City: Imbabura Province
Top Things to do in Imbabura Province
10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Imbabura Province That You Shouldn't Miss
Imbabura (Spanish pronunciation: [imbaˈβuɾa]) is a province located in the Andes of northern Ecuador. The capital is Ibarra. The people of the province speak Spanish and the Imbaburan Quechua language.
Restaurants in Imbabura Province
1. Private Otavalo and Cotacachi Day Trip from Quito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Departure from Quito at 8:00am by the way "Pan-Americana Norte" with a brief stop Guayllabamba where you can taste the "custard apple/ chirimoya" fruit typical of the area.Visit the viewpoint of road to Cayambe to admire and take pictures of the beautiful valleys and mountains that holds this place. Crossing the line equatorial Cayambe, we passed Guachalá (ex monument in the middle of the World). Before arriving at Otavalo we make a short stop at Mira Lago (Viewpoint in San Pablo) to photograph the beautiful San Pablo Lake and its wonderful beauty. Continue to get to Otavalo where the Indians "Otavalos" develop their textiles. Later we will visit the Otavalo Market, where artisans exhibit their wares. Stop for lunch and continue to Cotacachi renown for its leather shops, return to Quito.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell
Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.
2. Private Full Day Tour to Cochasqui, Otavalo and Peguche from Quito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It is a great tour that combines the ancestral history with the actual and modern indigenous people from Otavalo. It is a mixture of two times, Cochasqui that means “the lagoon of the other half” is an archeological complex built between 500 AD and 1500 AD and Otavalo and Peguche a community of artisans, with its millenary waterfall of 18 meters high. Are you ready to discover this place?
Inclusions: Professional Driver / Guide , Private transportation
Exclusions: Food & Drinks, Entrances & Activities, Extras not detailed
3. Otavalo Market - Full day BY ECUADORTREASURE
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy a full day in the biggest indigenous market of South America. The perfect opportunity to acquire your souvenirs and enjoy a beautiful landscape.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Lunch, All activities, Professional guide
Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By dragonphoe18
Susy and Angie from Ecuador Treasure were marvelous and managed to sort out an issue at the hotel when they could not find our room reservation. We don't speak Spanish but we hooked onto WIFI and WhatsApp and they spoke directly to hotel reception to resolve. Next day we went on a tour of Quito with Carlos and it turned out to be a private tour since it was just the 2 of us in our group. We had an early start to get ahead of the crowds and we went to visit Pululahua Crater first. Unfortunately it was totally in the mist so we couldn't see the view! But it was good to see the humingbirds and also the indigenous people wandering down into the crater where they live. Next stop to visit Mitad del Mundo, the monument dedicated to where the Equatorial line was calculated to be by the French (who knew?!), followed by the a very fun, educational and interesting visit 'next door' to the Museo de Sitio Intinan. Last stop was to visit the Old City of Quito and its fabulous architecture. Carlos was fabulous and guided us around the buildings and plazas. The tour included lunch and he also showed us where to buy some coffee and chocolate (at our request). Last he took us to visit the local arts and crafts market where we could buy some souvenirs and gifts at better prices than those shops at Mitad del Mundo, which are numerous and all sell the same stuff. It turned out Carlos was our driver the next morning to drop us at the airport. He parked and stayed with us and that was a godsend as there was such a long queue to get the Ingala for the Galapagos (due to the local holiday) and we would have probably missed the flight if he hadn't called in a favour and got us to the front of the check-in queue. If you go on a tour in Quito - ask for Carlos from Ecuador Treasure, he is a top man!
4. Otavalo Market (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.
Inclusions: Local guide, Transport by private vehicle, Bottle of water, Private tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch
Reviewed By Tina S
We needed a rapid Covid test within 72 hours of our flight back to the US. Guanguiltagua Expeditions to the rescue!! Dennis and team helped Us get the test from a private lab that came to our condo in Cuenca and we Received results the very next day! Great experience and great service!
5. Otavalo Daytour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Summary The indigenous town of Otavalo is famous across South America for its handicraft market and colorful inhabitants, but the area also offers far more. Come with us to Otavalo, a small town 2 hours north of Quito, has the biggest Indian handicraft market in South America. But it is not only famous for its typical handicraft, wood, weaving and souvenir markets; but as well as for its landscape. We will drive past Beautiful lakes, Indian villages, high peaks and natural reserves which surround the Otavalo area.
Inclusions: What’s Included:, Lunch, Private Transport, Professional guide
Exclusions: What’s Not Included:, Additional Snacks / Beverages, TIPS, Breakfast
Reviewed By RichardA4235
Could not recommend more highly! We were in Quito and did a day trip to Mindo. Our guide, Alex, was amazing. He was a wealth of information and went far out of his way to show us everything we wanted to see. We zip-lined, went to the butterfly museum, did a chocolate tasting and learned how cocoa beans become chocolate. We also did a cable and hike to a waterfall. We really wanted to hit the equator museum on the way back and Alex made sure we got there -- we were running behind and he called to make sure they would stay open for us. Along the way, he gave us a great sense about Ecuador. Alex even helped us order pizza on the way home . He said that "no" was not in his vocabulary and that turned out to be true. The whole operation was so easy -- they even took us to the airport on our way out. The bus was comfortable, the driver safe, and it was just overall a fabulous trip -- our favorite activity in Quito. Thank you Alex and CarpeDM!
6. Private Tour to Otavalo & Surroundings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Imbabura or known as the Lakes Province is absolutely one of the favorite tours on visitor’s trips while in Ecuador. The main attraction is Otavalo Market. It is a massive Saturday crafts market (But there is a market every day too) – one of the biggest of South America! Tons of traditionally-attired Quechua locals take over the streets of the whole town center, selling beautiful artwork, handicrafts, livestock, and clothing, anything you can imagine! You will also LOVE the food at Cotacachi also known as the Leather Town, and all the great but cheap restaurants around town. The waterfall that after a short walk ,you will be impressed by its beauty .Finally amazing views of the Andes right above the volcanic crater. We invite you to join us to this very colorful tour with a local taste
Inclusions: 1 bottle per person, Private transportation, All sightseeing mentioned above, English -Spanish speaking Certified Guide, Park admission fee
Exclusions: However we always stop at Cotacachi town , where you can have something to eat too, Gratuities, Anything not specified in program
Reviewed By SunriseFitness
I highly recommend this tour! It’s active but not strenuous, covers a lot, and Alex was friendly and knowledgeable throughout. It felt nice to have a blend of parks and the city, stopping along the way for photos, explanations and history, sweeping city views and gelato on a balcony.
7. Private Day Tour Otavalo Handicraft Unique Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Day tour from/to Quito. Otavalo is an attractive town, surrounded by volcanoes and lakes. A beautiful postal of the Northern Ecuadorian Andes. Otavalo’s beauty lies in its people and the towering volcanoes that surround the Andean town. The Otavaleños are a very prosperous community of skilled textile weavers, who gather to sell their products at the market in the city of Otavalo as they have done for centuries, as regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. This tour is special because we will visit some, micro-enterprises family owned and a women association in two communities surrounding Otavalo. Those projects are a form of income and employment for the local population. We will visit a dreamcatcher workshop to see the process of the creation and where you will make your own. But also a textile handicraft workshop with a demonstration of weaving and presentation of the Otavalos Culture.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Andean soup, Andean main meal and Fresh juice (specify if you have food restrictions), Activities during the tour
Exclusions: Mandatory Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses, Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, Tips, Entrance to Quitsato Mitad del Mundo Monument
Reviewed By Washigton1
From the moment I have contacted Travel2south company to the last minute of our departure from ecolodge we have received the best possible service. Everyone working in the office as well at the lodge is extremely professional , knowledgeable and just there for you to make sure that you will have the best time during your vacation. Amazing day and night time walk, boat rides, swimming in the lake, visiting indigenous people village and making Juca bread with them, meeting shaman, bird and animal watching and just unwinding in this beautiful place, every minute there was wonderful.Thank you very much!!!
8. Private Full-Day Trip to Otavalo and Its Surroundings from Quito
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 13 reviews
This magical province of Imbabura is surrounded by lakes, is cradle of artists, histories and living pre-Inca cultures. Otavalo is a small town and symbolic from this province,also world-famous for its indigenous population which are travelling around the world selling their fine hand-made colourful textiles, hats, Indian jewellery, ponchos, or performing with Andean Folk music groups. It has about 50.000 inhabitants and the city is considered the economically most successful indigenous group of Latin America. Today, you will visit the textile market (bigger on Wednesdays and Saturdays) but open 7 days a week! You will also have the opportunity to visit the fruit market and surrounding artisan villages with your own private guide. Depending on the time, you will also visit Cuicocha crater lake for a short hike or just enjoy the wonderful viewpoint.
Inclusions: Private transportation, English speaking guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Activities not mentioned, Personal expenses, Lunch (on request), Tips (optional)
9. Otavalo Tour from Quito Visiting Cayambe, Indigenous Market, Small groups
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 121 reviews
Visit the tourist highlights in the province of Imbabura where you can visit the largest Indigenous Market in Latin America in Otavalo.
Inclusions: Tourist transport, Bilingual guide (English / Spanish), All entrances, Hotel pickup
Exclusions: Details not especified , Food and drinks, Tips
Reviewed By Don J
My wife and I were fortunate to be able to take a private tour while in Quito during COVID lockdown. Our itinerary included The Museo de Sitio Intinan, the Casa de Agave distillery and museum, lunch at Panorama, and a drive through the Quito Historico Centro and up to the Mirador de Panecillo. Our tour guide, Diana, was exceptional. She had a great command of the English language, was very personable, and very knowledgeable about every place we visited throughout the day. She went above and beyond to make the day a very personal and special one for us, including taking pictures of us and for us throughout the day. Our driver, Carlos, was also wonderful. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Quito!
10. Otavalo Market Private Sightseeing and Surroundings
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 2 reviews
On this private tour you will visit Otavalo and the surrounding towns such as Quitsato and the solar dial on the ecuator line, handcraft market, Peguche waterfall and the families of weavers and and look at the manufacturing of Andean musical instruments and Cotacachi leather town . In this tour you can enjoy from a great mix of culture and beautiful andean landscapes. Besides you will visit one of the best places to buy souvenirs and leather!
Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off from/to centrally located hotels in Quito, Professional bilingual Guide, Bottle of purified water
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tips, Hotel pick-off and drop-off outside of the city. The extra cost can range from $30 till $70 , Lunch
Reviewed By lilsnack0421
David and his assistant (tour guide in training) were absoltuely amazing. Once we got to Mindo, they gave us the option to do whatever we'd like. We ended us doing more than just the Butterfly farm and Chocolate tour and they were very flexible and easy going. However, no entrance fees were included so I felt as if it was slightly overpriced. I don't regret anything, however. David told us all about his country on the way back and it was obvious he loved what he did.
