Otavalo and the surrounding villages are famous for their textiles and handicrafts, which are on proud display at the colourful market held each Saturday in the central 'Poncho Plaza'. Here you will find woollen goods such as blankets, scarves, sweaters, tapestries, ponchos and gloves, plus embroidered wares including blouses, shirts, shawls, string bags and rope sandals. Leatherwork comes from the nearby village of Cotacachi and woodcarvings from San Antonio de Ibarra. Make your Ecuador tour memorable by staying in a local hacienda, a colonial farming estate turned into a beautiful, secluded hotel with period decor and local home grown produce.
Hacienda Cusin was founded in 1602. In 1990, Cusin's English owner converted Hacienda Cusin into a 'country house' inn of 25 guest rooms, suites and garden cottages with its history preserved.
Hacienda Pinsaqui was constructed in 1790. This uniquely restored colonial hacienda was originally a textile workshop, employing at one time 1000 local weavers and spinners.
Hacienda Zuleta is a thriving working farm owned by the descendants of the former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaxa Lasso. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Andean mountains, the fertile valley bountifully supports its inhabitants and is sited as
