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Weather in Otavalo
Andean indigenous market of colour and textiles
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About Otavalo
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
August, September
Things to do in Otavalo
Explore
Dine
Culture
Nature
Shopping
Day trips
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
February
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
March
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
April
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
May
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
June
18C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
July
19C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
September
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
20C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
November
19C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
December
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
Otavalo is famed for its sprawling Saturday market, one of the largest indigenous markets in South America, where Kichwa artisans from surrounding villages sell textiles, weavings, and crafts much as they have for generations. Beyond the market, the town sits in a valley ringed by volcanoes, with the crater lake of Cuicocha and weaving villages like Peguche within easy reach.
Best areas to stay in Otavalo
Otavalo market area (Plaza de Ponchos)
The heart of the famous market, surrounded by shops and stalls selling textiles and crafts.
Otavalo town centre
The wider town with hotels, restaurants, and easy access to the market and bus terminal.
Cuicocha
A volcanic crater lake a short drive away, with a hiking trail around the rim.
Peguche
A weaving village just outside Otavalo, with workshops and a sacred waterfall.
Getting to Otavalo
✈
Flights
Fly into Quito (UIO), then travel by road around 2 hours to Otavalo.
⏱
From London
~14-16 hours from London via a US or Bogotá connection plus onward road travel.
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Getting around
Buses and shared taxis run frequently between Otavalo and Quito; the town centre and market are walkable, with taxis to outlying villages.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Otavalo?
The market runs every day but is largest on Saturdays, so plan around that; the dry season (June-September) is generally best for hiking.
How do I get to Otavalo?
Otavalo is around 2 hours by road from Quito, with frequent buses and shared shuttles available.
What can I buy at the Otavalo market?
Traditional textiles, woven ponchos and tapestries, leather goods, jewellery, and crafts from Kichwa communities across the region.
Is Cuicocha worth visiting?
Yes — this crater lake near Otavalo offers a scenic hiking trail around the rim with views of two small islands and surrounding volcanoes.
What is Peguche known for?
A nearby village famous for traditional weaving workshops and a waterfall considered sacred in local indigenous tradition.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Saturday market was overwhelming in the best way, so much colour and craftsmanship. Got some beautiful textiles direct from the weavers.
Isabel M. · August 2023
★★★★☆
Hiked around Cuicocha crater lake which was stunning and not too strenuous. A great day trip combined with the market.
Connor P. · July 2024
★★★★☆
Visited Peguche to see weaving demonstrations and the waterfall, a nice quieter contrast to the busy market in town.
Renata B. · September 2023
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