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Otavalo, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1870
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Otavalo is a vibrant city located at the foot of the Imbabura volcano, known for its rich indigenous culture and famous weekly market. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 30 Mbps, depending on your location and provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the US Dollar (USD). International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz. Type A and B sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are the main mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Banco Pichincha and Banco Guayaquil. ATMs are available throughout the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and Airbnb. Prices range from $15 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly; cards are accepted in many locations, but cash is often preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals offer good short-term options, with prices starting around $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Otavalo offers beds starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic center is the best area for tourists, close to shops, markets, and cafes. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | La Plaza de los Ponchos area offers a good mix of accommodations and coworking spots. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Space Otavalo, provides a good environment for productivity and networking. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Delicias is a popular work-friendly café with good Wi-Fi and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized by the local expat community through social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the 'Expats in Otavalo' Facebook group for events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Beat is a commonly used taxi app in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available near the market for about $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is at Atacames, approximately 2 hours by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAME is the main regional airline, though flights are limited. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and LATAM are common carriers for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Nearby highways connect Otavalo to Ibarra and Quito. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Otavalo has a central bus terminal providing access to key destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport operates on cash; no specific transit passes are required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Ibarra and Quito are frequent, and cost around $2. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Luis is the main healthcare facility in Otavalo. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Himalayan Yoga offers classes and workshops for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Otavalo provides a range of equipment for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Perla is a reliable laundry service with quick turnaround. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is the best food delivery option available in Otavalo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'Locro de papa', a delicious potato soup typical to the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Tierras del Sol offers great vegan options in a cozy setting. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería El Cielo serves delicious ice cream and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Otavalo Market is perfect for budget shopping and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular for online shopping in the region. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers grocery delivery services via their mobile app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is modest; check out La Hostia Bar for local drinks and ambience. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveceria Artesanal Otavalo produces a range of craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No specific wine bars, but local bars serve imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Hoja Verde offers a variety of local street food delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria La Bella serves delicious pizzas and Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Otavalo Market and the Peguche Waterfall are must-visit locations. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Pueblo de Otavalo offers insights into the local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient town of Cochasquí features notable archaeological sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Luis offers a glimpse into the local religious heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Inti Raymi festival in June celebrates the Andean sun god and attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The craft market district is a hub for local artisans. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events often take place at the local community center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The indigenous market at Plaza de los Ponchos is famous for textiles and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be enjoyed during festivals and community gatherings across the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several murals can be found near the market area, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at Casa de la Cultura, focusing on traditional cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Otavalita showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The church of San Luis de Otavalo is a significant architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Otavalo is known for its Kichwa heritage, reflected in its customs and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cajas National Park offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Angel Ecological Reserve is a short drive away, with diverse ecosystems. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are several trails around the lake of San Pablo for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the top of Mojanda Lake offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pago de Oro is a known birdwatching spot in the region. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several designated areas near Mojanda Lake allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Servientrega provide reliable parcel delivery services in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Otavalo can assist with most tech repairs, such as La Tienda Geek. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have setups for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools such as Nucapaca offer Spanish courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Municipal Library provides quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Arte Otavalo is a hub for cultural events and community gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes offer gaming nights, particularly during the weekends. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling venues are minimal; a few small gaming options exist in nearby Ibarra. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 22%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Ecuador operates on a territorial tax basis, meaning taxes apply to local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest income tax bracket can reach 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Ecuador has CFC rules for offshore income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is levied annually based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is typically around 1%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Expats can benefit from a tax exemption on foreign income if they meet certain conditions. |