Experience the best of Otavalo

Otavalo sits in a high valley of Imbabura province, about 2,500 metres up, with the Imbabura volcano rising to 4,609 metres on one side and Cotacachi on the other. It is the heart of Otavaleño country, the Otavaleños being an indigenous Kichwa people renowned as weavers and traders. The Plaza de los Ponchos is the centre of a craft market that is largest on Saturdays, with textiles, ponchos, jewellery and paintings.

Around the town, the Peguche waterfall drops in a forest park, San Pablo Lake lies at the foot of Imbabura, and the crater lake of Cuicocha, with two small islands, fills the heart of a volcano in the Cotacachi-Cayapas reserve. Higher up, the Mojanda lakes sit above 3,700 metres. Cotacachi, a nearby town, is known for its leather goods.

Fritada, fried pork served with hominy and potatoes, and roast guinea pig are the festive dishes, with warm corn drinks on cold evenings. Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun, fills the valley with music and dancing in June. The days are mild and the nights cool.