Otavalo lies just a few hours’ drive north of Quito, and is famous for being one of the most important market towns in Latin America. The area is culturally rich and traditional; locals dressed in colourful embroidered blouses, felt hats and long layered skirts continue to use the market in the way their ancestors have since pre-Colombian times. The market is famous for an array of traditional crafts including exquisite weavings, textiles and livestock. The real beauty of the Otavalo region lies in its stunning natural surroundings. The drives around the town take you through incredibly diverse microclimates, and you will see long stemmed rose plantations and many different crops that Ecuador excels at producing.