Day Trip to Otavalo

With our local guide for the day, Antonio, we drove the Pan American Highway on a day trip through the countryside north of Quito.  This area, referred to as the Andean Highlands or just “the highlands” by the locals, is a mountainous territory at the north end of the Andes Mountains and the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” We stopped first at an overlook that gave us a great view of the flanks of Volcano Imbabura, its top shrouded in clouds, and Lake San Pablo far below at its base.

Our main destination for the day was Otavalo, a town known for its local artisans and craftsman and the large open air market where they showcase and sell their goods.  We shopped the many booths of handicrafts, woven goods, jewelry and hats.  The famed “Panama” hat is actually indigenous to Ecuador and many local hat makers still weave the hats by hand.

After a brief stop in the town of Cotacachi, to browse another small market known for its leather goods, we headed for Peguche Waterfall, a beautiful cascade a short walk up a lush, green gorge.  The falls are a popular spot with tourists and with locals of both indigenous and Catholic traditions who consider the site sacred.

We ended our day trip with a late lunch at Hacienda Cusin.  The white stucco hacienda, a 17^th century ranch and monastery, is now operated as a hotel and restaurant.