Best of Ecuador
Day 1
Quito
Arrive into Quito, capital of Ecuador, a country full of natural beauty. Nearly a third of Ecuadorians are Indians and their life has changed little since their land was invaded by the Spanish. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Quito - Otavalo
This journey is a treat of brilliant scenery and artisan villages, like Calderon, a small town where bread dough figurines are made in many shapes and sizes. Depart Quito this morning, along the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, with their dairy farms and rose plantations. Arrive at lunchtime at one of the charming country inns or colonial haciendas where you will spend the night. Visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its woodcarvings, the town of Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to selling fine leather products, and the town of Peguche where textiles are woven in old-fashioned shuttle looms.BLD
Day 3
Otavalo - Quito
After a hearty country breakfast, visit the Otavalo market, piled high with ponchos, woollen goods, tapestries, the original “Panama” hat, sweaters, Indian jewellery and many handicrafts. Return to QUITO in the afternoon.BL
Day 4
Quito
This afternoon tour colonial Quito with a charming surprise around every corner - the northern residential section with broad avenues and streets of castles, the House of Culture, Legislative Palace and the Independence Plaza, plus a visit to the San Agustín Monastery and finally to a high vantage point for fabulous views of the city.B
Day 5
Quito - Cotopaxi
Travel today to Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Cotopaxi, which means “neck of the moon”, rises from a valley about 2,750 meters above sea level to a height of 5,897 meters above sea level. Surrounding Cotopaxi Volcano is the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres), especially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or paramo. On your visit here you may see some of the fauna and bird life of the highlands, which includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor. Overnight at Hacienda la CiénegaBLD
Day 6
Cotopaxi - Quito
Today visit a local Indian market, the handicraft centre of the potteries of La Victoria and time to explore the countryside and neighbouring small towns. Return to QUITO this afternoon.BL
Day 7
Quito
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.B
