City-break in the Andes
Overview
A cultural and natural immersion in the Ecuadorian Andes. It is perfect either as an extension to the Galapagos or as a stand-alone experience.Immerse
- Flexible Dates
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Flexible Duration
Itinerary
Although it is the smallest of the Andean countries - half the size of France - Ecuador is a megadiverse country that has everything it takes to offer its travellers superb experiences, as varied as they are unforgettable, from the Andes to the Amazon, from the Pacific coast to the mythical Galapagos archipelago.
The country's greatest asset remains its people: welcoming, jovial, proud of their country's natural and cultural treasures, and eager to share their know-how, knowledge, traditions and gastronomy. You'll be met at the airport by your guide, who will welcome you to his country and accompany you to your hotel in the historic center.
Hotel/Other Details: SAN FRANCISCO
Meal Plan: No Meal
To fully appreciate the beauty of the historic center of Quito, the largest and best preserved in Latin America, there is nothing like walking it! During your walk through the pedestrian streets, you will admire the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting with the lively Plaza de la Independencia with its imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and then the impressive Church of La Compañía de Jesús, before reaching the place where the Church of San Francisco and its convent are located.
The city of Quito is perched at an altitude of 2,800 m, making it the 2nd highest capital in the world. Renowned for its colonial architecture, the capital's natural environment is not to be outdone: bordered by the eastern and western ranges of the Andes, the city was founded on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano.
After lunch you'll set off for the Mitad del Mundo, on the equinoctial line, where you can test the veracity of the various properties attributed to the equator.
Day Highlight: Visit Historic Centre of Quito Mitad del Mundo
Hotel/Other Details: SAN FRANCISCO
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
You will start the day with the Otavalo market, one of the most important in South America. You can haggle for fabrics, ponchos, leather goods, handmade jewelry... The perfect place to buy souvenirs! A stop at the fruit and vegetable place will allow you to sample some unfamiliar flavors.
You will then visit the village of Peguche, where you'll learn about the artisanal production of musical instruments and discover the charming village waterfall amidst the woods.
You will have lunch at the Kawsaymi restaurant. In a culturally rich Andean environment, you will see the processes used to prepare the dishes and learn about the 100% organic ingredients harvested from the garden.
After your walk, you will take the road to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve. Along the way, you will stop to visit artisans in the village of Cotacachi. Later, you will arrive at Lake Cuicocha. You will stroll along the edges of this magnificent crater lake to view its two islands from various angles.
Back to Quito at the end of the day.
Day Highlight: Otavalos Market Peguche Ville and Waterfall Cuicocha lake
Hotel/Other Details: SAN FRANCISCO
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
In the morning you will take “Avenida de los volcanes” to reach the Cotopaxi National Park where one of the highest active volcanoes in the world rises.
Within the national park there are 4 peaks over 4,000 m above sea level, including the best-known Cotopaxi "neck of the moon" volcano (5,897 m) with a symmetrical cone covered in snow. In its more than 32,000 hectares cohabit wild horses, llamas, foxes, deer, spectacled bears and the majestic condor.
You will first visit the interpretation center to learn more about the park and its volcano, then you will stop to walk around the Limpiopungo lake at the foot of the Rumiñahui volcano. From there you will enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding countryside.
Day Highlight: Cotopaxi views Limpiopungo Lake
Hotel/Other Details: SAN FRANCISCO
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Depending on your flight time, you'll have more or less time for a final visit before being taken to Quito airport for your international flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
Accommodation as mentioned below
Transportation with a private bilingual guide
Visits and entry fees to the mentioned sites
Meals mentioned
Permanent assistance throughout the trip
Eco-participation in one of the projects sponsored by your agency
Exclusions
International Flight
Luggage Carry and tips
Drinks and meals not listed as included above
Insurance, extras and anything not specifically mentioned as included in the program
Notes
The accommodation included in our program is as follows* :
Quito - Hotel San Francisco***
* Subject to availability, equivalent establishments will be proposed if necessary. Hotel categories according to local standards.
Rate mentioned are “starting from” rates and may change based on the actual travel dates and due to the increase in fuel rates, entrance fees as well as cost of meals at restaurants.
