Travel to Ecuador: Haciendas of Ecuador

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Haciendas of Ecuador

			DAYS: 9 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $2295 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 on a Saturday. A representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at  Patio Andaluz or similar.

Elegant accomodations and fine dining welcome visitors at all stops.

DAY 2 :  QUITO - ANDEAN VILLAGES
We begin our Ecuador vacation with a half-day city tour of colonial Quito. Welcomed in the charming hillside neighborhood of Guapulo, we step onto quaint cobblestone streets lining lavishly decorated ambassadorial residences. The historical tour continues through the vibrant New Town, passing the American Embassy and House of Culture.  Quitos old colonial center includes the bustling Independence and San Francisco Plazas, and the dazzling gilded altar of La Compania Church.  Your orientation continues with a visit to Mitad del Mundo, the Equatorial marker and ethnographic 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.  After lunch, drive north through spectacular Andean scenery of volcanoes and fertile farmlands with our private driver-guide. Visit the homes of local artisans in the villages of Calderon, Cotocachi and Peguche. Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui or Hacienda Cusin, charming colonial-style haciendas located near Otavalo [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 connect with native Otavalanos trading and bartering in the central plaza flowers, fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, textiles and pottery displayed in colorful arrays. Be prepared to get involved in the excitement of bargaining and buying. In the afternoon, climb the shoulder of Volcan Cotacachi to Laguna Cuicocha, a crystalline crater lake situated at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation. A moderately invigorating walk around the lake offers spectacular views of surrounding peaks and undulating green valleys. Overnight in the Hacienda Pinsaqui or Hacienda Cusin. [BLD]

	Lovely colonial Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DAY 4 :  OTAVALO HIKING / QUITO
This morning you can 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. Our guides are always flexible and can suggest other activities if you would prefer not to hike this morning. Depart the Otavalo area after lunch for Quito. A road connects the villages so you can hike part way rather than making the complete half-day moderate hike. Overnight at Patio Andaluz or similar. [BL]

DAY 5 :  COTOPAXI VOLCANO
Travel south on the Avenue of the Volcanoes to explore the highlands around the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. We hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon and nearby ravines always on the lookout for condors soaring overhead as we ascend to the tundra life zone just below glacial formations. Lunch at a nearby lodge with spectacular views of snow-capped volcanoes. Passing through small farms and herds of grazing llamas, we reach Hacienda St. Augustine de Callo, a small boutique hotel and working hacienda with a history dating back to the 15th century when the site was once an Inca Palace. Dine by candlelight surrounded by original Inca walls with our Ecuadorian hosts. Overnight at Hacienda San Agustin. [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. 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. Overnight at Luna Runtun or similar. [BL]

DAY 8 :  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN BANOS
Walking, hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding, and white water rafting, exploring the Sangay National Park or Llangantes National Park are all possible activities for this day. Choose the wide variety of activities this morning (included) or simply relax with a massage (not included). The Swiss-managed resort enhances the environment through buildings that harmonize with the surroundings and reflect the cultural styles of their setting. Afternoon return to Quito with stops at Andean villages along the way. Overnight at Patio Andaluz or similar. [BL]

DAY 9 :  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