Travel to Ecuador: Haciendas of Ecuador

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Haciendas of Ecuador

			DAYS: 8 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $2035 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Quito Mitad del Mundo Andean Villages Otavalo Saquisili Market Cotopaxi Volcano Banos ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

This diverse and in-depth cultural exploration of Ecuador features the fascinating Indian markets and Spanish haciendas of the high Andes including Otavalo, Saquisili and Banos. Visit the "Mitad del Mundo" stone monument located right on the Equator. A gathering of sights, sounds and color is present at these traditional meeting points of the highland Indian cultures. Travel north and south of Quito through the Avenue of Volcanoes and explore the highlands around the impressive Andean volcanoes.

DAY 1 :  QUITO
Arrive in Quito. A representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at Cafe Cultura, Vieja Cuba or Patio Andaluz.

DAY 2 :  ANDEAN VILLAGES
Drive north through spectacular Andean scenery of volcanoes and fertile farmlands with our private driver-guide stopping to visit leather and wood artisan villages such as Calderon and Cotocachi. We visit homes of the prosperous Otavalo Indians and learn about textiles at a weaving workshop in Peguche. Lunch at a local hacienda. Overnight in the Hacienda Pinsaqui, a charming colonial-style hacienda located near Otavalo, or Hacienda Cusin, an elegant Spanish hacienda with lavish gardens. [BLD]

Colorful Otavalo has been a vital crossroads since pre-Incan times.

DAY 3 :  OTAVALO MARKET
Visit the world-famous market at Otavalo. This is a magnificent opportunity to photograph native costumes, animals, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and pottery displayed in colorful arrays. Be prepared to get involved in the excitement of bargaining and buying. Lunch at a typical Ecuadorian restaurant. In the afternoon, drive or hike at your discretion from the village of San Pablo to Lake Mojanda on the flanks of the sacred Mt. Imbabura volcano. The hike (9,000') is far off the beaten track where you can meet local people working in the fields, see their crafts and learn about traditional Quechua Indian culture. A road connects the villages so you can hike part way rather than making the complete half-day moderate hike. If a more strenuous hike is preferred, climb theshoulders of Volcan Cotacachi to Laguna Cuicocha, a crystalline crater lake situated at approximately 9,000 elevation. A moderately invigorating walk around the lake offers spectacular views of surrounding peaks and undulating green valleys. Return and overnight in the Hacienda Pinsaqui or Cusin. [BLD]

	Lovely colonial Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DAY 4 :  QUITO
An early start to Quito will give you plenty of time to enjoy a private half-day colonial city tour. Beginning in the charming hillside neighborhood of Guapulo with quaint cobblestone streets and lavish walled residences of ambassadors, continue into the main area of Quitos New Town, passing the American Embassy and House of Culture. The old colonial center includes the bustling Independence Plaza, the dazzling gold-leafed altars of La Compania Church and the San Francisco Church. Your orientation continues with a visit to Mitad del Mundo, the Equatorial marker and ethnographic village and museum. Learn about the broad diversity of people living in this small nation, from descendents of African slaves on the Pacific coast to the remote Achuar of the rainforest. Overnight at Cafe Cultura, Vieja Cuba or Patio Andaluz. [BL]

DAY 5 :  COTOPAXI VOLCANO
Travel south through the Avenue of Volcanoes and explore the highlands around the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon and nearby ravines plus, weather permitting, ascend to the tundra life zone just below glacial formations. Lunch is at a nearby lodge with breathtaking views of snow-topped volcanoes. Overnight at the Hacienda La Cienega. A long, winding driveway flanked by massive eucalyptus trees leads to the one of Ecuadors most famous haciendas. A private chapel is surrounded by lush gardens and the haciendas rooms, each decorated uniquely with local handicrafts. [BLD]

Breathtaking views and activities abound at Luna Runtun.

DAY 6 :  SAQUISILI MARKET
Explore the weekly Saquisili Indian market which spreads out over eight plazas and includes woven goods, pottery, foodstuffs, animals and flowers. One of the most authentic indigenous markets in the country, this is not to be missed! Lunch will be taken at a typical Ecuadorian restaurant enroute to Banos, a major gateway to the Amazon Jungle. Enjoy a tour of the town, including the Basilica of the Virgin of the Holy Water, the Museum, the sugar cane candy makers, balsa factories, "tagua" (natural ivory) shops, art galleries, and the beautiful Ines Maria waterfall. Break for a delicious "chocolate ambateo" before continuing on to the Luna Runtun Resort, a marvelous haven of peace and good living located at the bottom of the still-active Tungurahua volcano and high up a hill overlooking Banos. Walking, hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding are all possible activities. Or simply relax with a massage. The Swiss-managed resort enhances the environment through buildings that harmonize with the surroundings and reflect the cultural styles of their setting. Overnight Luna Runtun. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  BANOS HIKING
In an area renowned for stunning waterfalls, one of the most impressive is Pailon del Diablo, a 300' high sheet of water cascading over a sheer granite wall. Hike with your guide through verdant cloud forest, a haven of biodiversity. A well-maintained trail takes you to strategic viewpoints, where you can feel the impact of the water rushing through a cave to emerge in the falls. Afternoon return to Quito with stops at Andean villages along the way. Overnight at Cafe Cultura, Vieja Cuba or Patio Andaluz. [BL]

DAY 8 :  QUITO
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Jeff Stivers 1(800)345-4453