This tour begins with a visit to the community of San Rafael de la Laguna, where we will learn about a local initiative dedicated to working with totora, a natural plant fiber traditionally used to create handicrafts.
We will then continue to Peguche, where we will visit family workshops that produce traditional Andean musical instruments and textiles, preserving ancestral Kichwa techniques passed down through generations.
Next, we will visit Peguche Waterfall, a natural and sacred site for local communities, where we will enjoy a short walk around the area.
The tour continues to Cotacachi, where you will have lunch and free time to explore the town, known for its leather crafts and welcoming atmosphere.
Finally, we will visit Cuicocha Lagoon, located within Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Here we will take a walk to admire this impressive volcanic crater lake before returning to Otavalo, where the tour concludes.
09:00 – Tour begins, pick-up from your hotel in Otavalo.
09:30 – Visit San Rafael community, exploring a workshop specializing in totora handicrafts.
11:00 – Visit a traditional musical instrument workshop.
12:30 – Visit a weaving workshop in the Peguche community.
13:30 – Transfer to Cotacachi.
14:00 – Lunch in Cotacachi and free time to explore the town and leather shops.
15:00 – Visit Cuicocha Lagoon, including a 45-minute walk along the sacred trail.
16:00 – Return to Otavalo, end of tour.
Includes:
Guide
Private transportation
Entrance fees to the described sites
Community cultural experiences
Visit to Cuicocha Lagoon
Lunch
SIB
Excludes:
Services or activities not specified in the tour itinerary
Practical Information
Difficulty level: Easy
Altitude: Between 2,400 and 3,068 meters (7,875–10,070 ft) above sea level
Climate: Andean temperate, with temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 22 °C (46–72 °F)
Important Recommendations
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for natural trails
Bring a warm jacket or windbreaker
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap
Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 liter per person)
