Otavalo is a largely indigenous town in the Imbabura Province, well known for its Saturday market. The town, which is in a valley, is surrounded by the peaks of the Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda volcanoes. The Indians of Otavalo are famous for the weaving of textiles, which has a 400 year history. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music and musicians. There are many musical groups currently travelling around the world promoting Inca music (sometimes known as Andean New Age). This style of music has had notable commercial success worldwide.

Around and closeby
You can hike to the top of two of the surrounding volcanoes. Imbabura can be done in a day, with a car taking you to about 3,500metres. Cotacachi is probably best done over night. Both are normally surrounded in cloud, with Cotacachi often getting snowfall as a result of its extra altitude. A number of the small tour agencies in the town operate tours, and are quite affordable. West of Otavalo, at the base of Volcan Cotacachi and near Cotacachi Village, is an eco reserve, with a lake in the crater of the volcano. It's very pretty, with a lovely, but reasonably long, walk around. Great views to Volcán Imbabura and Otavalo can be seen from there. To get there go to Cotacachi village and hire a taxi from there.

Getting there
If you come from Tulcan buses will probably drop you off at the Pan American highway, it's only a 10 minute walk to the centre from there. There is a small bus terminal, north-east of town along Calle Atahualpa and buses from Quito arrive there regularly.