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Your Otavalo journey begins in Quito where you will travel north to Calderon. This city specializes in the creation of ornate bread dough dolls and figurines. From here you will continue on to Peguche to stop for lunch at a local hacienda or country inn. You will also be privileged to witness Peguche's expert weavers at work, whose creations are highly prized all over the world. Your next destination is impressive Cuiocha Lake and Cotacachi village, home of the finest leather craftsmen in Ecuador. You will stay overnight at the exquisite Hacienda Cusin Country Inn, known for its luxurious spa treatments.
Early the next morning you will visit the most renowned indigenous fair in South American-the Otavalo Indian Market. This ancient marketplace will have something to please even the most discriminating shopper. It abounds in the fine handicrafts of the noble Otavalo people, whose artistic skills have been passed down through hundreds of generations. Here you will find exotic rugs and tapestries, fine leatherwork, woodcarvings, colorful ponchos, unique jewelry and many other authentic Indian crafts. The busiest market is on Saturday where the streets in the center of town are brimming with stalls. However, there are mini-markets daily selling a variety of goods. On your way back to Quito, that afternoon, a final stop will be made in San Antonio de Ibarra, a small village known for its skilled woodworkers.
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