Just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Otavalo and you will discover a hidden gem: San Pablo del Lago. This tranquil village, located near San Pablo Lake, offers breath-taking views of the surrounding water, mountains, and the majestic Imbabura Volcano.
But what makes San Pablo del Lago truly special is its vibrant community, so we have planned a short visit to a local family and their loom, where you will learn some basic weaving skills and produce your own and unique bracelet.
After the weaving workshop in San Pablo, you’ll travel to the other side of the San Pablo Lake. Here, we find Parque Cóndor, where your spirit will soar with the park’s feathered residents, each one rescued from illegal captivity or inadequate environments. Witness their resilience and the sanctuary’s dedication to providing a safe haven. The highlight of your visit will be the awe-inspiring bird show at 11:30 am (weather permitting), where you can see these magnificent creatures fly. Certainly, to meet the Andean Condor, will be a highlight of your Ecuador holidays!
Explore the beautiful park’s trails at your own pace, visit the interpretation center, the cafeteria, or the playground if you come with your kids.
At lunchtime, you will be back in Otavalo.
Why not extend your journey to delve deeper into the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Otavalo and Ibarra? Explore all our tours around Otavalo and Ibarra!
Take a look at our unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the rich culture and natural beauty of one of Ecuador’s hidden gems teeming with diverse wildlife. This journey offers insights into the lives of an indigenous community and the conservation efforts to protect its unique wildlife. We proudly call it Indigenous Homestay Experience and Andean Bear Conservation Tour.
If your extra time is reduced, consider a half-day cooking class at Kawsaymi, a small-scale local restaurant renowned for its authentic Ecuadorian cuisine. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of a local young cook.
Are you intrigued by the vibrant culture, wildlife, and delicious food of Otavalo and Ibarra? Why not delve deeper into what this enchanting Ecuadorian region has to offer? We’ve meticulously crafted an extensive guide that covers everything from must-see sights to hidden local hangouts. This guide is brimming with travel tips, recommendations, and insider advice to enrich your journey. Click here to explore our detailed Otavalo & Ibarra Travel Guide.
Environmentally speaking, the main goal of Parque Cóndor is environmental education and the rescue of birds. All birds in the park have been rescued from unsuitable locations, donated from other centers, or come through the Ministry of Environment after decommissions; none has been directly separated from its habitat.
Culturally and economically speaking, your Weaving Workshop in San Pablo supports an indigenous family, who maintain their traditions and earn an extra income from tourism.
Depending on the moment, but mostly raptors, including vultures and owls.
You can sneak peek some of them here: https://www.parquecondor.com/nuestras-aves/
In San Pablo del Lago, the activities at the loom are fun and the place is full of color! Then, once at Parque Cóndor there are plenty of learning opportunities by just seeing the birds and hearing (the translation of) the explanations of the park’s staff. There is also a playground and an interactive interpretation center.
This is a private experience, however you will logically encounter other travellers at the Parque Cóndor.
All entrance fees are included.
Better not. We suggest taking the tour in the morning only, starting at 9 am. In the afternoon, there might be rain, which could make it more likely that the bird show at Parque Cóndor from 15:30 cannot be seen.
Find more info about climates in Ecuador in our blog “Best Time to Travel to Ecuador“.
Yes of course, go to Kawsami!
If you want to see the price for your situation, please select an amount of travelers (number of adults, children, etc) on the right side of the website (or the top, on mobile). You will then see that total price for your party right above it. For some tours, the price will change according to the amount of people.
Please refer to our article What to Pack for your Trip to Ecuador for all your questions about packing for your Ecuador trip. Whether you’re going to the jungle or the mountains, you’ll find the answers you need.
Well, if you have allergies to birds, feathers, bird poop, or similar; this would not be an ideal tour for you, obviously.
For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!
In the heart of San Pablo community, Señor Urcu (Mountain in Kichwa), his son Rumi (Stone), daughter Angelica and wife Josefina, alongside other locals like Sisa (Flower), welcome travelers with open arms. They host weaving workshops, a vibrant tapestry of their traditional culture, family life, and community spirit.
These aren’t just lessons in craft, but immersive experiences into their lives. They eagerly anticipate the arrival of impactful travelers, ready to share and enjoy the richness of their village life.
