This was a fascinating day tour to Otavalo and its surroundings with a private driver. This was a day of radiant sunshine.
I was hired by Sergio as a private driver. He and his familyare from Mexico who wanted to do something different. Therefore, his intention was to get out of town. So, I met Sergio and his family at the hotel Casa Gardenia, a nice hotel located in the historic center of Quito. Then, we left for the airport to drop off their bags at the Whyndom Hotel.
During the trip, we were able to see the Cayambe and Cotopaxi volcanoes in all their splendor. After that, we headed to Otavalo. Before arriving in the area, we first drove around San Pablo Lake and admired the surrounding landscape. Above all, we admire the Imbabura Volcano next to the lake.
Peguche is a famous town of weavers close to Otavalo
We continued our journey to the Peguche Waterfall, considered a sacred place to the local indigenous people. We made a 15 minute walk to visit the waterfall. Undoubtedly, a mystical place with lots of vegetation, surrounded by trails with a very pleasant smell of eucalyptus. In addition to the trails, you can observe some species of birds. Sergio and I were very excited trying to capture a good picture of the hummingbirds and tanagers of the place.
After that, as a private driver in Otavalo I headed towards the small town of Peguche. Without a doubt, a picturesque weaving village. Here, we visited the handicraft workshop of
El Gran Condor. Overall, a very colorful place full of craftswomen with designs and products made of wool and alpaca. Its owner, Mrs. Luzmila gave us a demonstration of how to weave by hand and also on a loom. Above all, she showed us how to weave with the ancient back strap loom system.
Cotacachi and Cuicocha
The Cuicocha lagoon is an ancient volcanic crater. However, it is still active. Its last eruption was 3,000 to 3,500 years ago.
The volcano has been dormant ever since, but the volcanic ash that scattered as a result of that old eruption turned the area into one known for its nutrient-rich soils. Above all, this magical place encloses a mysterious lagoon that attracts and enchants any visitor wiht its magical water and its incredible beauty.
After this fantastic visit, we headed to Cotacachi to shop at the leather handicraft stores. Later, we take a well-deserved rest at the restaurant El Leñador. Undoubtedly, a nice and pleasant place with very delicious gastronomy.
At the end of the day, we return to Quito.
Without a doubt, it was a very exciting day full of adventure.