Avenue of the Volcanoes Independent Adventure

Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.

Spend the morning driving along the Avenue of the Volcanoes searching out the peaks of Pichincha, Iliniza, and the gigantic Antisana. Venture into Cotopaxi National Park travelling around the base of the cone-shaped, snow-capped volcano, considered the highest active volcano in the world. Spend the evening near Ecuador's beautiful Cotopaxi Volcano.

Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.

The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits, including horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting in the surrounding mountains and on the River Patate.

In the morning, enjoy free time in Baños to pursue some optional activities before transferring back to Quito for the evening.

Depart at any time.