[Country Expert – wendy dechambeau]

Oh, I didn’t realize that group was closed to non-residents. In that case I would join Cotacachi Expats (I know they let potential expats join that group) and you could easily ask there. 🙂

[Country Expert – wendy dechambeau]

Hi Larry,

Yes, there are a few English-speaking drivers in town and it’s usually pretty easy to hire one for the day or by the hour. I think the standard rate is around $10/hour, but it could vary if you want to go to some more rugged or out-of-the-way areas. Also many of the English speaking drivers do tours and the price for that will probably be a bit more. If you’re on Facebook, join the Cotacachi Information page and in the files you’ll find a good list of drivers in the area and their contact information.

[Country Expert – wendy dechambeau]

Hello Harry and Carol,

It sounds like you have a good itinerary planned out for your trip and I’m glad to hear that you set aside time for the Otavalo market – well worth it!

You’ll find that most of us expats in Cotacachi are a friendly bunch and we’re always eager to answer questions from newcomers. You can easily find expats to strike up a conversation with, especially at Solid Rock restaurant or Rio Intag Cafe. But if you want to arrange to meet people in advance you can join the Cotacachi Expats Facebook page and just put out a note asking if anyone would be interested in meeting with you. I’m pretty certain you’ll get some quick friendly replies.

New Year’s is also a fun time to be here. In Ecuador people make dummies (called monigotes or muñecos) out of old clothes stuffed with newspaper and masks. This represents the Old Year and these effigies are burned at midnight to symbolically express getting rid of the bad and starting anew. You’ll also see young men dressed in drag representing the widow’s of the outgoing year. There will be concerts and parties and a general festive feeling.

There are a lot of great things to see in this area, but if I had to pick just one tour based on what you’ve told me about yourself, I would say you should do a day tour of the Intag Valley. This is a nearby cloud forest with a large and unique variety of birds, plants, and small animals. You can visit a hot springs and an archaeological site while you’re there. Fairly adventurous, but not too strenuous and it’s a great place for nature lovers.

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