Tourism is one of Imbabura’s important money-generating resources. Around three thousand people are employed in this industry, some of which have invested large sums of money, especially in hospitality sector. The number of Colombian tourists is increasing, thanks to the cooperation of the countries economic markets.

The Otavalo Markets

The Saturday market in Otavalo is extremely attractive to tourists. During the week, the townspeople work in their own homes preparing for the weekend markets when there is money to be made. There is a diverse range of goods on offer: ponchos, shawls, cloths, clothing, blankets, artisan crafts, earrings, bags and wallets, to name but a few.

Thermal Baths

At just 1 km from Otavalo there are thermal baths: Las Lagartijas and Yanayucu. On the banks of the river Ambi, north of Otavalo, some 4 km away from the Panamerican highway, La Salud thermal baths are located. The healing properties of these waters consequently gave them their name, La Salud meaning ‘Health’.

Black Folklore of Chota

The Valley of Chota is situated towards the north east of Ibarra, west of the parish of Ambuqui, on the outskirts of the hill Loma de Pinllar and along the banks of the River Chota. This valley, along with the valley of Salinas , was known as Coangue during the colonial era. During these years the valley was rife with cases of malignant fevers and disease. The myth goes that the indigenous population was replaced by black slaves, which is apparently the origin of the area’s current black population.

 

Last Updated 14th August 2006 (DLW)