Zuleta & Otavalo Cultural Journey
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Starting and finishing in Quito, this two day escape blends culture and scenery in the northern Andes. In Zuleta you’ll wander whitewashed lanes and blooming gardens – meet community hosts for an embroidery workshop and enjoy a traditional three course lunch served pamba mesa style. Explore Casa Museo Karangue, try adobe making, and settle into a historic hacienda surrounded by peaks. Next day brings the volcanic beauty of Laguna de Cuicocha – expect rim views and twin islands – plus an Andean instrument workshop with a live performance. Wrap up at Otavalo’s Plaza de los Ponchos – then head back to Quito.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
2 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
QuitoEnds
QuitoMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Ecuador that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
EcuadorMeals Included
None ProvidedPassengers
$860.00
$258.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Quito - Otavalo - Zuleta
Leave Quito on a scenic drive through green mountains, patchwork fields and picturesque villages en route to Zuleta. On arrival, you’re warmly welcomed by a local community guide and step into village life as guests rather than tourists. Stroll along quiet streets lined with whitewashed houses and blooming gardens before visiting a local artisan’s home for an exclusive embroidery workshop.
Learn Zuleta’s renowned techniques – fill stitch, chain stitch and cord stitch – and craft a handmade keepsake to take home. This hands–on cultural experience blends genuine connection with creativity. Enjoy a delicious three–course traditional lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients – Andean grains, tubers and ancestral recipes – served either as a communal pamba mesa or a set menu.
In the afternoon, you visit the Casa Museo Karangue to explore ancestral history, traditional adobe construction, ancient looms and archaeological treasures, and you join a fun adobe–making activity for an authentic touch. End the day at a beautiful historic hacienda surrounded by mountains – colonial charm, peaceful gardens and pure Andean serenity await. Overnight in Otavalo.
Day 2 - Quito
Discover the highlights of the northern Andes on a full–day journey of culture and nature. Your adventure begins at the breathtaking Laguna de Cuicocha, a crater lake set within an ancient volcano. Walk along scenic trails with panoramic views of its deep–blue waters and twin islands, while your expert guide shares insights into its volcanic origins and cultural importance. You can pause to connect with nature and capture memorable photographs.
Next, you visit a traditional Andean instrument workshop to see how charangos, quenas and zampoñas are handcrafted, and enjoy a short live performance that brings Andean music to life. Continue to the iconic Plaza de los Ponchos – South America’s most famous indigenous market – to browse vibrant stalls filled with handwoven textiles, ponchos, jewellery and authentic handicrafts, perfect for meaningful souvenirs and encounters. Then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Andean flavours. After the experience, transfer back to your hotel in Quito.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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