Otalavo Markets, Mountains and Lakes

The first stop was in Cayambe for some traditional breakfast of bizcochos with local cheese and dulce de leche and a lesson on the traditional applications of the agave plant by the indigenous people.
On the way to the Otavalo markets, we stopped by the San Pablo lake view point which was stunning. At the markets, we purchased some local artisanal items, including a poncho. We learned about the mythical hero Aya Huma. Otavalo is an interesting mix of indigenous traditions with modern culture, the best example of this being the traditional clothing style which is still worn by older generation women but the men had to wear more modern clothing when they had to travel to Quito for work during the economic crisis.
After Otavalo, we walked to Laguna de Cuicocha (guinea pig lake), which used to be known as the lake of the gods before the Spanish came and changed the name, stating there was only one god.Read more