Famous for its spectacular Saturday market, the community of Otavalo retains many cultural traditions that indigenous Otavaleños have practiced since the Pre-Colombian era. When planning a trip to Otavalo, try to be there for a Saturday morning. There is a market on other days, but the Saturday market by far the most impressive. We highly recommend the following hotels:
Ali Shungu Mountain top Lodge - Located on a quiet, private 40-acre mountaintop, 3 miles from downtown Otavalo, you are surrounded by a world of Andean Nature in your private, spacious two-bedroom guesthouse with wood-burning stove. Huge picture windows look down upon snowcap volcanos, Andean communities, and San Pablo Lake. Sunrise and Sunset on the mountain are unsurpassed! Llamas and horses wander around the mountain in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility not found in town. Your stay includes gourmet breakfasts and 4-course dinners, unlimited bottled water, organic coffee and tea, wi-fi internet and free horseback-riding. Never a check-out time! Rated #1 on Trip Advisor Specialty Lodging.
Hacienda Cusin, San Pablo del Lago - A luxurious country inn amidst eternally blooming gardens and nearly 400 years of colonial history. Located near Otavalo in a spectacular natural setting at the foot of the dormant Imbabura volcano, activites like horsebackriding, mountain biking, and high tea on the balcony are not to be missed. The Tatler, London, 12/96 says “… one of the world’s best kept secrets.”
La Casa Sol, Otavalo - “More than just a hotel, a home with personality.” Highly recommended by top travel magazines and recognized by local authorities and travel agencies as a new option for getting to know the natural and cultural treasures of Ecuador. Located in the Peguche Waterfall Forest Reserve, three kilometers north of Otavalo, it is designed with guests’ complete comfort in mind. Created to be reminiscent of an authentic Ecuadorian country home, each room features a balcony, terrace, garden and fireplace.
Hotel Doña Esther, Otavalo - Our small Dutch-owned hotel and restaurant in the center of Otavalo is perfectly located near the Saturday crafts market, the central park (Parque Bolívar), taxies, buses and other points of interest. We have twelve nicely decorated rooms and one larger apartment suitable for 2 persons or a family with small children, all with a private bathroom. You’ll love our ambience and cozy feeling. All rooms are looking out on the lovely inner garden. Our local staff offers an excellent service and you will certainly feel at home. Our well known restaurant Árbol de Montalvo offers a variety of dishes based on the Mediterranean kitchen, with a personal Ecuadorian touch, as well as some typical local specialties. We also serve delicious pizzas, made in an authentic wood burning oven
Casa Mojanda, eco hotel near Otavalo - A dramatic mountainside inn, organic farm and retreat located above the town of Otavalo in the foothills of Mojanda featuring spacious rammed earth cottages with magnificent mountain vistas. Casa Mojanda seeks to exert a minimal impact on the natural environment while actively supporting local community traditions and culture as well as projects in rural public health, education and conservation of the Mojanda Lakes paramo, forests and watershed.
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Andean woman at Otavalo market.
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Las Palmeras - Situated on a verdant hillside just north of the equator and a short walk from the world famous Otavalo indigenous marketplace, Las Palmeras is a place of astounding beauty and undisturbed tranquility. A gorgeous, comfortable, fully-equipped cottage set below the towering peaks of Imbabura and Cotacachi will be your home away from home as the scent of bougainvillea, palm trees, perennial flowers, and a blossoming blackberry orchard fill the air around you and a variety of birds perform a private concierto for you. Transportation and a variety of tours available.
