Otavalo

Advantages: Come armed with dollars and haggling skills!
Disadvantages: You wont want to leave, until you are broke!

I went to Otavalo on a trip to Ecuador whilst at uni, and it was one of the best markets I have been to.It is rated one the premier markets in South America. As a keen shopper and bargain hunter, i had to go!! Otavalo is north of Quito city, and takes about 2 hours. I remember leaving Quito city at 4am in the dark to get there and start the market before it got too hot and to see the beginning of the animal market. The best day to go to the market ...
...are many other attractions in Otavalo which deserve recognition. After a spot of lunch, we very nearly had Guinea Pig, yes Guinea Pig- cuyes in Quechan, but our guide knew a better place to sample this Incan delicacy! Depending on who you are buying for, i would take no more than $100. Keep money in a body contact money belt and don't flash your cash. You'll leave yourself open to muggers and pickpockets. They do exist, one of my chums fell foul ... Read review

Advantages: pleasant climate, lots to see, bustling with local activity
Disadvantages: usual big city issues - traffic, smog, beggars, street vendors

...the morning. By the afternoon, however, the clouds will race over the summit obscuring all in their path. The "Crater" restaurant is a popular place for lunch. The Otavalo Market is one of the best known Ecuadorian attractions and has been around for at least 4000 years. It is located about 100 km north of Quito and forms the social and economic centre of the northern highlands. It is best visited as early in the morning as possible before the tourists begin to outnumber the locals. The market covers all sorts of food, clothing and general goods - plus handicrafts for the tourist. Everyday is market day, but Saturday is the biggest. As in all crowded places, beware of pickpockets.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent customer service, provide amazing trips
Disadvantages: None at all.

...in the local communities. They also encourage to visitors to support the local economy by buying locally made goods and using local services. What’s Next. I enjoyed the trip so much I am looking into doing their trip to Peru and the jungle next year with them. I know I can rely on being giving honest answers to any questions I have rather then them saying anything just to sell a holiday. As you may well have guessed I thoroughly recommend them. Further details. Llama Travel Limited Oxford House 49A Oxford Road London N4 3EY Tel 020 7263 3000 Recommended. Yes. They really provide a trip of a lifetime. Costs Our trip was Galapagos Starfish & A taste of Ecuador plus excursions of Bellavista cloud forest, Colonial Quito and Otavalo £2294 per person. ( booked Oct 2006)... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Wonderful insight into South America all in one small country.
Disadvantages: Poverty and associated social impacts.

...offered by the hotels. Its also a nice day out to travel the Avenue of the Waterfalls. Mountain bikes are rentable or for the more lazy like us try "La Chiva" a mad open sided disco music pumping bus! A great day out but expect to get wet and cold, dont miss the optional cable car (a box on a rope) journey over the canyon. Food in Banos is cheaper than Quito, not many places seem to add the tax. We had lasagne x2 and beer for under $11, Cafe Cultura did an amazing breakfast for $4, try the set menu at Lilas- beers, margarita, steak, crepes less than $12. You can party hard and safely in Banos! The volcano Tungurahua is still active although the promised views of spitting red hot flames are exaggerated by the local travel agents. Off to Otavalo via Quito for the market. Stayed in hotel Valle de Almanecer. Rooms are small and basic but around... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful