OTAVALO

A world famous city in the province of Imbabura, near the San Pablo Lake, lies only an hour and a half by car from Quito. Known mostly for the traditional handicraft of the local Indians, who produce clothing, textiles, woollen and other hand-crafted products. Picturesquely colourful and authentic markets are held here every day. Thanks to the industrious population, Otavalo has become the most commercially dynamic area in the region with a great potential for export. Nearby tourist locations include the Peguche Waterfall, Cotacachi, a town with rich ethnical culture and tradition in leather work, the Cuicocha or Mojanda crater lakes and the Cochasqui archaeological site.