Haciendas of Ecuador

The middle of the world, latitude 0 0′ 0”: Early in the morning and right after breakfast, you and our local guide start the travel tour at the downtown area, well known as Quito Colonial. You start your journey along the “churches ́ trail” by visiting first the cathedral. In the cathedral, you learn about its history and the guide explains the internal design of the cathedral such as the “mudejar ́s" influence on its first stage, the area with 3 longitudinal wings, and a small transversal wing behind the choir. After finishing the round in the cathedral, we have a short walk to the church La Compania along with the guide’s expertise. The guide will enlighten you with history and fun facts of every place, in this case La Compania. Its decoration is based on muslin features and the altars are covered by gold leaf along with faces and birds carved. It is considered as an architectonic jewel in the American baroque style. It also has a religious value, because the rest of Saint Marianita of Jesus is located there, and according to some, she was the protector of the city. Afterwards, we visit San Francisco, which is famous for the Cantuña story. San Francisco is well known due to its legends and stories, which make the place culturally wealthy. At the San Francisco church, there is a local hand craft store called Tianguez, where you can find a variety of items from the Ecuadorian culture. Here, you can buy postcards, books, Ecuadorian music, natural products, and even get a coffee with Humitas (which is sweet corn tamale) offered at the local Café Cantuña located at the Plaza San Francisco. Around midday, you head to “Mitad Del Mundo”, a monument at the equator line that passes through our country. You may choose to either visit the Ethnographic or the Inti Ñan Museums, both located near the monument. Along the way, we will stop for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch (optional and not included). After the tour, you will head up to Otavalo on the way to this city you will try bizcochos and you will arrive at the night to the hotel. Overnight in Otavalo

We will spend the day in Otavalo. The indigenous people set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is taken. This is one of South America's most famous Indian markets. It offers an excellent selection of woven tapestries, blankets, hand-knit sweaters, pottery and more. It’s a paradise for souvenirs. Continue on, you will make another stop at San Pablo Lake before arriving in Otavalo. At the lake you can admire the beautiful landscape and the Imbabura Mountain. From Otavalo we will drive in the late afternoon to Papallacta. This is a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs. Overnight in Papallacta.

In the morning we can take some time to visit the springs or go on a walk in the morning. Afterwards we will continue the journey along a scenic stretch of road which takes us to the majestic Mountain Cotopaxi and the National park. Cotopaxi, known as the highest active volcano in the world. You will visit its National Park, which is located 59.54 km from Quito. Its lush endemic flora and fauna will allow us to see the representative species such as the Chuquiragua (also known as the flower of the mountaineer), wild horses, deer’s, llamas and more. While we are there, you can explore Limpiopungo lagoon, located near the volcano Rumiñahui (149.96 meters), or hike to observe birds. During our staying at the National Park we will visit the museum which informs of the natural environment of the place, the animals and plants. Then you will spend the night in traditional Andean Hacienda.

After breakfast we will get introduced into the spirit of the Andean Haciendas and their daily works. Visit the grounds and get suited for an approximately two hours horseback riding along old cobblestone roads and trails leading to a great view point of La Viudita which overlooks the entire valley. Along the way panoramic views. Return to Hacienda house and freshen up to enjoy a typical lunch hosted by the Hacienda owner. After lunch you can spend the day relaxing at haciendas facilities or doing another activity such cycling at the paramos.

On this day, you will be transferred to the International Airport Quito for your Galapagos or international flight.