Over the high passes a rented van brings us to the bustling and successful town of Otavalo, famous for it's crafts and wares. Traditional Otavaleno dress is beautiful, colorful and very much the norm. Wander through the plazas for the afternoon and take it all in. By visiting the nearby villages where the crafts are actually made we get behind the scenes of the Otavalo market and learn and see much more than the casual tourist might. Learn from the craftsmen how to use a loom, about the processes used to dye and spin wool, what life is like in these small communities and the politics of the market.
Morning walk around a mystical crater lake with ancient history and folklore.
Get to know one last ecosystem before heading back to Quito for a celebration dinner at our favorite restaurant. We drop you off at the airport for your flight home with a head full of memories and some new found friends. Or if you are staying on in South America we can point you in the right direction for further learning and adventure.