San Pablo del Lago
Minatomachi, San Pablo del Lago, Ecuador
Surrounded by lakes, mountains, and volcanoes, the village of San Pablo del Lago might be small, but its scenery really makes an impression. It’s the ideal place for outdoor adventurers and a great base for mountain biking, hiking, watersports on San Pablo Lake, and visiting the nearby Otavalo Market, hailed as one of the best in Latin America.
The basics
One of the most popular activities to do in San Pablo del Lago is to climb the Imbabura Volcano, an inactive volcano that offers stunning views of San Pablo Lake. On the lake you can go kayaking, windsurfing, or rent a motorboat. San Pablo del Lago often features on tours of Otovalo and its surroundings; itineraries typically combine time at the lake with a visit to the famous market and the high-altitude Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.
Things to know before you go
There’s a wealth of hacienda (ranch) accommodation options in the countryside surrounding the village; staying in one offers a taste of local culture.
Due to its rural locations, ATMs in San Pablo del Lago can be unreliable and it’s best to bring cash.
The village is approximately 8,858 feet (2,700 meters) above sea level—you may experience lightheaded symptoms due to the altitude.
How to get there
San Pablo del Lago is 50 miles (82 kilometers) from Ecuador’s capital, Quito. It takes around 1.5 hours to drive via the Panamerican Highway, which stretches from Alaska down to Ushuaia in Argentina. Buses depart regularly from the Terminal Terrestre Cacelén in Quito to Otavalo, which is just a 15-minute drive from San Pablo del Lago.
When to get there
Ecuador’s northern highlands are generally cool and prone to rain; the driest time to visit San Pablo del Lago is from June through September when the weather is sunny and warm. If you want to tag on a visit to Otavalo Market, the best days are Wednesday and Sunday.
What you can buy at Otavalo Market
Home to hundreds of stalls selling rainbow-colored textiles and Andean crafts, Otavalo Market is a must-visit attraction in Ecuador. While there are stalls every day, the official market day is Saturday, when you’ll find the most vendors, selling hats, sweaters, woven mats, jewelry, ponchos, tapestries, and much more. Bring cash as not all stalls accept credit cards.
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