Hi Brenda, some people have no problem with the elevation and others do. The best advice I can give is to stay hydrated. Don’t drink alcohol on the flight down. Instead, drink plenty of water and continue that practice once you get here. Don’t exert yourself a lot the first couple of days you’re here. Take naps if you’re tired. Just let your body ease into it…
As for the drivers, well, Latin Americans may be known for being laid-back… until, that is, they get behind the wheel of a car. Then all bets are off!
Besides taking a taxi across town, I don’t like taking taxis from town to town. We take the bus between Cotacachi and Otavalo and between Cotacachi and Ibarra. We have a private driver (who has a large, comfortable van) for transfers to the airport.
I’m guessing your tour will be with Sarah Dettman’s Expat Journeys group — you will LOVE it and your will LOVE Sarah. She’s the best.