The weaving trade of Otavalo is spread out through a number of surrounding communities and can be visited within 20 to 30 minutes via bus from the town center or by taxi.

Further examples for loom weaving demonstrations may also be found in Ilumán close to the local plaza (northeast side) ask for the "Conterón de la Torre" family who will also show you the backstrap loom technique as well as various crafts, also look out for various hat makers dotted around town.

Once in Peguche you can head around 2 km southeast to Cascada de Peguche, a beautiful waterfall.

Laguna de San Pablo is another place of interest with spectacular views of the Imbabura volcano.

The trail actually begins at the south side of calle Morales also in Otavalo on various paths behind the train station. The lake itself is surrounded by a paved road and if you head in a clockwise route you'll also pass the tranquil village of San Pablo del Lago that'll take you through to the Panamericana highway where you could flag down passing busses if you don't wish to return by foot which equally takes around 90 minutes back down hills.

The Imbabura volcano (4,650 m), is accessible from the San Pablo lake, it takes about six to seven hours to reach the summit. Another easier option to access the volcano is from La Esperanza, located south of lbarra. There is a frequent Bus service from Otavalo (Bus station) to San Pablo del Lago (US$0.30).

Accommodation around the lake

Cabañas del Lago.- Located on the north eastern side of San Pablo lake. Cozy cabins surrounded by stunning lake views, in addition to romantic comfortable rooms with fireplace. Excellent restaurant, bar, boats, games and beautiful gardens. Book now!

Hosteria Puerto Lago Country Inn.- Located along the Panamericana Sur at Km 6, some 90 minutes from Quito, in the Northern Ecuadorian Andes, on the shores of the legendary San Pablo Lake. It boasts European style chalets with fire place, an excellent restaurant offering international and local specialties, in addition to run motor boat tours in the lake and a variety of sport facilities including tennis, Lake Bass fishing, water skiing, sailing and much more. The hosteria also features boat trips during the day and night with live music on board. Book now!

Hosteria Jatun Cocha.- Located along the Panamericana at Km 6, on the western side of Lago San Pablo. Nice rooms with fireplaces. They also provide windsurfing & kayaks on the lake's bank. Book now!

Hosteria Cusín.- A refurbished 17th century Hacienda at 8,500 feet, 90 minutes north of Quito and 20 minutes south from the famous market town of Otavalo. All are individually styled guestrooms, suites and garden cottages have private bathrooms and views of perennial gardens. Most guestrooms have log-burning fireplaces, beamed ceilings, king-size beds and fine Andean craft furnishings. Amenities include horseback riding, stables with arena and prolific animals, mountain biking, an internet café, basketball, squash, volleyball courts and games room.Book now!

Accommodation

EI Mesón de las Flores.- Address: Garcia Moreno 1376 and Sucre. A refurbished ex-hacienda. Book now!

Short budget?

Cotacachi Inn.- Address: 10 de Agosto 12-38 and Bolivar. Reservations. Tel. 2915490, Fax: 2915286.

Restaurants (The local specialty here is "carne colorada")

Fortunatos.-International & local specialties. Address: Sucre 913 and Montalvo.

El Leñador.- Varied menu. Address: Sucre 1012 and Montalvo.

Frequent bus service from Otavalo (terminal) for around US$0.40 as well as from Egas and Morales on weekends (US$0.50). Also, there is a frequent direct bus service to Quito for about US$3.00.

The lake itself has a 4-5 hour walk circling it and from here you can see beautiful and awesome views of Imbabura and Cotacachi volcano, but with cloud cover threatening in the afternoons do visit early mornings for the best views while the Andes condor glides silently by overhead. During the walk do look out for humming birds who inhabit the area due to the various flowers including wild orchids and blueberries which are poisonous and although they taste delicious you'll require a stomach pump inside 2 hours within taking them as these are not normal blueberries.

Accommodation and Restaurants

El Mirador.- Rooms with fireplace. Reservations: Tel. 09-9559053. The place also offers knowledgeable guides for hikes around the area. Book now!

Transport

There is a frequent bus service from Cotacachi to Cuicocha lagoon for around US$3.50.

Accommodation is available in Hostal Colombia (Tel. 2911490). Also, El Manantial with sauna and swimming pool. Reservations are also available through our online Hotel reservation form.

This subtropical area is covered in flora and fauna including orchids during the drier season beginning in July as well as rich in bird life. Within the Reserve is a rustic lodge which allows only groups of 6 upwards. The food is mainly vegetarian and although there is no electricity the showers are generated via solar energy panels.

Accommodation and Restaurants

Residencial Don Luis.- Basic.

In Nangulví

Cabañas Rio Grande.- Basic cabins. Reservations: Tel. 06- 2920442 (in Otavalo).

Los Cedros Research Station.- With some 7,000 hectares of pure cloud forest, located on the southwest side of Reserva Cotacachi-Cayapas. It is famous for its orchid species and plentiful bird life. The access is between seven and eight hours walking from Saguangal, which is west of García Moreno. There is a hotel along the road so, that the journey does not have to be completed in one go. To get to Saguangal take a bus from the plaza in Cotocollao, Quito (6 1/2 hours). If you're going by car is some 2 hours less. See tour operators in Quito. Or, book in advance through our online Travel Agencies and Tour operators network reservation form.

Otavalo: