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The market at Otavalo is a total tourist trap but a must-see nonetheless. Haggling with vendors is near impossible since they know you have the money if you are there. I really enjoyed it. Other towns along the various main highways specialize in certain crafts and are generally better places to buys crafts & native goods.
Otavalo is a tourist trap from hell but luckily we had a local guide with us that helped us. The small town of Otavalo is famous for its Saturday Indian market, which dates back to pre-Inca times. Otavalo is two to three hours north of Quito by bus. Taxis are the only other way to get to Otavalo from Quito.We found a few items that we liked but when we went to other market towns in the area, we found cheaper and better quality.
When in Baños do go to the hot springs! they are great especially after a day of hiking or mountain biking. BUT, do check at what time they close! (about 16.00h)They don't tell you and we have seen many tourists entering just a few minutes before they pull the plug!
Cotacachi is a 'leather' town near Otavalo. Famous leather handicrafts that are sold here for incredible (high) prices. It is not worth visiting as you won't see the art of making the products and in the many shops they sell the same things. Often it is included in the tours offered by the agencies in Otavalo, but when exploring on your own, just skipp it!
The center of the world is not much more than a cheesy museum and a line painted on the ground to show the 'equator.' I've actually heard they built it about a mile off the real line but hey everyone should go there at least once.
Unless you have lots of time and money, or are very into nature, I feel the Galapagos Islands are overrated. Sure, they are amazing and beautiful, but I feel there's much more to be experienced in traveling the rest of the country and getting to know the people and the culture.
booking Riobamba train package prior to leaving (very expensive doing it this way)
mitad de mundo-forget it. its dusty, ugly and the museums are comical.
In colonial Quito the chance to get robbed is big. Be aware of this!!!!!
Mitad del Mundo, it's a definite tourist trap but....you gotta go there. Otavalo is another but the deals there are almost too good to pass up.
Four Points by Sheraton Quito Quito
6 Reviews and 82 Opinions I knew this hotel as the Sheraton Quito, but I suppose that it was, at least at one time, a Four...
Hotel Victoria Cuenca
1 Review and 46 Opinions I arrived without a reservation at the end of a long and exhausting day (see my Alausi page). The...
Samari Spa Resort Baños
33 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Ecuador attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ecuador sightseeing.
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Q: Hello I leave in Ecuador next month and i'm looking a spanish school, located in the Pacific Coast. I know there is a school in...
A: Hello Enrico You're right, Montanita is such a touristic place. I understand you want to avoid it. Last year, I have spent one month in a spanish school in Sua, near...
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