Ibarra

Ibarra is colonial town of 100,000 inhabitants and the capital of Imbabura province. It is 2.5 hours north of Quito on the Panamerican highway, and about 30 minutes by bus from Otavalo. It is half-way to the Ecuador-Colombia border at Tulcan.
Ibarra has preserved much of its colonial architecture in its city center and its plazas are clean and picturesque. Ibarra in an ideal destination in itself. It is also a good place for those going to Otavalo's markets to stay it, if you want to get away from the tourists yet still be a short bus ride from the market.

Ibarra has a modern bus station, although some buses that pass through the town don't go there. The bus from Quito costs $2.5$ and takes 2.5 hr. To Tulcan costs 3$ and takes 2.5 hr.

A taxi within the city costs $1.

Tren de la Libertad

phone: +1800-873637 (in Ecuador)
Advance booking is recommended. A 2-hour train ride Ibarra – Salinas – Ibarra on a type of bus converted to run on the railway line. With seven tunnels and tall bridges across steep canyons, the la Libertad Train travels from Ibarra to Salinas. In Salinas you’ll discover colorful murals commemorating the history and culture of Afro-ecuadorian people. Bring a light jacket, walking shoes, hat, sunscreen (SPF 70 at least), sunglasses, camera, cash and insect repellant. Altitude ranges from 1,600 to 2,200 meters above sea level. The temperature ranges from 14° to 25°C. A guarded parking area is available at Ibarra Station. Ibarra is 126 km north from Quito - 2½-3 hour’s drive. In Otavalo there are paid parking lots nearby the railway station. Otavalo is 90 km north from Quito –a 2-2½ hours’ drive.
Lago YahuarcochaA beautiful lake 3 km from Ibarra. It is possible to take boat trips, go fishing or paragliding. Has hotels and restaurants specialising in fish dishes. Also has a racetrack which hosts local car and bike racing.
Valle del ChotaAn area populated by African-Ecuatorian descendants. It is possible to visit typical villages and go fishing, rafting or kayaking.
OtavaloThis town is famous for its market. It is 30 mins away by bus. Buses leave every 10 minutes and cost $0.41.

ParaglidingFly Ecuador offers paragliding for $60 and rafting for $40. They are on Oviedo 3 blocks west of the tourist office.

Chifu OrientalGood Chinese restaurant on Calle Bolivar 2 blocks south of Gomez de la Torre.
Olor Cafe

address: on the main square
Great coffee, has a "CNN breakfast" for $4.50.

Heladeria Rosalia SuarezMore than a hundred years old, you can watch the workers making the ice cream manually.

Hotel Plaza Victora

phone: +593 6 2 600 887

address: Bolivar 12-101 y Rafael Larrea
A comfortable hotel in the city centre.
Finca Sommerwind

phone: +593 93 93 7 11 77

address: Autopista Yahuarcocha, km 8 Ibarra
Great place outside of town. Nice facilities, wonderful hot showers.

Laguna Cuicocha
Tulcan for those heading to Ipiales, Colombia

Ibarra

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