Getting to and away from Otavalo

Otavalo's bus terminal, on Calle Atahualpa and Calle Ordoñes (an easy 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Ponchos), is basically a giant and very chaotic parking lot. There are no actual bus company offices: to locate the right bus, simply wander around and listen out for the name of your destination. On Saturdays, get to the bus terminal early, as buses fill quickly. Note that on all days, buses generally run between 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

To Cayambe (40 min, $0.50): Leave every 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, take a Quito-bound bus which will drop you off at the turnoff to Cayambe, a 15 minute walk away from the town center.

To Ibarra (40 min, $0.45): Buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes.

To Lago Cuicocha: Take a bus to Quiroga (see below). From there, hire a taxi or truck to the lake for $6.

To Lago San Pablo (20 min, $0.25): Buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes.

To Peguche (10 min, $0.15): Buses leave every 20 minutes or so. Note that rather than leaving from inside the terminal itself, buses to Peguche pass by the terminal on Calle Atahualpa.

To Quiroga/Cotacachi (15/20 min, $0.20/$0.25): Buses leave every 10 minutes, stopping at Quiroga first.

To Quito (2 hr, $2): Buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes.

Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Otavalo: Otavalo's Markets,