Full Day Private Tour Of Otavalo And Its Surroundings

An absolutely outstanding experience from beginning to end! We booked a private tour through Andres’s company, and having the opportunity to experience the day with Andres himself made it even more special. As the owner, he clearly takes tremendous pride in his business and the experience he provides his guests. Andres was welcoming, professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly accommodating. He went above and beyond to make sure the tour was tailored to what we wanted, never making us feel rushed and always ensuring we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. You can tell he genuinely cares about his guests, not just providing a tour but creating an experience worth remembering. Lunch was AMAZING and was another highlight of the day! Everything came together beautifully, and the personal attention throughout the experience made it feel truly special. We especially appreciated the flexibility, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality Andres brought to the day. It’s clear why he owns and operates this company—he sets the standard himself. If you’re considering booking, I cannot recommend Andres and his company enough. Book the private tour! You won’t regret it. We would absolutely do it all over again!

Andres was fantastic. We enjoyed exploring the indigenous village at Lake San Pablo and then the water falls in Otavalo before a visit to the local market. That’s the good news. The not so good news was the trip home as there was some torrential rain that caused a land slip that closed the main road back to Quito. Thanks to Andres, we made a U-turn early and took an alternative route. All in, a 4 hour drive back, so about 6 1/2 hours of driving. Was it worth all that driving, for us, no. Would I recommend taking this tour, no. Am I grateful for Andres, absolutely. He is a knowledgeable guide and did a fantastic job getting us back to our hotel.

We had a great experience Andres! The private car was clean and he was a wonderful and safe driver. We went to the lake and waterfalls before the Otavalo market. He also had good recommendations for restaurants. We really enjoyed talking with him, but he also gave us plenty of free time at the market.

Andres is an excellent guide- personable, knowledgeable and a great communicator. The lake/ volcano stop at the indigenous village with biscottes was delightful, as was the hike to the waterfalls. Otavalo itself is a great town, and the market and the ability to interact with the indigenous people from the area was wonderful.

This is an simple, easy day trip that won’t tire you out. The market is worthwhile in itself if you’ve never been to an indigenous market. The Peguche waterfall, tea and bizcochos by the Lake San Pablo, lunch, and stop for coffee/chocolate after made for a relaxing day. Andrés was an excellent guide. Personable and easy going, he was also prompt and flexible. Andrés was a wonderful guide. Easy going, prompt, personable, and a great help at the market.

We want to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for our incredible trip to Otavalo in Ecuador. Our driver and tour guide, Andres, was an absolute gem. His extensive knowledge of the places we visited and his ability to share fascinating insights about his country, Ecuador, made the entire journey an enriching and enjoyable experience. Andres’s exceptional skills as a tour guide are truly commendable. Not only did he provide us with a wealth of information, but he also ensured that we felt safe and relaxed throughout the trip. While driving in Ecuador can be challenging, Andres’s driving expertise put our minds at ease, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the country. We wholeheartedly recommend Andres as an outstanding tour guide. His exceptional English skills further enhance his ability to communicate effectively with our group. If we ever find ourselves in Ecuador again, we will undoubtedly seek his guidance and expertise for our next adventure.

Daniel M. was working with Andres. And was very professional and knowledgeable. Could be used as a trainer for younger tour guides. Would gladly use him on future visits.

Andres picked us up at our hotel in Quito promptly at 8:30 AM. We started the drive to Otavalo, about a 2 hour drive north of Quito. Along the way Andres pointed out how the vegetation changes and all of the greenhouses used to grow roses and other flowers, one of the main exports of Ecuador. We stopped at Cachiviro to see the Imbabura volcano. While we were there he provided a snack for us of traditional biscuits and tea. I had informed him that my granddaughter had dietary restrictions and he provided a separate snack for her. Following a stop and hike at the Peguche waterfall we went to Otavalo to the indigenous marketplace. Andres was very patient, carried all of our purchases, did some translating for us, and then took us to a restaurant for a delicious lunch. He modified some of our routes to accommodate my physical limitations which was very much appreciated. He took us back to our hotel in Quito at the appointed time. I would highly recommend this tour and Andres as a tour guide.

Andres was a super guide. Full of knowledge and helpful. We highly recommend him and this tour. A+++++++

Andres was a great guide, very knowledgeable and personal. We enjoyed our tour very much.

The trip was amazing, highly recommend!!! We had a lovely time with our guide Andres who showed us local spots in and around Otavalo. The highlight for us was the time at the textile market at the end of the trip, such a unique experience and came home with amazing handcrafted goods we'll keep forever :)

We had a wonderful day touring Otavalo with Andres! He was so accommodating and took exceptional care of us! We enjoyed not just the market but also the hike and delicious snack by the lake. Andres was flexible in catering to our interests, and sharing his knowledge of the region and culture. His genuine kindness was appreciated! I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.

This trip was spectacular! I think because it’s a private tour, the guide really takes into account individual preferences and really makes this excursion extra special for everyone on the trip. He was a fantastic guide, a great photographer, and gave us a true tour of the history and culture. I would absolutely do more tours with him and recommend this to everyone!

Great peek at Ecuador's natural wonders and indigenous roots! The clear itinerary made it easy to know what to expect, and our guide Andrés had great rapport both with the us, our other guest, and all the locals we encountered on the trip. If the screenshots and itinerary appeal to you, know that you are in good hands to receive the advertised experience!

This tour with Andres was such a big disappointment! My advice — find another guide. We paid extra for a private tour so we could have a little flexibility & got the opposite. We were met with rude & controlling behavior, got angry when we asked for bathroom breaks or walk to ATM, and we even feared for our safety when he was driving - angrily shouting out at all the “crazy” people. We didn’t get to choose or buy the Biscochos & coffee ourselves since he brought them himself with tea in a thermos, we didn’t have enough time at the market since we were rushed, we didn’t stop for lunch, and he didn’t stop at the churches just a few blocks down from Ponchos Square, as we had previously asked & he had agreed to beforehand. Again, a huge disappointment for our one & only time to experience Otavalo Market, all due to this angry, infantile guide ☹️

Our trip to Otavalo with Andres was excellent. Andres is a very knowledgeable guide. His English is excellent and he navigated us from Quito to the lake, waterfall, and market very well. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the home of a family that Andres knew that has been hand weaving blankets and other garments for generations. We would highly recommend booking Andres for a trip to Otavalo, the largest indigenous market in Latin America.

Andres was very helpful. He helped sourced for us a large 1.5mx1m Ecuadorian wool tapestry that was very difficult to find. The visit to the Otavalo market and the surrounding area is an interesting way to know more about the indigenous people. Andres was punctual, polite and very helpful, so THANK YOU!

We had an absolutely perfect day in Otovalo and surroundings! Andres was a fantastic tour guide. He is warm, knowledgeable, and extremely accommodating. We felt very well taken care of and had a great day!

We had a great day visiting Otovalo and area, the biscuits and cheese served with tea at the lake was a fun first stop. The waterfall was beautiful and the community there very friendly. Otovalo market, lunch and coffee to end the day was everything we expected and more! Andres is a great guide, very friendly and knowledgeable, we really enjoyed our day!

Solid time with our guide Giovani and scheduler Maria. The markets were fantastic and exciting stuff to buy. There is bargaining, which I don't really like. Prior to getting to Otavalo we went to the Ecuator and a bakery where bizcochos are made. I think you could easily rent a car and do this on your own. The cost of a rental car, gas, finding a place to park, and knowing where to go definitely made this worth the cost of hiring it out.

If you’re going to Otavalo, you have to go with Andrés. He’s super easygoing and knows exactly what he’s doing. He was so helpful at the market (negotiating like a pro!) and helped us track down some football jerseys. The morning tea with bizcochos by the lake was such a nice touch, and the waterfall was stunning. It wasn't just a rigid tour; it felt like hanging out with a local friend. 10/10 experience!

This experience was a wonderful start to our time in Ecuador! Andrés was our guide that day- and he was punctual, knowledgeable, and pleasant. He made our trip feel personalized and took the time to get to know us, as well as providing us with good tidbits and knowledge regarding Ecuador, Otavalo, etc. Loved meeting the gem that was Sr. Alberto Conejo and learning about his traditional craft! Gracias Andrés!

Andres was absolutely wonderful! He took us to a beautiful waterfall, a stunning lake, and the famous Otavalo Market in Ecuador—each stop was perfectly planned and unforgettable. He also brought us to a great local coffee shop and arranged a wonderful lunch that truly completed the experience. He is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely caring. He made the entire day feel easy, fun, and special, and we always felt safe and well taken care of. This was hands down one of the best tours we’ve ever done.

We had the best time today! Andres was a great tour guide - friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. We enjoyed the drive to Otavalo and the stops along the way. He offered to add a slight detour to the Intiñan Equator Museum and we are so glad we accepted. It was an educational and fun hour. If you’re coming to Quito, ask for Andres!

Andre’s’ picked us up at our hotel in Quito right on time. He navigated the crazy streets and traffic like a pro and his driving was impeccable. Our first stop was Lake San Pablo in Cachiviro where we enjoyed the local scenery, and delicious tea and biscuits by the water. Andres’ is extremely knowledgeable of the area and the inhabitants, pointing out specific details and explaining how the locals harvest reeds from the lake and weave them into rugs, hats, etc. to sell in the markets. Next stop was Cascade de Peguche where the indigenous community of Faccha Llacta live and create beautiful shawls and rugs among other items. We visited a weaving studio and met the couple who made lovely ponchos, etc on their looms. The waterfall was stunning and a peaceful respite from the city of Quito. Lastly was a visit to Otavalo Market, the largest indigenous fair in South America. If you can’t find a special souvenir there, it’s not to be found. A very vibrant, lively square with no pressures to buy. All in all, I cannot say enough about Andres’ and his tour. He listened to what we wanted to do and shaped the day around that with a great stop for coffee at the end. When I get back to Quito, he will definitely the person I arrange my tours with.

Enjoyed spending the day with Andres. In addition to the Ottavalo market, he took us to a local lake to learn about indigenous culture. He also helped us keep track of our purchases at the market!

오타발로 프라이빗 데이 투어를 다녀왔는데, 정말 만족스러운 하루였습니다. 정해진 일정에 맞춰 움직이는 빡빡한 투어보다는, 좀 더 여유 있고 현지 분위기를 느낄 수 있는 여행을 원하신다면 추천하고 싶어요. 가이드 안드레스는 굉장히 친절하고 프로페셔널했어요. 현지인이라 에콰도르의 문화나 역사에 대해 잘 알고 있었고, 제가 이것저것 질문을 많이 했는데도 하나하나 성의 있게 설명해 줘서 좋았습니다. 전형적인 ‘가이드–관광객’ 관계라기보다는, 현지 친구와 함께 여행하는 느낌에 더 가까웠어요. 덕분에 각 장소에서도 제가 원하는 만큼 시간을 조절할 수 있어서 전혀 부담스럽지 않았습니다. 산 파블로 호수는 이번 일정 중 가장 인상 깊었던 곳이었는데, 풍경이 정말 아름다웠어요. 점심도 괜찮았지만, 식사 후에 마신 커피가 특히 기억에 남을 정도로 정말 맛있었습니다. 또 제가 수제 알파카 스웨터를 사고 싶다고 하자, 안드레스가 직접 로컬 전문 매장으로 데려다 주었는데, 흔한 관광객용 상점이 아니라서 더 만족스러웠어요. 전체적으로 이 투어는 일정의 구성과 자유도가 잘 어우러져 있었고, 가이드의 세심한 배려 덕분에 하루가 굉장히 편안하게 느껴졌습니다. 현지에 대해 잘 알고 있는 가이드와 함께 여유롭게 오타발로를 둘러보고 싶다면, 충분히 선택할 만한 투어라고 생각해요. I had a wonderful experience on this full-day private tour to Otavalo and would highly recommend it, particularly if you value flexibility and genuine local insight over a rigid, tick-the-box itinerary. My guide, Andres, was extremely friendly, professional, and helpful. As a local, he was very knowledgeable about Ecuadorian culture and history, and he was more than happy to chat throughout the day and answer my many questions about daily life, traditions, and the area. The experience felt much more like travelling with a friend than being shepherded around on a formal tour, which I really appreciated. I never felt rushed and could easily spend more or less time at each stop depending on my interests. Lake San Pablo was a real standout — the views were absolutely beautiful and well worth the visit. Lunch was enjoyable, but the coffee afterwards was a real highlight and genuinely delicious. I also really appreciated how accommodating Andres was when I mentioned that I wanted to buy a handmade alpaca sweater. He kindly took me to a local store that specialised in them, which felt far more authentic than a generic tourist stop. Overall, this tour struck the perfect balance between structure and flexibility, with thoughtful touches that made the day feel personal and relaxed. If you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable day trip with a knowledgeable local guide who genuinely cares about your experience, this is an excellent choice.

It’s a long drive with lots of traffic. The lake experience is just ok. Depending on where you are from. The waterfall is pretty bit again it depends where you are from and what you’ve seen elsewhere in the world. Ortavalo is an interesting, lively town that is nice to visit. The market is a fun experience with a lot of friendly venders who aren’t pushy and who sell some attractive work. Our driver and guide Andres was very good.

Andre's was a great guide very helpful and kind. Loved the countryside of Ecuador. The markets and lunch finished the day of perfectly. Recommend this tour

Great day with Andres. Enjoyed morning tea by the lake, looking at the volcano. The cascade walk was an easy 15 minute walk and the cascade itself was rushing. Our trip to the markets was helped by Andre's speaking with the stall holders. Had lunch at Mi Oltavito, which was delicious. Great day.

Do to local circumstances We had to change the plan. But Andrés, our lovely guide, came up with an alternative plan. We went to the Hot springs, where We started the day with a small hike, and had lunch at a little local farm. Which was great. He was ontop of things an Well prepared. Very very helpfull and made sure We didn’t miss our or needed anything.

I had a great day out with Andres! We visited the lake, the waterfall, the market in Otavalo and also ate lunch together!

We had such a great time with Andres! He was very knowledgeable about Otavalo and took us to all the wonderful nearby sites. I appreciated the deep dive into local culture and he was a huge help in navigating the market, describing the art work and assisting with the negotiations. I’d highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun day of shopping and natural beauty.

Where to start. First off Andres made the whole experience so worth it. If you are looking for a private tour, this is the one to book. Andres stops when and where you need him to, just ask. We started the tour with a private pick up at our central hotel, and right away I knew we booked the right tour. Andres gave us a welcome chocolate each (there were two people with this booking). This tour takes you to the right spots on the way to Otavalo. There is a magical moment at the lake, with an amazing view, local biscuits and a cheese that is to die for. Andres also prepares a delicious tea. Andres makes stop for the toilet, and allows you to shop around. When we got to the Otavalo markets, the whole experience just came together. The markets are amazing, and so fun to shop at, if you like to haggle. Andres knows a few of the vendors, so that is always fun, he also held out bags, but that was just above and beyond. I would not expect it each time. This whole trip and itinerary are perfect. Andres is so flexible, just let him know if you want more or less. Oh and how could I forget the walk to the waterfall. Overall the best private tour and guide. Book this tour!

Had such an amazing day on our trip to the Otavalo market, lake, and waterfall. Everything went so smoothly. 10/10 would recommend this tour! Thank you for everything!

I took a fun day trip out of Quito - first the volcano Cachiviro and nearby lake (San Pablo). Next we were off to the Pequche waterfall with a nice easy hike Then we were off to the Otavalo market for some shopping and delicious local lunch (drink was sweet tomato juice a local specialty!) My guide Andrés was great, I highly recommend him! He was very knowledgeable of the local sites and took a bunch of photos for me!

We had an amazing experience on our private day tour to a historic hacienda Otavalo market and Peguche Falls! From start to finish, everything was well-organized, informative, and enjoyable. Our tour guide was absolutely fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly accommodating to everyone's needs and interests. They made sure we felt comfortable throughout the day and were always happy to answer questions or adjust the pace for the group. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Quito for the first time or even returning—it's a perfect way to see the areas surrounding Quito with the added bonus of a personable and professional guide. Thank you for a truly memorable day!

The journey to Otavalo was amazing with Andrés. He was friendly and a wonderful company. Andrés was accommodating and answered questions related to the tour and was easy to converse with. The first stop was Lake San Pablo in Cachiviro and although the shops were closed on the weekday, the photo opportunities was beautiful. Imbabura Volcano was in the background. He was very thoughtful and made an apple cinnamon tea which we ate with a local biscuit while we enjoyed the scenery. The next stop was Peguche Waterfalls which is a very well maintained park with quaint trails to the waterfall. In Otavalo we had a delicious traditional fritada (pork) dish. I highly recommend Andrés as a tour guide. I will definitely utilize his services when I return! Thank you!

Andres messaged me ahead of the tour. He was very communicative. I appreciated that. We had a great day in Otavalo. First we stopped at the lake. We loved the view with the volcanoes. We tried local treats. We enjoyed the friendly llama and dogs. Andres did a great job taking pictures for us. The waterfall was beautiful. I love not feeling rushed. Some tours feel too crammed, but this was a good pace and relaxing. It was cool to see the market and all the beautiful art and more. We enjoyed a traditional lunch afterward. On the way back we saw a fruit market. I love trying local food. Andres was so kind and stopped so we could try a lot of different fruit. It was a great experience for me. Overall, it was a very nice day!

Andrés was an excellent guide for the day. He was polite, attentive to details and ensured we had a good experience. We would recommend Andrés to anyone looking for a safe, reliable and enjoyable experience in Ecuador.

What a great day! The waterfall, street food and boat ride on the lake were all so special and beautiful!!! The market was such a cool experience- the people were amazing. Wonderful tour guide great time!

We had a great time with Andres today. He communicated with us several times before the actual date and was prompt picking us up at our hotel. It is a bit of a drive but we made stops along the way. We enjoyed Lake San Pablo. It is really quite beautiful. While there we enjoyed a treat that Andres provided of biscuits and cheese with tea. It was quite tasty. Our next stop was the Peguche waterfall. The walk to get there was easy and lovely and we got some nice pics of the waterfall. We finally ended up at the Otavalo market. It was a lot of fun and we found several unique treasures to take home. Afterwards, we had a wonderful lunch of special local food which was very good. The weather was absolutely beautiful and just helped top of an overall wonderful day. We also went on a Friday and so it wasn't crowded at all and really quite peaceful. A huge thanks to Andres for making such a special day for us.

We had a really interesting trip! Andres, our guide was very nice, showing us some truly beautiful places throughout the day. He was eager to make sure we enjoyed every moment, always checking in with us and sharing lots of great information. It was a well-organized and memorable experience — I would definitely recommend it!

We had a great time with Andres on our tour! Being picked up and dropped off at our hotel eased the stress of having to try to get around Quito to a meetup spot. All the stops were great. Bizcohos, stopping at the lake, and waterfall were all amazing. My favorite was that he helped us find and bargain for specific things we were looking for in the market, and if it wasn't in the market he helped me find stores that had it. Andres was more than willing to help with the things we were interested in spending more or less time on and it made for a fantastic day overall. Everything felt very safe, and I 100% would do this trip again!

This is a great tour that lets you experience the Otalvo Market along with several surrounding sites including Laguna San Pablo lake at the foothills of the Imbabura volcano and the beautiful Peguche waterfall. Andres includes an itinerary with well thought out pacing that includes morning biscuit and coffee, tea and biscuits lakeside, a fabulous lunch with the best fridada I have had in Ecuador AND a quick ice cream stop upon our return to Quito. Well done Andres. Cheers!

Had a great day with Andres out to Otavalo. Nice scenery. Excellent day tour. Andres was very knowledgable and provided good commentary. Andrew

Andres organized a great day trip to Otavalo. He picked me up at my hotel and we stopped at the lake and had a snack on the boat. We proceeded to Otavalo where he helped me negotiate the price of items. Then we headed to the waterfall and he took fantastic pictures! Strongly recommend this day trip from Quito.

Andres was great! He told us a lot of interesting information and facts about the places we have visited, took pictures, helped with the shopping and burgeoning. We had a wonderful time. Highly recommended!! Thanks Andres

Each aspect of our tour with Andres was wonderful. Pick up at our hotel was at the arranged time, the drive to each destination was filled with answers to all our questions, arrivals at beautiful destinations with tea, cookies and photo help, and bargaining help as we bought things at this amazing market! We ended our day with a yummy late lunch together! We couldn't have been more pleased and recommend him as a tour guide without hesitation.