In Otavalo, Ecuador, the Ali Shungu Mountaintop Lodge

No visit to Ecuador is complete without at least a few days spent in the Otavalo area. Otavalo, two hours north of Quito on the Panamerican highway, is a small town of about 50,000 inhabitants and home to the famous Otavalo Indians. It lies at 2,530 meters in a spring-like valley, situated between the Imbabura volcano (4,609 meters) and the Cotacachi volcano (4,939 meters). The people of Otavalo possess an excellent work ethic and it shows! There is now a handicraft market everyday. The Saturday market is the largest and most famous market in Ecuador and there you'll find virtually every handicraft being produced in the country. However, many travelers prefer the somewhat quieter market on Wednesday or the daily market. In the many surrounding Indian villages, including Peguche, Illuman, Agato, San Roque and Carabuela one may visit the workshops of local weavers working on backstrap and Spanish treadle looms, as well as other artisans at work making felt hats, knitting sweaters or weaving straw mats. One may tour the many lakes in the province: San Pablo Lake, the largest, which is surrounded by many Indian communities, and offers lovely boat cruises; Cuicocha Lake, a half-hour from Otavalo, with its deep blue waters; the Mojanda Lakes, an impressive and unspoiled natural setting where condors have been seen; and the famous Yaguarcocha Lake, called the "lake of blood" because of the famous Inca battles fought there, located near the colonial city of Ibarra. You may also shop for leather crafts in the town of Cotacachi, for woodcarvings in San Antonio de Ibarra or visit some of the many beautiful haciendas in the area. One may rent mountain bikes or horses or safely hike to the forest and waterfalls outside of town. Not to mention the excellent climbing! It is very economical to rent a taxi by the day or by the hour and explore the Andean mountain roads. Or simply relax, catch up on your birdwatching and enjoy the fresh mountain air. In the evening visit one of the many places in town that offer live Andean folk music. As an independent traveler you are sure to enjoy at least a few days in the Otavalo area!