Hotels in Otavalo

Otavalo: Andean Market Town in the Imbabura Highlands

Otavalo sits at 2,530 metres above sea level in Imbabura Province, roughly 110 km north of Quito via the Pan-American Highway — about two hours by bus. The city is home to the Plaza de los Ponchos market, one of the largest open-air indigenous craft markets in South America, operating daily with its largest sessions on Saturdays. Kichwa Otavaleño vendors sell hand-woven textiles, alpaca wool garments, and carved woodwork, a tradition documented at least to the 15th century under Incan rule.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster within four blocks of Plaza de los Ponchos in the city centre, with a smaller selection around Laguna de San Pablo, a crater lake 4 km southeast of the market. Weekend visitors book ahead — Saturday market crowds fill mid-range properties by Thursday. Altitude affects sleep quality for arrivals from sea level; a night in Quito before traveling north helps acclimatisation.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Otavalo-bound buses depart Quito's Terminal Carcelén roughly every 30 minutes; journey time is 1.5–2 hours.
• Altitude: At 2,530 m, pack a warm layer — temperatures drop sharply after sunset even in dry season.
• Market days: Saturday draws the largest crowds; Wednesday offers a quieter mid-week session at the same plaza.
• Currency: Ecuador uses the US dollar; smaller vendors rarely accept cards.