VO-OT101 - Otavalo & Nature (2 nights/3 days)

This program takes place in the southern region of Otavalo which includes the Mojanda-Cajas range with its highest peak the Fuya Fuya (4.263 mts.). The lower part of this region belongs to the remnants of native forests and the region of Selva Alegre (1.200 mts.). All this region is full of interesting flora and fauna and due to its diversity, there are good chances to organize hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird-watching and camping. The highlight of this region is the Mojanda lakes system located at approximately 3.700 mts. with its three lakes: Karikucha or the male lake, Warmikucha or the female lake and Yanakucha or the black lake.

The region is also part of the main trail locals use every year for the “Mojanda Arriba” hike that starts in Quito all the way to Otavalo in honor of the locals that use to go from Quito to Otavalo before the Pan-American highway was built and even before cars appeared. This route goes through different ecosystems that make this a unique experience.

Besides the natural richness the region has, local inhabitants mention that during the Spanish conquests some of the Inca treasure was hidden in this zone, since this is part of the Kapacñan or the Inca trail.

Activities:
Activities include climbing the Fuya Fuya, it is not necessary to have experience, nor special equipment. From the summit of this mountain, if the weather permits, we can admire the amazing Andes range including the Cotacachi, Chiles, Imbabura, Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi, Illinizas, Guagua and Rucu Pichincha volcanoes among other mountains. It is possible to make interesting hikes around the Mojanda Lagoons and the remnants of native forests.

VO-OT-102 - Otavalo & Culture (2 nights/3 days)

This region belong to the Imbakucha or San Pablo lake. Around this region there are four zones that hold some communities such as the Kichwa Cayambi and the Kichwa Otavalo communities. There are 36 communities formed by natives (85%) and settlers (15%). The highlight of this region is the Imbakucha or the San Pablo lake with a diameter of 5Km. Allows the practice of many water sports. Along this basin we can find 13 sacred trees called Arbol de Lechero (Euphorbia sp.) located on specific sites that accordingly to natives belong to small pre-columbian ruins where the natives used to celebrate their rituals. The most important site belongs to the Rey Loma ruins from where people can admire the beauty of the Otavalo valley.

Natives have divided this region into 6 ecological zones or Allpakuna such as: Wambu allpa or swamps where the Totora (Scirpus sp) grows naturally; this plant is the base material for the manufacture of many handicrafts; Ura allpa or lowlands is where people build their houses and have some land for agriculture; Jawa allpa or highlands where people have their long cycle farming; Sacha allpa or native forest land, where there are remnants of the original Andean forests; Ucsha allpa or tall grass land where the communities fresh water source is born; Rumi allpa or stone land belongs to the Yaya Imbabura crater which is home of many deities and mythological beings.

Activities:
Activities include visits to local communities and sacred sites near each communities. Hikes through beautiful forests, and the old train route; canoe ride around the San Pablo lake and possibilities for mountain biking and horseback riding. Participation in local activities and depending on dates it is possible to participate in local festivities.

VO-OT-103 - Otavalo Art & Mythology (4 nights/5 days)

The program takes place around the Peguche, Quichuquí, Agato and Carabuela communities. The highlight of these communities is the artisan al tradition of its dwellers as well as the preservation of indigenous traditional medicine that people still use, together with the practice of ancestral healing. The Illuman community is the best known due to the fact that many native men and women who live at the community, are yachackunas or shamans.

The Peguche waterfall, the Pinsaquí Tolas, the weaving ateliers at Carabuela and the many sacred and mythological sites belong some of highlights of this region.

Part of this mythological wealth belongs to the many legends born in the communities such as the battle that the Imbabura Volcano and Mojanda had, and because of this battle they threw giant rocks that fell in different sites around the Otavalo region. Two of these rocks are considered sacred and they are known as Kuantuk Rumi and Hiltun Rumi. Another mythological character is the Aya Huma or the Devil’s head who has a two face mask with snakes hanging as hair, representing the energy and power of nature.

These are highly recommended zones to be visited by travelers since there are many opportunities to visit mythological sites as well as living cultures.

Activities:
Activities include visits to traditional weaving ateliers, visits and hikes around sacred regions, visits and explanations of the shaman rituals. The program includes a hike around Cuicocha Lake which is considered as one of the most beautiful and interesting treks.

Length of programs: It is possible to extend the length of the program according to the traveler´s interest.