Condors and Culture in Otavalo

Nature, Local Life & Culture, Local Markets

• Take in breathtaking views of San Pablo Lake
• Spot vultures, owls, and eagles on a nature walk
• See hawks and falcons display their amazing flying skills during an exciting flight demonstration
• Have a close encounter with the majestic Andean Condor
• Enjoy traditional cuisine with a modern twist
• Visit the mystical Peguche Waterfall
• Pick up some colourful crafts at a traditional indigenous market

Head out of Quito for a tour of Otavalo and its wildlife and market. Begin your adventure by travelling through the beautiful highland province of Imbabura. Stop at San Pablo Lake to take in sweeping views of the Ecuadorian Andes. This place is a photographer’s dream, so now's not the time to realise you forgot your camera!

 

Our first stop on this Otavalo tour is a visit to a sanctuary that rehabilitates endangered, predatory birds. Home to many bird species as well as one of the world’s most endangered birds - the mighty Andean Condor - this sanctuary does a wonderful job of feeding, housing, and rehabilitating injured and mistreated birds.

 

Walk the trail and spot vultures, owls, and eagles before watching an impressive flight demonstration. Admire the agility and skill of hawks and falcons as they fly, dive, and find prey on command.  Witnessing these remarkable creatures in full flight is truly mesmerising!

 

Stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant that serves innovative cuisine from both ancient and modern recipes. Continue your adventure with a short walk to the Peguche Waterfall, considered by locals to be a sacred place. Surrounded by lush greenery, the powerful torrents of water create a hazy mist that wafts through this enchanting natural world.

 

Finish your tour of Otavalo by visiting an indigenous craft market full of vendors proudly displaying their wares. Wander through the market perusing the wide range of unique jewelry, hand-woven rugs, colourful clothing, bright bags, hand-carved ornaments, and vibrant textiles. The quality here is exceptional and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere, so it's an ideal spot to pick up a unique local souvenir created by one of the many talented artisans at the market.

 

Return to Quito after an active day filled with rich and natural wonders, amazing wildlife encounters, tasty cuisine, and cultural treasures.

Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively.  Children below the age of 6 years are not permitted on the tour. Items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for the guide

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.