City: Imbabura Province
Top Things to do in Imbabura Province
Countries
10 Cultural Tours in Imbabura Province That You Shouldn't Miss
Imbabura (Spanish pronunciation: [imbaˈβuɾa]) is a province located in the Andes of northern Ecuador. The capital is Ibarra. The people of the province speak Spanish and the Imbaburan Quechua language.
Restaurants in Imbabura Province
1. Private Otavalo and Cotacachi Day Trip from Quito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Departure from Quito at 8:00am by the way "Pan-Americana Norte" with a brief stop Guayllabamba where you can taste the "custard apple/ chirimoya" fruit typical of the area.Visit the viewpoint of road to Cayambe to admire and take pictures of the beautiful valleys and mountains that holds this place. Crossing the line equatorial Cayambe, we passed Guachalá (ex monument in the middle of the World). Before arriving at Otavalo we make a short stop at Mira Lago (Viewpoint in San Pablo) to photograph the beautiful San Pablo Lake and its wonderful beauty. Continue to get to Otavalo where the Indians "Otavalos" develop their textiles. Later we will visit the Otavalo Market, where artisans exhibit their wares. Stop for lunch and continue to Cotacachi renown for its leather shops, return to Quito.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell
Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.
2. 2 Day Private Tour to Otavalo Market & surroundings from Quito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
- Explore Otavalo, South America's largest indigenous market - Discover the customs, traditions, and culture of local people - Enjoy visiting the most interesting spots from the area: Condor Park, Cuicocha Lake, Otavalo Market, workshops and a waterfall in Peguche
Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Overnight accommodation, All activities, Certified English/ Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips
Reviewed By Bretekiel
We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.
3. Rose Plantation, Equator Line and Otavalo Market Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Don't waste your time waiting looking for the "typical" tour to Otavalo. Protect your family and avoid unnecessary crowds. Visit a wonderful and charming rose plantation, and also stand at the most accurate site where the equator line passes through..! Have a very relaxing time at the biggest Indian Market of South America, and explore Otavalo's surrounding areas! All this exciting adventures are awaiting for you very close to Quito! Make your stay in the capital city of Ecuador an unforgettable life experience!!
Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English speaking guide, Mentioned itinerary and visits
Exclusions: Drinks, Meals, All Fees and Taxes
Reviewed By JeannePlantation
I had only one afternoon in Quito to sightsee. I contacted Ecuador's Best Tour with late notice by email and Luis replied right away. Luis has a great laid back, no worries attitude and assured me he would take care of everything and pick me up at my hotel. He arrived early to pick me up. I was thrilled to visit the beautiful Church la Compania. Luis was very knowledgeable about the history of the church and architecture. Next we visited a beautiful view of the city with the statue Virgin of El Panecillo. I only had a few hours to visit and Ecuador's Best Tours really helped me make the most of my visit. I highly recommend booking this with this company and you will be lucky if Luis is your guide. His English is extraordinary and he's just a pleasant guide to be around. I have toured many places around the would and I would say Luis was one of the best guides I have encountered. I got some great photos from my visit and hope to return someday. I would certainly use Ecuador's Best Tours again.
4. Otavalo Daytour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Summary The indigenous town of Otavalo is famous across South America for its handicraft market and colorful inhabitants, but the area also offers far more. Come with us to Otavalo, a small town 2 hours north of Quito, has the biggest Indian handicraft market in South America. But it is not only famous for its typical handicraft, wood, weaving and souvenir markets; but as well as for its landscape. We will drive past Beautiful lakes, Indian villages, high peaks and natural reserves which surround the Otavalo area.
Inclusions: What’s Included:, Lunch, Private Transport, Professional guide
Exclusions: What’s Not Included:, Additional Snacks / Beverages, TIPS, Breakfast
Reviewed By RichardA4235
Could not recommend more highly! We were in Quito and did a day trip to Mindo. Our guide, Alex, was amazing. He was a wealth of information and went far out of his way to show us everything we wanted to see. We zip-lined, went to the butterfly museum, did a chocolate tasting and learned how cocoa beans become chocolate. We also did a cable and hike to a waterfall. We really wanted to hit the equator museum on the way back and Alex made sure we got there -- we were running behind and he called to make sure they would stay open for us. Along the way, he gave us a great sense about Ecuador. Alex even helped us order pizza on the way home . He said that "no" was not in his vocabulary and that turned out to be true. The whole operation was so easy -- they even took us to the airport on our way out. The bus was comfortable, the driver safe, and it was just overall a fabulous trip -- our favorite activity in Quito. Thank you Alex and CarpeDM!
5. Private Tour to Otavalo & Surroundings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Imbabura or known as the Lakes Province is absolutely one of the favorite tours on visitor’s trips while in Ecuador. The main attraction is Otavalo Market. It is a massive Saturday crafts market (But there is a market every day too) – one of the biggest of South America! Tons of traditionally-attired Quechua locals take over the streets of the whole town center, selling beautiful artwork, handicrafts, livestock, and clothing, anything you can imagine! You will also LOVE the food at Cotacachi also known as the Leather Town, and all the great but cheap restaurants around town. The waterfall that after a short walk ,you will be impressed by its beauty .Finally amazing views of the Andes right above the volcanic crater. We invite you to join us to this very colorful tour with a local taste
Inclusions: 1 bottle per person, Private transportation, All sightseeing mentioned above, English -Spanish speaking Certified Guide, Park admission fee
Exclusions: However we always stop at Cotacachi town , where you can have something to eat too, Gratuities, Anything not specified in program
Reviewed By SunriseFitness
I highly recommend this tour! It’s active but not strenuous, covers a lot, and Alex was friendly and knowledgeable throughout. It felt nice to have a blend of parks and the city, stopping along the way for photos, explanations and history, sweeping city views and gelato on a balcony.
6. Ecuador Classic 8 Days Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Ecuador Classic tour was designed for the person who is looking for an overview of Ecuador. To begin, you will enjoy a full city tour of Quito and the Equator Museum. then you will visit the Otavalo Indian Market and the Peguche Waterfall. And don´t forget the Cuicocha Volcano visit. Next, you´ll journey to the Cotopaxi Volcano for womderful views of the famous avenue of the volcanoes. Then visit the jungle gateway known as Baños and its waterfalls. After stuning views of more volcanoes , also a magical train ride , finally cuenca city one of the Unesco world heritage sites and Guayaquil City, the largest one of Ecuador. Discover with us the Ecuadorian wonders!!!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private transportation, 8 Days / 7 Nights in Tourist Superior hotel Category ( DBL, TRPL), National Parks Entrance fee
Exclusions: Quito Tickets , Gratuities, International Flight to Quito or Guayaquil
Reviewed By SunriseFitness
I highly recommend this tour! It’s active but not strenuous, covers a lot, and Alex was friendly and knowledgeable throughout. It felt nice to have a blend of parks and the city, stopping along the way for photos, explanations and history, sweeping city views and gelato on a balcony.
7. Cultural Tour of Otavalo: Market and Cuicocha Lagoon visit all inclusive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
- All Inclusive: Professional Bilingual Guide, Lunch and Tourist Visits. - Tourist Transport from Quito - Otavalo - Quito - Trekking - Visit indigenous market - Visit Ponchos Square - Visit San Pablo Lake Viewpoint - Visit and hiking in the Cuicocha Lagoon - Visit to Cotacachi, known for the elaboration of leather goods - Professionalism and Quality of Service - Shared Tour: Every Tuesday and Saturday - Private Tour: Every day.
Inclusions: Professional Tourism Guide, Tourist visits, Lunch, Private transportation
Exclusions: Breakfast, Tickets, Personal expenses
Reviewed By Malejavr12
I had a very good hike with them. They took you from Baños to Chimborazo in a van, and from the first refuge you walk 50 minutes to get to the Condor Cocha Lagoon. The guide is very promptly and kind, he answered every question I had. The downhill was so good. The guide is near you in the van just in case. Highly recommended.
8. Otavalo Indigenous Market & Peguche Waterfall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our tourist service is special because we have new cars and experienced guides that are certified and will make your experience unforgettable.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Specialized Bilingual Guide, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Elizabeth G
Roberto was a wonderful guide. He took us on off-the-beaten path locations so we could avoid crowds-- just our speed! He is a true birder and offers great information.
9. Private Day Tour Otavalo Handicraft Unique Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Day tour from/to Quito. Otavalo is an attractive town, surrounded by volcanoes and lakes. A beautiful postal of the Northern Ecuadorian Andes. Otavalo’s beauty lies in its people and the towering volcanoes that surround the Andean town. The Otavaleños are a very prosperous community of skilled textile weavers, who gather to sell their products at the market in the city of Otavalo as they have done for centuries, as regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. This tour is special because we will visit some, micro-enterprises family owned and a women association in two communities surrounding Otavalo. Those projects are a form of income and employment for the local population. We will visit a dreamcatcher workshop to see the process of the creation and where you will make your own. But also a textile handicraft workshop with a demonstration of weaving and presentation of the Otavalos Culture.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Andean soup, Andean main meal and Fresh juice (specify if you have food restrictions), Activities during the tour
Exclusions: Mandatory Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses, Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, Tips, Entrance to Quitsato Mitad del Mundo Monument
Reviewed By Washigton1
From the moment I have contacted Travel2south company to the last minute of our departure from ecolodge we have received the best possible service. Everyone working in the office as well at the lodge is extremely professional , knowledgeable and just there for you to make sure that you will have the best time during your vacation. Amazing day and night time walk, boat rides, swimming in the lake, visiting indigenous people village and making Juca bread with them, meeting shaman, bird and animal watching and just unwinding in this beautiful place, every minute there was wonderful.Thank you very much!!!
10. Private Full-Day Trip to Otavalo and Its Surroundings from Quito
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 13 reviews
This magical province of Imbabura is surrounded by lakes, is cradle of artists, histories and living pre-Inca cultures. Otavalo is a small town and symbolic from this province,also world-famous for its indigenous population which are travelling around the world selling their fine hand-made colourful textiles, hats, Indian jewellery, ponchos, or performing with Andean Folk music groups. It has about 50.000 inhabitants and the city is considered the economically most successful indigenous group of Latin America. Today, you will visit the textile market (bigger on Wednesdays and Saturdays) but open 7 days a week! You will also have the opportunity to visit the fruit market and surrounding artisan villages with your own private guide. Depending on the time, you will also visit Cuicocha crater lake for a short hike or just enjoy the wonderful viewpoint.
Inclusions: Private transportation, English speaking guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Activities not mentioned, Personal expenses, Lunch (on request), Tips (optional)
