The Otavalo market is South America’s most famous Indian fair. We get an early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery northwards. Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indigenous people wearing blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair and to explore their handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, and more at bargain prices.

We will head to Pijal for lunch, Pijal is a small village located in the heart of the Andes to visit a project called Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This is one fantastic effort developed by the local women with the main purpose to support their families and encourage the position of the women in the local society, providing them an alternative side work besides housekeeping, as a new option for an income. Once at the project you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of the South American woman and their skills for textiles and a deep culinary knowledge coming from the past generations. You will be part of the preparation of “Aji”, a local spicy salsa which is part of their identity, you will also share precious time with them and a tasty traditional lunch in which local women have used the fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields. Later we will learn more about the farm of roses that the women project owns.