|
Depart Quito
early in the morning to arrive at the market as early as possible.
Travel through the incredible Andean landspaces of Santa Rosa and Mira Lago. Shop for colorful
weavings, hand knit sweaters, belts, blankets, wood carvings, silver
jewelry, naïve paintings, rugs and more. Enjoy a typical lunch at a
local hacienda or country inn. The day includes visits to local towns of
Cotacachi famous for its handmade leather clothing and Calderon famous
for its bread-dough figures,
Stops at San
Pablo
Lagoon, Cuicocha Lagoon.
2 person minimum. Lunch included at Hacienda Pinsaqui.
-
COTOPAXI VOLCANO/AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES AND
INDIGENOUS MARKET -
departs Tues and Sat - Full day $109
First explore the Indian market at Otovalo as
described above. Then visit Ecuador’s
first National Park, Cotopaxi, home Of
the highest active volcano on earth. Explore the majesty of this
stunning volcano, and the surrounding valleys. 2 person minimum. Lunch
at Hacienda La Cienega.
-
HACIENDA STAYS
|
OTAVALO OVERNIGHT PACKAGES
- 2 days / night departs Fridays
A full day tour as described above including an overnight in
your choice of hacienda or country inn. Package includes
overnight accommodations, all meals and round trip transfers
from Quito.
Additional nights may be added to any package to enjoy the
surrounding area, additional Indian villages or just relax.
|
|
|
HACIENDA PINSAQUI
- Build in 1790 as a textile workshop, this hacienda has been
carefully restored to its colonial flavor. Three centuries of
history are contained within their luxuriously appointed suites
with fireplaces. A spectacular view of the volcano, Imbabura.
Reading room with fireplace, horseback riding, mountain biking,
hiking, gardens and a lake. All meals are included.
|
|
PUERTO LAGO COUNTRY INN
- A country inn located on the shores of San Pablo Lake
with a magnificent view of Imbabura volcano. Comfortable
accommodation in beautiful waterfront chalets with lake views
and cozy fireplaces. The restaurant is renowned for excellent
international cuisine. Enjoy hiking, boating, kayaking. All
meals are included.
|
|
|
HOSTERIA CUSIN
- A luxury country inn located near
San Pablo Lake.
A total of 25 rooms in this inn each has garden views and most
have fireplaces. Library with fireplace, game room, hiking,
horseback riding, mountain biking, volleyball courts.
EL MONASTERIO DE CUSIN - A total of 12 large guest rooms
in two courtyards with fireplaces and magnificent mountain
views. Located next to Hosteria Cusin. All meals are included at
both locations.
|
|
|
LA MIRAGE RESORT & SPA
- An impressive and luxury country inn with 22 deluxe rooms
furnished with European antiques and fireplaces. Solar-heated
pool, sauna, spa treatments and tennis courts. An extensive
flower garden provides excellent bird watching. Horseback riding
and hiking. All meals included.
-
AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES
|
Avenue of the Volcanoes
|
|
The "Avenue of the Volcanoes" comprises 11 snow peaks
framing the Latacunga-Ambato valley. Along this route
throughout the valleys and mountains arc colorful
and interesting Indian markets displaying everything
from textiles, wool weavings,
native fruits and fresh vegetables, jewelry, ceramics,
baskets wood carvings, naive
paintings, embroidery, tools and livestock. The Indian
markets of Ecuador
are the
most colorful and traditional places of the country.
They are rich in cultural sites
where villagers
socialize with their friends and relatives and practice
the ancient
techniques of bartering.
|
|
COTOPAXI
NATIONAL PARK
- Full day tour from
Quito
An early morning departure from
Quito
driving through scenic countryside to visit
Ecuador's first national park where
the highest active volcano on earth the Cotopaxi (19,400 feet) is the main attraction .
You'll have time to explore the national park home to
highland birds such as the Puna Hawk, Carunculated
Caracara and Andean Condor. Lunch at a local hacienda or
country inn. Visit a local Indian market (market varies
depending on day of the week). This tour operates on
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday.
|
|
COTOPAXI
NATIONAL PARK
- 2 days/1 night package
This package includes the full day at the national park
(as noted above) along with additional time to explore
the national park including lunch. Overnight in the
luxury country inn, Hosteria La Cienga. This country inn
was built in the 1600's with rich history of Incas and
conquistadors. The inn has lovely gardens with
eucalyptus trees and humming birds. A real Andean
retreat. Package includes accommodations, all meals and
round trip transportation from
Quito. On the return to
Quito
visit an Indian market (market varies depending on the
day of the week). This tour operates on Tuesday,
Saturday or Sunday.
|
|
BANOS SPRINGS
-
2 days/1 night package departs daily
Travel down the Avenue of the Volcanoes to visit the Cotopaxi National Park.
Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda or country inn. After
lunch arrive in Banos famous for its thermal springs.
Banos is known as the land of the waterfalls and located
at the base of the Tungurahua volcano surrounded by the
cloud forest that blends the majestic scenery of the
Andes
with the vegetation of the Amazon. Explore the
interesting town of Banos. Enjoy the
unique scenery, bird watching, waterfalls and orchids.
Overnight at your choice of hotel accommodations. The
following day after breakfast visit Pailon del Diablo
Waterfall. Return to Quito. Package includes one night
accommodation, lunch & breakfast, round trip
transportation from Quito and guided exploration at
Cotopaxi
and Pailon del Diablo.
|
|
HOTEL SANGAY -
Located at the base of an impressive waterfall and
across the street from the most famous thermal baths in
Banos. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna and spa. The
restaurant offers a variety of interesting dishes. Enjoy
the thermal baths, spa treatments, hiking, flowers and
waterfalls.
|
|
LUNA RUNTUN -
A resort surrounded by natural beauty and offering
exceptional comfort.
Located high on a hill overlooking the town Banos, LunaRuntan
offers first class accommodations and superb meals.
Enjoy mountain
rails, hiking,
flowers or horseback riding.
|
|
INDIAN MARKETS ALONG AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES
|
|
SAQUISILI MARKET -
The town of Saquisili has the largest market in Cotopaxi Province. The market spreads
over five separate plazas of typical Ecuadorian food,
animals and handicrafts.
|
|
AMBATO
MARKET -
The town of Ambato has the largest weekly market.
The entire town is a marketplace with livestock, fruits,
vegetables, spices and handicrafts.
|
|
LATACUNGA MARKET -
The town of Latacunga has a
market filled with fruits and vegetables and colorful
Indian villages.
|
MARKET DAYS
Saturday- Otovalo, Latacunga
Sunday – Pujili, Salcedo
Monday- Ambato
Tuesday – Latacunga
Wednesday- Ambato, Pujili
Thursday- Saquisili
|
|
|
DISCOVERING
ECUADOR
The land of contrasts
Ecuador
is a land of contrasts in a relatively small geographical space.
From the Andean highlands travel through the “Avenue of the
Volcanoes” to the coastal plains with lovely beaches. The Amazon
jungle is an explorative adventure in the rainforest . In the
Pacific the enchanting Galapagos Islands
will captive you.
Ecuador
is located exactly in the middle of the world with a climate
that is tropical and temperate and 365 days of sun every year.
The Galapagos Islands are located in a remote corner of the
Pacific Ocean 600 miles from the Ecuadorian coast.
This archipelago dates back 6 million years and is composed of
13 main islands and 56 inlets. The land and marine species of
the Galapagos Islands
exist only here and nowhere else on earth. A visit to the
Galapagos Islands is an experience you will never
forget.
You can visit Indian markets and participate in local festivals,
stroll through colonial cobbled streets, relax at a pristine
beach, marvel at the beauty of the Andes and admire the wildlife
on the Galapagos Islands
and in the Amazon. Explore archeological ruins, national parks
and nature reserves. Enjoy mountain trekking, bird watching,
rafting, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Visit the colonial
cities of Quito
and Cuenca.
Both cities have been declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage
Sites.
The people of
Ecuador
are the country’s greatest asset. They are considered to be
among the friendliest in the world. They are well known for
their hospitality and have made their country a peaceful one.
The photographic opportunities are endless and with all that Ecuador has to
offer this is a perfect destination for everyone.
|
 |
|
|
