NORTHERN ANDES, OTAVALO MARKET AND EL ANGEL RESERVE
(3 Days, Your choice of days)
The enchantment of the Northern Andes with all their lakes and volcanic crater lagoons combine with a visit to the indigenous market of Otavalo and the Ecological reserve, El Angel—one of the few places in the world where you find the “Frailejones” (or, Espeletia pychnophyla), a gigantic plant species that only survives in the high páramo ecosystem.
Day 1, Quito – Otavalo:
North of Quito, we will arrive at the world-famous Otavalo 
artisan market. Here we will visit the textile market located at the “Plaza of Ponchos;” this is one of the most famous markets in South America. You will find all kinds of handcrafts including tapestries made on Spanish weaving looms as well as indigenous backstrap looms. You will enjoy some free time for bargaining and buying with the friendly Otavaleños.
After an optional lunch, the tour will visit Cuicocha, a giant volcanic crater lake, and its surrounding small indigenous villages, before settling in for dinner and the night’s accommodations at a historical hacienda or country inn.
After an optional lunch, the tour will visit Cuicocha, a giant volcanic crater lake, and its surrounding small indigenous villages, before settling in for dinner and the night’s accommodations at a historical hacienda or country inn.
Day 2, Otavalo – El Angel: 
After breakfast we continue our journey to the Ecological Reserve of El Angel. You will have opportunities to hike through the unique páramo, or try horseback-riding, fishing and much more. You will stay overnight in a rustic lodge situated in the millennial Polylepis forest.
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Day 3, El Angel-Quito:
In the morning there will be time for an activity in the Reserve before returning to Quito.