
OTAVALO MARKET & ROUTE OF LAKES
"The place where our culture is kept alive"
Imbabura is a province in the Northern Sierra of Ecuador, known as the "Province of Lakes" by the number of large lakes that are within the province, such as the Lake San Pablo and Cuicocha lakes, Yahuarcocha ( "Lake blood ") and Puruhanta in Pimampiro and other minor: Laguna San Marcos, Piñán ponds, lakes Mojanda and Laguna Negra between Sigsipamba and Monte. The provincial capital is Ibarra and major cities are Cotacachi, Otavalo, Atuntaqui, Pimampiro and Urcuqui.
Besides the lakes, the province has many other attractions, such as Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes. The province is also known for its population contrasts so that the population is marked by different demographic factors, as well has always been the core of crafts and culture; having as main reference to Otavalo; located 110 kilometers north of the city of Otavalo Quito.3 has been declared as "cultural capital of Ecuador" for being a city with enormous potential in several aspects, possessor of a charming landscape, rich culture, history and business development. This Andean valley is home to the Kichwa indigenous group of Otavalo, famous for its textile and commercial skill, characteristics that have led to the largest indigenous market in South America. La Plaza de Ponchos and Plaza Centenerio, colorful South America's largest craft market, is a site of confluence where people from all over the world come to admire the diversity and artisanal and commercial skill.​





