Haciendas and Markets of Ecuador - 6D/5N
Leaving from Quito we will visit colonial haciendas and Andean communities of the Ecuadorian Andes, allowing you to see and experience the diversity of Ecuador cultural heritage. Ecuadorian beaches with the pre-Incan civilization of Chirije unique.
Departures: Saturdays. All year. Minimum: 2 Passengers.
Included: Entrance fee to the Cotopaxi Park, Hotels, tours, visit to the villages and markets. Train ticket. Transportation and guide.
Not Included: Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Alcoholic beverages. Laundry, taxes and communication expenses and extras
Day by day Itinerary:
- Day 1: (SAT) Quito-Otavalo - Early departure for Otavalo, in the province of Imbabura and characterized by picturesque lakes, magnificent sierras and terraced, patchwork farmlands. In the local market you will be able to purchase ponchos, embroidered blouses, ceramics, wall hangings, leather crafts and locally produced jewelry of the finest quality. The tour includes a visit to San Antonio de Ibarra, the woodcarving center of Ecuador. The town is home to hundreds of artisans whose workshops are dedicated to the crafting of beautiful sculptures and ornaments. We spend the night at Hacienda Pinsaqui or Cusin where the chandeliers, the heavy, ornate beds and tiled floors create the aura of a bygone era. (L, D)
- Day 2: (SUN) Otavalo-Lasso - After an early breakfast, we will get ready to enjoy the activities offered at the Hacienda like biking or horseback riding. We will have lunch at the hacienda before continuing our journey to Lasso were we spend the night at Hacienda La Cienega. A delightful hacienda, with the original style of the old house. Approached through a long, broad carriageway lined on both sides by fragrant, towering eucalyptus trees. (B, L, D)
- Day 3: (MON) Lasso-Patate - An early start takes us traveling along the Pan-American Highway and into the Cotopaxi National Park in the heart of the Andean paramo. We cross through a deer and llama reserve and gently ascend the flanks of the volcano, passing through fields of ancient lava strewn with boulders until arriving at the base of Cotopaxi (19,700ft/5,897m), the world’s highest active volcano. On leaving the National Park, we travel on to Ambato and visit the town’s bustling fruit and vegetable market, the largest in Ecuador. After lunch we drive to Manteles where we spend the night. This charming and family-owned hacienda at the entrance to Llanganates is so welcoming you’ll feel as though you’re in your own home. (B, L, D)
- Day 4: (TUE) Patate-Baños - A short but scenic drive takes us to Baños, a small town nestling in the shadows of the Tungurahua volcano high above the Amazon Basin and surrounded by waterfalls and orchids. After lunch, we take a trip to admire the nearby waterfalls before to arrive to Riobamba, and our overnight stay at la Andaluza Hacienda. This hacienda is located close to the valley of the Chimborazo and Carihuairazo volcanoes. (B, L, D)
- Day 5: (WED) Devils nose by train - After an early breakfast, transfer to Alausi train station where our adventure will begin. You will board the train head south and then experience the most amazing train ride as you wind down the famous devils nose, one of the most impressive feats of rail and engineering in the world and back to Alausi. We will have lunch before driving to Ambato for our next visit: botanical garden, we will spend the night there at the lovely Quinta Loren. (B, L, D)
- Day 6: (THU) Ambato-Saquisili-Quito - After breakfast, we depart to Saquisili and the local market, famed for being one of the most colorful and authentic in Ecuador. Of particular interest are the locally produced basketwork handicrafts on sale. We lunch at a restaurant before returning to Quito. (B, L)
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Also tagged with:
Escorted Journeys, Biking, South America, Ecuador, Active Travel, Educational, Cultural, Horseback, Andean Region, Classic Visit, Hosted Tours
Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs
We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.
