Otavalo full-day tour: $40 per person;
lunch and entrance fee are not included. Description: This tour begins at about 8AM; it normally
takes a couple of hours to get to the Otavalo's Market; on
our way by the North-Panamerican highway we'll pass-by the Guayllabamba's
valley and Cayambe.
We'll make
a quick-stop on Saint Paul's lake for a panoramic view of
this lake and, if its clear enough, of the Imbabura's volcano,
and then we'll continue to the famous Otavalenos handicraft's
market. Later, we'll continue to the Peguche's waterfall
for a little walking on a eucalyptus forest, before to continue
to Cotacachi, famous for the excellent quality leather
goods, for lunch and a little bit more of shopping, after which
we'll drive back to Quito.
Cotopaxi National Park: $45 per person; lunch,
and entrance fee (now $5) are not included. Description: Departure at 07AM; drive through the South-Panamerican
highway where, if the weather is good, we can see the volcanoes
avenue and admire the incredible landscapes.
Depending on weather, visit to the Interpretation Center or
Limpiopungos lake. Once at the Cotopaxis Park,
hike-up from the parking lot at 4500m to the refuge at 4800m; hike
to the glaciers zone (depending on weather) at nearly
5000m; return to parking lot and to Quito.