501 p.p. |
6 or more guests | $ 453 p.p. |
Additional information
- Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
- Accommodation will be in a Homestay with the local families.
- Recommended things to bring for the activities of Biking and Paddling: Comfortable light pants, biking shorts, non-cotton t-shirt, rain jacket, rain pants, snickers, sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, binoculars, camera, fleece, bathing suit, hiking shoes, towel.
- Transportation is included with pick up and drop off at your selected hotel in Quito. If your hotel is not located in the Quito Urban Zone, there is an extra charge of $40 USD (round trip) which can be paid directly to the driver. This extra charge applies to hotels in the valleys, Tababela, or hotels close to the airport.
- This is a private tour that you can modify to your own preferences.
- Time Disclaimer: It is recommended that this private tour start no later than 08:00 A.M. because you will enjoy the tour at a good pace and will not miss out on any activities. If you choose a later departure time, you might miss some activities due to traffic or other circumstances.
- Important things to bring: comfortable and light clothing, (a jacket just in case) water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
- If you would like to change activities or restaurants, please let us know, the tours are completely customizable.
- Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
- It is mandatory to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
- Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
ADVANTAGES OF BOOKING WITH REBECCA ADVENTURE TRAVEL
- Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
- Empowering Locals: Support family-owned accommodations, involving local communities and contributing to local economies.
- Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva.
- Travel With Trust: We are here for you every step of the way with solid insurance, certifications, and rebooking facilities.
- Personalized Travel Curator: Ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
- When you book a tour with Rebecca Adventure Travel you agree to its terms and conditions.
Exact Code: 25OTACO
Accommodations
Let’s Craft Your Perfect Trip Together!
Excited to turn your travel dreams into an unforgettable adventure?
Chat with one of our knowledgeable destination experts today to get personalized insights and the best tips for your perfect trip.
Don’t wait—reach out now and let’s start planning your dream getaway!