Otavalo

Travel Guide

A wooden pier extending into a lake with mountains in the background.
Two people in traditional attire sitting in a grassy field with trees in the background.
A person wearing a brown hoodie and a colorful patterned blanket.
A church with a dome and bell towers, surrounded by mountains and clouds.
A close-up of a flower with purple and white petals and a green center.
Medina del Lago

Medina del Lago

4 out of 5
Gualabi, Colinas de San Pablo Lote 25A Otavalo Imbabura
$170 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$188 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Otavalo. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Galeria Gabriel Ceballos ...
Medina del Lago
HOTEL LA JOYA

HOTEL LA JOYA

3 out of 5
Roca,entre Garcia Moreno y Juan Montalvo Otavalo Imbabura
$59 nightly
The price is $59 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$59 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Otavalo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Instituto Otavaleño de Antropología and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Hotel La Joya was absolutely beautiful and a perfect place to stay in Otavalo for a couple days I would highly recommend it to everyone the staff was very helpful with everything we needed to find and there was even a laundry service on the last day of our vacation!!"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2026

HOTEL LA JOYA
Hotel Doña Esther

Hotel Doña Esther

3 out of 5
Juan Montalvo 4-44 Otavalo Imbabura
$49 nightly
The price is $49 total per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
$49 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Stay at this hotel in Otavalo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Instituto Otavaleño de Antropología and Plaza de Ponchos ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
"We love this place and keeping returning. Beautiful architecture, charm, kind and helpful staff, convenient location, safe parking, and great food."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2026

Hotel Doña Esther
See all 210 properties in Otavalo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kimsa Wasi

Kimsa Wasi

3.5 out of 5
Calle modesto Jaramillo y García Moreno Otavalo Imbabura
Stay at this apartment in Otavalo. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pillow menu. Popular attractions Instituto Otavaleño de Antropología and Galeria ...
2/10 (1 review)
"El propietario es uno de los peores con los que he tenido un trato. Se desentendio de mi reservacion. Cuando yo me llame, dijo que no tenía reservacion y lo rento a alguien más. Fue un descarado y no ayudo en nada. Me disgusto mucho esa persona."

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2025

Kimsa Wasi
Palumbo Glamping & Villas

Palumbo Glamping & Villas

3 out of 5
Via Cuniburo Cangahua Pichincha
Book a stay at this spa villa in Cangahua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attraction Cayambe Central Park is located nearby.
Palumbo Glamping & Villas
Private Casita near UIO airport

Private Casita near UIO airport

Checa Pichincha
Stay at this cottage in Checa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Oyacoto and Quito Zoo are located nearby.
Private Casita near UIO airport
See all properties in Otavalo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Otavalo attractions

Plaza de Ponchos

9.0/10 (66 reviews)
During your visit to Otavalo, you can do some window-shopping at Plaza de Ponchos. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.
See properties

Things to do

Otavalo Shopping

Full-Day Otavalo and Cotacachi Market Tour

$74
per adult
Full-Day Otavalo and Cotacachi Market Tour
OTAVALO MARKET

Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings

$130
per adult
Full Day Private Tour of Otavalo and its surroundings
Otavalo Adventure: Discover Kichwa Culture, Lakes & Crafts

Otavalo Adventure: Discover Kichwa Culture, Lakes & Crafts

$160
per adult
Otavalo Adventure: Discover Kichwa Culture, Lakes & Crafts
See all activities in Otavalo

Frequently asked questions

Is Otavalo worth visiting?
Otavalo is worth visiting for its distinctive attractions, including the famous Plaza de Ponchos market and the scenic El Lechero. Travelers can also savor a variety of delicious Latin American and seafood dining experiences, offering a rich taste of local culture.
What is Otavalo known for?
Otavalo is known for its Plaza de Ponchos, a prominent market, and the historic El Lechero tree. Travelers can also explore the Galeria Gabriel Ceballos Ulloa. As a city in Ecuador, it offers a rich Latin American food culture for travelers to enjoy.
What is a good itinerary length for Otavalo?
A good itinerary length for Otavalo is one to two days to explore key highlights like the Plaza de Ponchos, El Lechero, and Cuicocha Lake. An extended stay of three to four days allows for deeper exploration of the Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve and the surrounding areas, including Galeria Gabriel Ceballos Ulloa. See Otavalo Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Otavalo?
Otavalo offers a blend of vibrant markets, cultural sites, and natural beauty:


How do I plan a trip to Otavalo?
To plan your trip to Otavalo, search for places to stay and book flights in advance. Consider activities like exploring Cuicocha Lake or hiking in Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve. Visit landmarks such as Plaza de Ponchos. A rental car offers flexibility for exploring, and you'll find diverse dining from Latin American to Italian.
What cuisines can you find in Otavalo?
In Otavalo, travelers can find South American cuisine, with popular dishes such as empanadas, ceviche, and locro. There are also diverse options including fresh seafood, classic Italian fare, and various Asian dishes, alongside steakhouses for different tastes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Otavalo?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Otavalo by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Otavalo with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Otavalo trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Otavalo?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Otavalo can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Otavalo trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Otavalo trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Otavalo trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Otavalo trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Otavalo?
If it's your first trip to Otavalo, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Otavalo hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Otavalo hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Otavalo

A panoramic view of a city with a large lake, surrounded by green hills and mountains.

Ibarra

A mountain with clouds, a town in the valley, and houses in the foreground.

Cotacachi

A courtyard with a fountain, tiled roof, and potted plants.

San Pablo del Lago

A person standing on a grassy hill overlooking a lake with mountains in the background.

San Rafael

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