Otavalo is a city that stands out for its folklore, which is why it is known as the intercultural capital of Ecuador.
Otavalo data:
The Otavalo canton is located in the province of Imbabura in northern Ecuador.
It is known as the intercultural capital of Ecuador.
It is approximately 2 hours from Quito by bus.
It has an average height of 2550 m a.s.l.
It has a metropolitan population of approximately 250,000 habitants.
- Known for its Textiles:
You must visit the largest craft fair in Latin America ¿Where can you find it?
A huge fair in the central square of Otavalo “La plaza de los ponchos”. It works on Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 6pm. Lots of handicrafts, textiles and handmade things, but I must warn you that most of it was industrially produced due to demand.
What to visit?
- Plaza de los Ponchos:
This square is important for the daily fair that takes place here, but. Saturday is when more merchants come. Take into account that the vast majority of the “crafts” are made industrially, so if you are looking for something purely handmade, I recommend you explore outside the fair.
- Mercado Municipal 24 de Mayo:
A very neat market where you can get all kinds of fresh products. You can find ready-to-eat food, try the hornado and the coladas, I recommend them.
- Central Square of Otavalo:
The Simón Bolívar Square, surrounded by buildings, the San Luis church and the Municipal building. It is a meeting point for Otavaleños citizens.
- Lake San Pablo:
A very familiar place where there are sports activities, games and food for everyone. Get on a boat and ride around the lake and take away spectacular views of the Imbabura volcano.
What you have to try:
- Chiquillazo:
A traditional dish, a classic, you will not regret it.
- Hornado:
This dish is a delight, I leave you a photo so you can savor it.
- Quimbolito
For dessert, you can’t stop trying the Quimbolitos!
Otavalo festivities
- Day of the Deceased:
Every November 2, Ecuadorian cemeteries, especially indigenous ones, are filled with people who are going to pay homage to their deceased.
- The Yamor Festival:
A festival that is celebrated the first weeks of September and brings together the Otavaleños to honor corn in its 7 varieties before a mass for the Virgin of Monserat.
- Pawkar Raymi:
It takes place in the month of February and is a cultural festival that reactivates the economy in the region, it lasts 11 days, there are sports activities, a beauty contest is held and the Ñusta is chosen, among other activities.
- Inti Raymi:
A sacred festival that honors the God Inti (Sun) that takes place on June 22 to commemorate the solstice.
In this video I show you many places in Otavalo: