Itinerary

Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Quito, heading north along the Pan-American Highway through the stunning Andean highlands. On the way, you’ll make a special stop in the town of Cayambe to visit a local family who has been baking traditional bizcochos for generations. In the warmth of their home bakery, you’ll enjoy a complimentary tasting of freshly baked bizcochos served with local cheese and sweet dulce de leche, while learning about the process and tradition behind this beloved Andean snack.

From there, the journey continues through a landscape of mountains and farmlands until you arrive mid-morning at the heart of Otavalo. At the famous indigenous market in Plaza de los Ponchos, you’ll have time to walk freely through the vibrant maze of artisan stalls. Surrounded by rich colors, textures, and the sound of traditional music, you’ll discover handwoven textiles, ponchos, hats, jewelry, leatherwork, and other unique crafts made by the Otavaleños, one of Ecuador’s most culturally proud and skilled indigenous communities.

After your market visit, you’ll head just a few minutes out of town to the serene shores of Lake San Pablo. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant offering traditional highland cuisine, often featuring fresh-caught trout, corn-based dishes, and other regional specialties, all while taking in breathtaking views of the lake and the looming Imbabura Volcano.

In the mid-afternoon, you’ll begin your return drive to Quito, descending from the highlands as the sun casts golden light over the Andes. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening, enriched by a day of cultural discovery, warm hospitality, and unforgettable landscapes.