Things to do & places to visit in Imbabura Province, Ecuador

Imbabura Province #7 destination in Ecuador 2023. The average rating score is 4.28 based on 4.661 traveler reviews, of 90 attractions. Timezone: America/Guayaquil, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 2:29.

Top things to do (43)

Top destinations in Imbabura Province 19

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tour Express & Transfers (59 reviews)
- Excellent Service
Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Day Trips

Jorge was our driver for five days during a site visit business trip. We were incredibly pleased with Jorge and Tourexpress and Transfers. He was punctual, communicative, professional, and always made safety a priority. Jorge even went the extra step to contribute to our trip agenda in any way he could. He provided thoughtful commentary and asked good questions to enhance every aspect of our trip. We would definitely use Tourexpress and Transfers again and request Jorge to be our driver. Thanks Jorge! See more..
5.0 Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop (41 reviews)
- Brilliant
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

NOTE: WE ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING DURING COVID, ASKING ALL CLIENTS TO WEAR MASKS and SOCIALLY DISTANCE. Miguel Andrango and his family demonstrate the fascinating traditional yarn spinning and backstrap-loom weaving process for visitors. After the demonstration, visit their gallery where you can purchase beautiful weavings to remind you of your Ecuadorian experience. DIRECTIONS TO THE WORKSHOP: Option 1, from Cascada de Peguche: take the road from Cascada de Peguche (waterfall) to Lago San Pablo. At the top of the first hill, take a left toward Agato. At the first intersection (Agato's main street), turn left. The workshop is one and a half blocks down on the left. Option 2, from Quito: turn right at the Espejo stoplight. After you cross a bridge, take your first left toward Cascada de Peguche. At the top of the hill, turn right toward Agato. At the first intersection (Agato's main street), turn left. The workshop is one and a half blocks down on the left. See more..
5.0 Otavalo Learning and Adventure (25 reviews)
- A great experience learning Spanish
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops

We are a collective of language teachers who desire to share our passion for Spanish with you. We strive to provide an ideal balance between strong language instruction, cultural experiences, and the practice of communication that binds them together. See more..
5.0 Bee Travel Agencia de Viajes (17 reviews)
- Excelente Agencia
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Factory Tours • Day Trips

La mejor agencia de viajes, con mi grupo de amigos escogimos esta agencia porque miramos que son personas muy serias See more..
5.0 Travel2South (14 reviews)
- Best hikes near Otavalo and Cotacachi
City Tours • Cultural Tours • Eco Tours

We were searching for good options for hiking near Cotacachi and Otavalo during our visit to the Otavalo traditional market.. we can't find a lot of options and contacted Travel2South that offers us a lot of options. We were to Piñan to do hirseback riding and it was fabulous, a hidden paradise lost in the Andes, we also do an acclimatization package to prepare the Cotopaxi Summit and we climbed Fuya Fuya volcano and then Imbabura Volcano, they work with professional guides and helped js a lot for this. So we decided to book the Cotopaxi Summit also with them and we had a great experience. Sometimes the best tour Operator are not in Quito, find then near the attractions and it will be your best option. We highly recommend Travel2South Agency for trekking and mountain climbing in Ecuador. See more..
5.0 El Gran Condor (13 reviews)
- Great Gifts!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

This is a small, family owned shop that features local high quality woven items. I have been in and purchased hoodies, blankets, sweaters, infinity scarves, etc for family and friends several times over the past 3 years. The gifts are always admired and appreciated AND even better worn and sometimes fought over by my family. The shop is clean and neat so it is easy to find what you need. See more..
5.0 Peguche Wasi (10 reviews)
- Beautiful Shop and Fascinating History
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Taller Artesanal Peguche Wasi invites you to enjoy the art and fabric of the area and an excellent cultural gastronomy ready to taste See more..
5.0 JJ Leathersmith (7 reviews)
- Fantastic leather smith.
Friday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Handmade leather working classes. Wallets Leather bound journals Purses Backpacks. Informational leather working tours See more..
5.0 4 Volcanoes Ranch (4 reviews)
- Lovely space
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Yoga & Pilates • Horseback Riding Tours

Horse guided Empowerment sessions - better than horseback riding! A powerful fusion of natural horsemanship, yoga and mindfulness. Experience first hand how a unique bond to horses can help you increase your self awareness and confidence. Learn how to train a horse for the ground, combine it with breath work and yoga exercises and redefine your potential! Regular group and individual classes in a beautiful and inspiring natural environment. See more..
5.0 Pachamama Native Travels & Expeditions (4 reviews)
- Otavalo
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Walking Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

What a great tour! First we went to see the Cascade Peguche waterfall then visited the Master Weavers Workshop (we even got to meet the great Master Weaver himself Miguel Andrango)and then on to the Music Workshop both very interesting! Had a wonderful delicious lunch and then off to Lake Cuicocha it was breathtaking! I saw a Llama on the side of the road and tried to take her home. She wasn’t having it it was a great day and Edison and Claudio translated and explained everything very clearly for us to understand. I highly recommend this tour. Angel See more..
4.5 Laguna Cuicocha (852 reviews)
- Stunning Scenery!
Bodies of Water

Located west of the Chota River, this extinct eroded volcano is best known for its deep crater lake and two lava islands. See more..
4.5 Condor Park (525 reviews)
- Great morning out for the family
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Super day, we arrived at 11am and there was a flying exhibition at 11.30 which was perfect timing. This is in Spanish though so if you are only English speaking, it may be difficult to understand but the birds are still incredible. Well maintained park and with a play park for children. The cafeteria was so cheap (3 ice creams, a coffee and a bag on plantain chips $4). The birds are all rescued or donated and live in good conditions. Great morning out for a family. See more..
4.5 Plaza De Los Ponchos Mercado (204 reviews)
- Fun
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

This very large open air market has plenty of local crafted to choose from plus the usual souvenirs. Quality varies as do prices from stall to stall. Be prepared to bargain as it is expected of you. Initial asking price should never be paid. See more..
4.5 Laguna de Yahuarcocha (164 reviews)
- The Ibarra city is a place you always return to
Bodies of Water

Ibarra is a very beautiful city to which I love to go with my family and my friends, to be able to enjoy its tourism and learn more about its culture, its climate is warm and its churches and parks are beautiful. The white city It has many tourist places to visit and enjoy with the family, such as the Yahuarcocha lagoon, which is a cozy and marvelous place many people enjoy this place. Ibarra is a very pretty city, its people are very friendly and respectful, I recommend it you can come and spend your holidays in this beautiful city. See more..
4.5 Estación Tren de la Libertad - Ibarra (51 reviews)
- Good memory
This location was reported permanently closed Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

It is a unique experience for both locals and foreigners, I recommend everything, it is very nice from the landscapes, the service, the wagons, the service and treatment of the railway workers is perfect, very attentive and cordial, I have no negative point. recommended because apart from a beautiful walk it is a good teaching with the historical route manifested by the driver. I would return as many times as possible. See more..
4.5 Tren Ecuador (48 reviews)
- great views
Spent More than 3 hours Rail Services

the windows are large and the view is phenomenal. Sat on the wrong side - so get the side with the 4 seats for better views. They don't turn around, they just switch the engine so you are on the same side coming and going. Enjoyed the dancing and got to join in, though I didn't attempt the bottle on my head ;) See more..
4.5 Museo de las Culturas (41 reviews)
- Free and worth the visit
Speciality Museums

Museum gave us a good idea of the history and culture of the city and area. Loved the historical musical instrument display. Costumes worn during festivals were so colourful and unique. All in Spanish but easily understood by all photos. See more..
4.5 Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador Ibarra (33 reviews)
- Good and informative museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

We both found this museum very good and informative and it's a great place to learn about the different pre-Inka cultures in this part of Ecuador. All the artefacts are beautiful and interesting too. The museum is free - an added bonus. All you have to do is provide your ID or passport details. See more..
4.5 Cuicocha Lake (31 reviews)
- Worth the Effort!
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

I've seen ratings of this hike and whether or not this would be a Moderate or Difficult one depends on your fitness level. If you are accustomed to hiking 8-10 or more miles in altitudes exceeding 8,000 feet, this would be Moderate. However, if you are not used to those parameters it would be Difficult. Not impossible, though. If you don't hike at all, do a short out & back and enjoy the fabulous scenery and amazing views. Be prepared, though. According to my altimeter much of this hike as at 11,000' and even reached heights of 11,500'! Just take your time. The trail is in very good condition and easy to maneuver and not very crowded. I hiked it on a cloudy day and even encountered rain toward the end. Had it been sunny it would have been hot, not because of the temperature but because the sun in Ecuador is intense, especially at those altitudes. Also, don't go to Ecuador expecting to wear shorts or capris. The mosquitos, black flies, and "no see-um's" would have a feast! See more..
4.5 Museo Fabrica Imbabura (30 reviews)
- Imbabura Factory
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Convention, cultural, touristic Center and museums FABRICA IMBABURA See more..
4.5 Museo Otavalango (29 reviews)
- Highlight of our Otavalo visit
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

The Living Otavalo Museum was created in 2011 to preserve the culture of the indigenous Otavalenos. The museum is situated in what used to be a Spanish Hacienda in 1821. In 1958, the building was founded as the textile factory of San Pedro, where many indigenous people were forced to work in conditions similar to slavery. The historic architecture is preserved today in the museum. Currently, the Living Museum exhibits indigenous customs, live demonstrations of traditional weaving with the back strap, and the architecture that still exists from 1820. See more..
4.5 Cava Caran - Beer Experience (27 reviews)
- Pleasant Surprise
Friday: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs

Know how we brew in Ecuador, the local ingredients we use and the fascinating history behind beer in Ecuador. Taste different kinds of beer and enjoy the food that was built around the beer ingredients. Life the Caran Experience. See more..
4.5 Iglesia Matriz (27 reviews)
- My favorite church in my favorite town in Ecuador
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

I'm so very lucky to be able to see this beautiful church and square on my daily walks through our town. It's a great postcard photo! See more..
4.5 Arte Colonial - Artesanías Ecuatorianas (20 reviews)
- Fine wood crafts
Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

San Antonio de Ibarra un lugar donde se da forma y contenido a la madera, contamos con mas de 30 Galerias de Arte para su observacion y analisis del Arte. See more..
4.5 Arte Colonial (18 reviews)
- Real art
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

A pleasant expirience with original art that we visited thanks to our private driver Washington Villamarin. The owners were very kind whether or not your visit would end with a purchase. See more..
4.5 Volcan Imbabura (15 reviews)
- Great & Challenging Climb
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Volcanos

Climbed this old volcano yesterday. Took the La Esperanza bus from Ibarra and got off at the bridge. Caught a white pickup truck "taxi" to the trailhead for $6. and made arrangements for him to pick me up 8 hours later. The day started out beautiful but as I climbed it got more cloudy. This is very common on this mountain. At any rate, from the trailhead to the soft summit it was 4.5 miles and 4,000' gain. It took me 3.5 hours. Nice dirt trail in tall grass for about 3 miles then rock scrambling the last mile. Overall, a great climb. There's another peak a little higher but it's another 2 hours and it takes technical experience. If your not a technical climber don't do it without a guide. See more..
4.5 Happy Horse Tienda Hipica (14 reviews)
- Our favorite shop In Cotacachi
Speciality & Gift Shops

We love roaming around Cotacachi and stopping in Happy Horse. The leather quality is excellent and there is a lot of variety. There is something for everyone whether you want a nice gift for someone or want to treat yourself to a beautifully handmade bag, purse, belt, hat, wallet, horse mount/stirrups, cowhide area rug, etc. The products will look great and last. You will receive a warm welcome with a smile at Happy Horse and you can’t help but smile back. My family and I can’t wait to go back to Happy Horse on our next visit to this magical town. See more..
4.5 Wariman Temple of the Sun (12 reviews)
- Wonderful and Beautiful but beware of price stacking
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

We hired a driver to take us here and half way up he stopped and said if you want to go the rest of the way it will be more money. The ride up and back to Apuela was $30! We explored the area and it was beautiful but they charge you again once you are there and then to see the one room museum there is another charge and with lunch which was fried plantains and guacamole. The total cost was over $60!!!! That is crazy prices!!! I thought I was back in the US. But the views were amazing. See more..
4.5 Fuya Fuya (11 reviews)
- A Good Beginner Climb
Volcanos

This is a relativity short climb from Laguna Mojanda. Less than 2 miles up and can be very scenic if you catch it on a clear day. It's a good first climb if you are acclimating for higher peaks in Ecuador. The only problem is you can't take a bus there. You have to take a taxi from Otavalo for about $10. Worth it though if you think the weather will be good on any particular day. See more..
4.5 La Plaza Shopping Center (9 reviews)
- The "Plaza shopping", is a very nice place where you can enjoy different things.
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls
First we can find the area for shopping as they are the famous "Playful", which this one has variety of toys that are of good quality, for All kinds of occasion, and at prices that are accessible, "Supermaxi", in this section you can find staples and things for the home, "optics", this area is frequently visited by people who have visual problems, because this place Is responsible for the design of lenses, the bank "Guayaquil", in case you need to withdraw money or for any urgency, and "Totto, Etafashion, Marathon" which offer backpack clothes and accessories to wear, and of course the plaza has a large Pharmacy, its name is "fybeca" which offers a variety of medicines, health tools and personal care, finally has an area of delicious food such as "KFC, Menestras del negro" among other places. I recommend this place to all people who need to do a great variety of shopping, as in this place prune to find everything and also you can enjoy the decoration and food that this has. See more..