Otavalo Day Trips from Hacienda Cusin

Discover markets and mountains, lakes and artisan workshops…

Visit Otavalo Markets

The town of Otavalo’s fame has grown over the last decades to become one of the most popular visits in Ecuador. The reason? The Otavaleños’ textile weavings and the market where they are sold and bought. This market has grown over the years to encompass all sorts of crafts, where visitors can enjoy ambling among the stalls and admiring (and haggling over) the wares.

Markets:

Early on Saturday morning, the Otavalo livestock market takes place in fields to the northwest of the town. It’s a fun and curious spectacle to visit, although it’s unlikely you’ll be taking any of the beasts home.

The textiles and crafts market is held in the Plaza de los Ponchos in town every day. On Saturdays, stalls extend to all the surrounding streets.

A few blocks from both Otavalo’s main square and the Plaza de los Ponchos, explore the fruit, vegetable and food courts of the town’s municipal market.

Condor Park

Located on a prominent hill that affords sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the Parque Cóndor is a sanctuary for Ecuador’s most regal bird, as well as a varied assortment of raptors, including owls, eagles and falcons. The great majority of the birds have been rescued from captivity or injury. The park seeks to promote the protection of endangered species through hands-on environmental education. Falconry exhibitions are organized most days, a great activity for children and families.

Please check times with Reception.

Day trips from Hacienda Cusin – Otavalo Ecuador

San Pablo Town and Lake

According to local legend, the 3.5 by 2-km (2 by 1-mile) San Pablo lake was created when the community offered their most beautiful young girl as a sacrifice to Taita Imbabura (the great mountain overlooking the hacienda) during a terrible drought. Rife with folklore, the town and lake have beautiful landscapes to explore and a millenarian culture to discover.

Charming Craft Villages

Each of the quaint villages surrounding Otavalo highlights expert master artisans dedicated to a distinct Andean craft. Discover wood carving in San Antonio, leather work in Cotacachi, and weaving workshops in Iluman, Agato and Peguche.

Play Miniature Golf

Take a swing at a round at the course in the Cabañas del Lago complex, just minutes from the hacienda, beautifully located on the shores of the San Pablo Lake.

Water Sports

The water might be chilly but there’s still plenty of fun to be had on San Pablo lake, ten minutes from our Otavalo hacienda. Water-skiing, kayaking, boat trips and zorbing are on offer all year round. Complexes with facilities and restaurants include Puerto Lago and Cabañas del Lago (the latter reached by foot, bike or taxi).

Valley and Mountain Walks and Hikes

The nine walks and hikes (of varying length and difficulty) starting out from the hacienda traverse beautiful lakes, serene slopes, dramatic canyons and romantic valleys, exposing you to the purest air and an enchanting ambience. Maps for the Otavalo hiking routes including Gualaví, Imbabura, Mojanda, Quebrada, Rinconada, Cubilche, Lago Cuicocha and Zuleta can be found in Reception.

Andean Hill and Mountain Climbing

Accompanied by a guide, hikers and climbers in good physical shape can ascend some of the most awe-inspiring slopes in the region. Easy peaks include El Lechero and Cubilche, while Mojanda, Fuyafuya, Cotacachi and Imbabura are more demanding. For a snow-capped challenge, Cayambe rises 5,790 m (19,000 feet) to the southeast of Cusin.

Restaurants Near Hacienda Cusin

Building on the nourishing and comforting classic dishes of the Northern Andes, such as locro de papa (potato soup) and freshly-caught trout, restaurants in the area offer delicious cuisine in beautiful settings.

Options include:

$ inexpensive: Las Palmeras Inn, close to Otavalo | Muyu in Otavalo | La Cosecha in Otavalo

$$ moderate: La Compañía (Cayambe) | El Molino de San Juan (Cayambe)

$$$ expensive: Hacienda Pinsaquí, north of Otavalo | La Mirage, near Cotacachi

– Reserve at Cusin in advance –

Cochasqui Pyramids

One of the most sacred and mystical archeological sites in Ecuador, the earth pyramids of Cochasqui date back to 800 A.D. An attractive small museum houses the treasures excavated there, and the views of the Andean scenery are splendid on a clear day. The site is located 40 minutes from Cusin and guided tours are available in Spanish.

Explore More

HACIENDA CUSIN MAKES THE PERFECT BASE

In & Around Hacienda Cusin

There are no end of activities to enjoy from the comfort of the hacienda, whatever your idea of a perfect day.

View Activities

Ecuador Tours from Hacienda Cusin

From the Andes to the Amazon, the Pacific Coast to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is four worlds in one country.

View Activities

Itineraries

Create your perfect journey with us

VIEW OUR ITINERARIES

Guest Reviews

ABOUT OUR OTAVALO HACIENDA

 After the Galapagos, Hacienda Cusin We went to the Galapagos for 7 days. We had spent three days in Quito, prior to our Galapagos trip. We also wanted to... read moreWe went to the Galapagos for 7 days. We had spent three days in Quito, prior to our Galapagos trip. We also wanted to visit the Andes on this trip and decided to head north. It was a good decision. 
 
 We had a wonderful three day stay at Hacienda Cusin.  It is in the Northern Andes with the Imbachura volcano in the background, the Cotachi volcano nearby as well as the Otovalo market. We did a small climb at Cotatachi and that was beautiful. It was amazing to be at 15,000 feet  and looking at the surrounding Andean range.
 
 As for the the hacienda, it is a lovely place with beautiful gardens in the midst of a small town called San Rafael. There were hummingbirds, llamas, other wonderful birds and flowers in the garden. The hacienda is a historic home with a lovely library and dining room. The staff is very gracious and  very accommodating. Santiago the hotel manager was invaluable with his help and suggestions. The hacienda includes breakfast with an overnight stay and that was a welcome treat as it meant one less decision to make. We actually ate most of our meals there and were very pleased with thy food and our service was lovely. Also, we had the hotel arrange our pickup from the airport and they had their driver, Angel pick us up. 
 
 That made our life so much easier. Once again, he was very helpful when it came to explaining our trip and what we were seeing as we traveled to our destination. We hope to return one day soon. A lovely place in Ecuador with a lovely staff to match. read less
hudson214
9/15/2019
 Awesome, Just like so many others have said I find it hard to write, because so many before have written great reviews. And you know what, they are right! Stunning gardens, amazing... read moreI find it hard to write, because so many before have written great reviews. And you know what, they are right! Stunning gardens, amazing rooms and excellent service and staff. We had one night in the monastery and then two (and a half) nights in a cabin in the back of the hacienda. The common areas, like the library, or main house are so wonderfully decorated and laid out. We ate at both restaurants and breakfasts were very good and dinners as well. We did a couple of nearby hikes with great views. Only regret is we wished we could have stayed longer. read less
BenN869
11/25/2015
 Beautiful grounds and lovely room We were in one of the rooms in the garden, away from the main house.  Our room had a fireplace which was lit... read moreWe were in one of the rooms in the garden, away from the main house.  Our room had a fireplace which was lit every night, although it was not really very cold.  The room was decorated with beautiful local and antique art.   The gardens are lovely and spacious.  The rate included breakfast, and we also had dinner twice in the dining room.  The full meal seemed rather pricey, compared to the local restaurants, but since it is a $15 cab ride to get into town, it works out about the same.  The bar rates are very reasonable for wine and beer.  The front office was great about arranging for excursions and transfers.  There is wi-fi in the common areas, but not in the rooms. read less
picturegal
3/15/2016

Extended stay discounts!

Book 4 nights and get the 5th free!
Website reservations only.

*Not applicable Easter Week & Dec 20 – Jan 1

Reserve Now