13-Day Meet the Ecuadorian People

Land Tour

13 days

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13-Day Meet the Ecuadorian People
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 400 per day

Departure: Quito, Ecuador

Arrival: Cuenca, Ecuador

Adventure

Cycling/Trekking/Walking

Food

Private / Tailor made

On this epic 13-day journey, you'll travel from the capital city of Ecuador, Quito, through the beautiful lush landscapes to Coca, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Baños, Riobamba and finally, Cuenca!On the way, your journey will be filled with special cultural experiences, workshops and visits to indigenous communities. You'll dive into Ecuadorian culture by learning about the customs, traditions and lives of several unique communities and get to know the people of this incredible country accompanied by a local private guide for the duration!
About
1 nights at Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo (4-star)
2 night at Las Palmeras Inn (3-star)
1 nights at Sangay Spa Hotel (3-star)
3 night at Napo Cultural Center Lodge
2 night at Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique (3-star)
1 nights at Hostería Rumipamba de Las Rosas (3-star)
2 night at San Juan Hotel (3-star)
12 nights accommodation
12 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
21 activities
Cotopaxi National Park
Quito Old Town
Otavalo Market
Ingapirca Ruins
Balbanera Church
Comunidad Kichwa Anangu
Quito City Tour
Napo Wildlife Centre Parrot Clay Lick
Napo Wildlife Centre Observation Tower
La Capilla del Hombre
Museum of the Agave
Napo Cultural Center Community Projects
Napo Cultural Center Mama Cuna Trail
Night Canoe Ride
Napo Cultural Center Kichwa Tradition
Kichwa Cooking Class
Rose Plantation Visit
Salasaca Community
Palacio Real Project
Peguche Weavers Village
Cuenca City Tour with Panama Hat Factory
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Quito
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Quito. Set in a hollow at the foot of the volcano Pichincha, Quito is surrounded by a gorgeous landscape; hills and several snowcapped mountains. It is known for its treasury of colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and carvings and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish, Moorish architecture.
Day 2: City Tour of Quito with Museum of the Agave
Today, you'll embark on a city tour in Quito’s old town with a local guide. You'll walk to the Independence Square to the archbishop’s palace, the metropolitan cathedral, and the municipal palace. You'll visit La Compañia Church, one of the most important Spanish Baroque works in Latin America dating back to the 18th century and other interesting sites. You'll then head to the Museum of the Agave to learn about this historic industry and taste some agave juice and honey.
Day 3: Fly from Quito to Coca & Stay at the Napo Cultural Center
In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your 30-minute flight to Coca. From the airport pier, you'll take a motorised can ride down the river. You'll journey for about two hours and appreciate the beautiful landscapes, the lush vegetation and observe wildlife. When you arrive at the Napo Cultural Center, you'll settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, you'll take a short walk along the Napo Riverbanks and appreciate a stunning sunset.
Day 4: Parrot Clay Lick, KuriMuyu Interpretation Center & Observation Tower
In the morning, you'll visit a parrot clay lick to enjoy one of the most exciting and colourful spectacles in the Amazon as hundreds of parrots and macaws feed on the clay. Then, you'll visit the KuriMuyu Interpretation Center that is managed by the women of the community to learn about the Kichwa culture, their crafts and traditions. In the afternoon, you'll walk to the observation tower and climb up the 35-metre-high platform to observe a variety of birds, howler monkeys and more.
Day 5: Community Projects Visit, Hike the Mama Cuna Trail & Night Canoe Ride
After breakfast today, you'll visit the community projects and learn about the Kichwa people’s view of the world and the ways they use medicinal plants. Then, you'll take a walk along the Mama Cuna Trail and appreciate the fauna and flora along the way: kapok trees, strangler, vines, and shrubs that are endemic to the Yasuní National Park. After dusk, you'll take a small can ride down the river to appreciate the lively Amazon, search for caimans and listen to the sounds of nature.
Day 6: Kichwa Traditions, Transfer Back to Coca, Fly to Quito & Travel to Otavalo
You'll wake up early for an ancient Kichwa tradition: making guayusa, a beverage that cleans and energizes the body. After breakfast at the lodge, you'll take a motorised can back to the city of Coca for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and you will drive north to Otavalo. With a bit of luck, you will have the opportunity to see the snow-capped Cayambe. In the afternoon, you will arrive at your lodge where you will spend two nights.
Day 7: Peguche Workshop, Otavalo Market & Kichwa Cooking Class
This morning, you will go to the indigenous community of Peguche to visit a family and learn how the tapestries are handmade and woven in a loom. Then, you'll drive to Otavalo Market where residents have a long tradition as artisans and traders. You will enjoy the unique variety of textiles on offer at this giant colourful market. In the afternoon, you will meet an indigenous family from Otavalo who have decided to support the Kichwa culture by familiarizing tourists with traditional cuisine.
Day 8: Journey from Otavalo to Cotopaxi National Park via Rose Plantation
Today, you will drive south, along the Avenue of the Volcans, which got its name from Alexander von Humboldt. On the way, you will stop to visit a rose plantation where you will see all the stages involved in the production of these beautiful flowers that are exported to many countries. Later on, you will visit Cotopaxi National Park where the highest active volcano in the world at 19,700 feet is located.
Day 9: Journey from Cotopaxi to Banos via Salasaca Indigenous Community
After breakfast, you will drive towards Baños, passing wonderful landscapes with some of the highest and most beautiful mountains and volcans of the Andes. On the way, you will stop at the indigenous community of Salasaca where their members mostly dedicate themselves to agriculture and handicraft. You will learn about their culture and in a customised workshop, you will be able to make your own piece of art using dry leaves of the area. Once in Baños, you'll enjoy a short city walking tour.
Day 10: Travel from Banos to Riobamba via Palacio Real Project
This morning, you will drive to Riobamba. On the way, you will observe how every single piece of land is being cultivated by the indigenous communities. With some luck, you will see the impressive Chimborazo volcano. You will visit Palacio Real Project before reaching Riobamba in the area of Calpi where the Puruha indigenous live. During your visit, you will learn about their ancient believes as you visit the Cultural Museum of the Llamas before you continue to Riobamba.
Day 11: Travel from Riobamba to Cuenca via La Balbanera Church & Ingapirca Ruins
Today, from Riobamba, you'll drive south towards Cuenca. First, you'll head to Ecuador’s most ancient Catholic Church: La Balbanera. On a clear day, you can appreciate the beautiful views of the Chimborazo volcano on the horizon. You'll also stop to visit a typical market and take in the lively bustle of workers. Continuing on to Cuenca, you'll visit Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins. Ingapirca is the most important archaeological site that belonged to two cultures: the Cañari and the Incas.
Day 12: Cuenca City Tour with Panama Hat Factory & Valleys of Bulcay and Chordeleg
You'll start your city tour in Cuenca’s main square, Plaza Mayor, surrounded by its two distinct cathedrals and city hall. You'll appreciate the historical centre and admire the colourful buildings that have maintained their colonial magnificence. You'll pass by the vibrant flower market, visit the eclectic style church, Todos los Santos, and end your tour at a Panama hat factory to learn about this handicraft.
Day 13: Departure from Cuenca
By this point, you might be an expert in Ecuadorian culture! This morning, you'll transfer to the airport of Cuenca to take a flight to Quito.
Location

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