A taste of Ecuador 6 days.
Price per person from: $ 1150:-
This tour gives you a taste of Ecuador. We start in the capital Quito, located high up in the Andes mountains, and visit places like: Middle of the world – where you can stand with one foot on each side of the Equator, Mindo bird reserve where you can see birds, butterflies and amphibians, Condor park where predator birds have gotten a sanctuary as well as Otavalo and it’s famous craftsmen’s market. For those who wish to taste the flavors of the country we also visit the chocolate factory, the brewery and try the local leaf cheese eaten with biscuits. This trip really has something for every flavor.
This is included:
All transfers in /out.
5 nights accommodation in double room with breakfast, choose between tourist, superior or first class.
Private transportation for excursions.
Bilingual guide (English / Spanish) for excursions and transfers.
Meals detailed in the itinerary.
All excursions and visits detailed in the itinerary.
Entrance fees.
Train ticket with Liberty train.
Travel guarantee via Swedish Kammarkollegiet.
Day to day presentation:
(B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
Day 1: Arrival to Quito.
After the arrival, our staff will welcome and transfer you from the airport to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend on your own and to acclimatize. Remember to walk slowly and to drink lots of fluids.
Day 2: Quito – Middle of the world – Quito.
Today we take a city tour in Quito with it’s surrounding area. Our first stop is to the city’s famous churches: La Compañia (The Church of Society of Jesus), El Sagrario (Church of the Sanctuary or Church of the Shrine), La Basilica del Voto Nacional (The Basilica of the National Vow), and San Francisco (The Church of St. Francis) that has a nice collection of paintings and sculptures from the 1600 until modern time.
Our next visit is to the Independence Plaza, where we can find crafts, locally produced ice cream and typical Quito dishes. We also visit the statue La Virgen de Quito (Virgin of Quito) called “El Panecillo”. The statue is located on a hill with a fantastic view over Quito. Now it is time for lunch!
After our visit to the old time we depart for ”Middle of the world” located about 45 minute north of Quito. This is the place where French scientists decided in the 1730s the position of the Equator. We then continue to the open air museum IntiÑan to learn about the solar system and different ethnic groups living in Ecuador.
The last visit of the day is to a brewery where we learn about the art of brewing and for those who wish you can try the local beer. We then drive back to Quito. In the evening we are transferred to a local restaurant with a nice view over the city. Here we enjoy a lovely dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Quito – Mindo – Quito.
Located a few hundreds of kilometers from Quito, “Mindo-Nambillo” is one of the most important birding sites in Latin America. With different ecosystems, we can admire different type of butterflies, amphibians, insects and birds. Two hours of journey are really worth while we admire the virgin cloud forest and the beautiful natural resorts. The practice of some water sports and the amazing landscapes and waterfall allows us a time full of enjoyment. Afterwards, we will have a great experience where you can see the process and learn how chocolate is made from “bean to bar”. Lunch and return to Quito. Overnight. (B,L)
Day 4: Quito – Cayambe – Otavalo – Quito.
A visit to the famous indian market in Otavalo is on the program today. Enroute we stop in the beautiful town Cayambe where we learn about ancient civilizations and how people grew crops back in the day using only the sun and stars as help. You can also have a taste of the exquisite biscuits and leaf cheese.
As we continue towards Otavalo we have an excellent view over the ”San Pablo Lake” which is the biggest in the region. Getting close to Otavalo we will see some of the indigenous community houses, they sell their awesome art in a fair on Saturdays, finding here beautiful confections and handicrafts made by the community with cotton thread like: “ponchos”, bracelets, “shigras” (bags), sweaters, pants, hats, etc. They also sell musical instruments made by “carrizo” (reed) like: “Charangos”, flutes, “rondadores”, etc.
On the way back to Quito we visit a craftmen’s family in Cotacachi which specialize in leather goods. (B,L)
Day 5: Quito – Liberty train – Condor Park – Quito.
Breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel to transfer to the Ibarra station to take the Liberty Train. With seven tunnels dug with pick and shovel and tall bridges across steep canyons, the la Libertad Train offers a unique journey starting from Ibarra, the “White City” to reach the warm Salinas, where we are received to the tune of la “bomba”.
In Salinas you’ll discover colorful murals commemorating the history and culture of Afro-Ecuadorian people. Visit its museums and enterprises and enjoy the local cuisine in a trip full of memorable experiences. After lunch, we will continue our trip to the Condor Park a rescue center that is located in Curiloma in an expanse of 12 hectares, the principal objectives with which this park was created have been principally rescue and care of predatory birds that have been mistreated or are at risk for mistreatment in order to study, value, train and offer a better quality of life. At night, you will have a special romantic dinner with an impressive view of the city after that our transportation will be waiting for you to transfer to the hotel.(B,L,D)
Day 6: Departure.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.
Tip! If you wish to prolong your trip you can take a few extra days in Quito, visit the famous Galapagos islands or take a beach vacation at Ecuador’s west coast. Contact us for suggestions.
This is not included:
International flight (can be booked on your own or via us)
Meals not mentioned in the program.
Drinks during meals.
Tip.
Personal expenses.
Travel insurance.
Tip! You can get a discount if you are 4 persons or more travelling together.
Price is based on the lowest season and is per person in a shared double room. We reserve ourselves against changes in currencies.
