Otavalo, capital of Otavalo Canton, is a largely indigenous town in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador also known for its Saturday market. The town has about 90,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 15,190 ft, Cotacachi 16,388 ft, and Mojanda volcanoes.

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and at an elevation of 9,350 feet, it is the highest official capital city in the world. The historic center of Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word ecuador is Spanish for equator.

Cotopaxi volcano is a potentially active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains, located about 31 miles south of Quito, Ecuador, South America. Since 1738, Cotopaxi has erupted more than 50 times, resulting in the creation of numerous valleys formed by lahars (mudflows) around the volcano.

Saquisili is a town in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador. Sasquisilí is located about 25 minutes from Latacunga and 2.5 hours from Quito. The town, located off the Pan-American Highway, is best known for the local market held in its eight plazas on Thursdays. Unlike Otavalo, the market is mainly for locals from the highlands who come to buy pots and pans, electronics, herbal remedies, livestock or produce. There is traditional food available, but the market is still based around indigenous life rather than the tourist trade.

Cotacachi, Ecuador is an artisan city that is famous for its leather goods and handicrafts. Cotacachi residents are also well known for their carne colorada (filet of pork cooked in red achiote sauce), and queso de hoja (soft cheese wrapped in a plant leaf).