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Owen · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

I'm taking a trip to Quito/Galapagos this Saturday. Someone in my travel group was trying to organize a day trip for next Saturday to Otavalo, but there just wasn't enough interest within the group so the plans fell through.

I am still interested in going, and was wondering if anyone could help me figure out the costs, transportation, how long it takes to get there, and recommend some things to do in Otavalo (other than shopping). I'd also love to hear about the best things to buy in the market and approximately how much they should cost. I only have one day, so I only have time to hit the highlights.

Thanks for your help!

Catherine · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

Otovalo is a very beautiful area and certainly worth a visit. The market is fascinating. Not only for the things that they sell but the Otovalan people as well. The area also has a waterfall and a beautifull lake. The hard part is to make this a day trip. Once you get there you will want more time there! It is about 2 hours from Quito. You really don't want to travel this road at night. It is comparable to high mountain driving here in the states. We hired a van to take us there and pick us up. We stayed the weekend. There was 7 of us and they charged us $100 per trip. You can take a bus, which is very economical. Should be just a few dollars. But it would take alot longer.