Otavalo crafts market – One of the largest indigenous crafts markets in the world. Also one of Ecuador’s biggest tourist attractions. The best days to visit the market are Wednesdays and Saturdays. Saturday is the biggest day with the most vendors.
Cuicocha (Guinea Pig Lake). Volcanic lake about a 15-20 minute drive from Cotacachi. A taxi could take you there. Have the driver wait there to take you back. Can take boat rides on the lake.
Parque Cóndor – On a hill above Otavalo. Refuge for birds of prey including the Andean Condor and the bald eagle. A falconer conducts two shows daily. Admission is $4.50 for foreigners, $3.50 for citizens. Can get there by taxi from Otavalo. Will cost $4-5.
http://www.parquecondor.org/
Peguche Falls – Near Otavalo
Cotacachi’s main claim to fame is leather. If you’re into leather goods, there’s one street that has lots of shops – 10 de Agosto, aka Leather Street.
Hacienda Zuleta – A working ranch/eco-farm near Ibarra. Has horseback riding and crafts. Named one of the top hotels in Ecuador by National Geographic. Very expensive to stay there.
http://zuleta.com/
Hacienda Chorlavi – Just outside Ibarra. Live music and folk dancing on Saturdays.
http://www.haciendachorlavi.com/
Mojanda Lakes – Several lakes on an extinct volcano outside Otavalo.