Tour Overview
iExplore Ecuador features visits to Quito, the Amazon and Otavalo. Quito, Ecuador’s capital (and second-largest) city has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua. The Amazon; El Oriente is the term used by Ecuadorians to refer to the Amazon basin in eastern Ecuador, a primeval world of virgin forests and exotic flora and fauna, still mainly inhabited by Indians. Otavalo; the peak of Mount Imbabura signals the approach to the valley of Otavalo (95km/60 miles from Quito), the town of the same name being famed for its craftwork and Indian market.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Quito, Ecuador, MondayToday when you arrive in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rich in history, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benacazar. Due to the city’s preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared Quito one of the "world's cultural heritage sites" in 1978.
Swissôtel Quito Day 02: Quito- Otavalo, Tuesday
The Chaski Antawa Train rides on the railroad built at the beginning of the 20th century connecting the northern highlands with the tropical coast. From Ibarra, the train climbs down to the warm, dry valley of Ambuqui, going through sugar cane plantations, majestic landscapes, tunnels and bridges that span large canyons and gullies. The ride to Salinas plunges from 2,200 meters down to 1,500 meters above sea level (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in only about 2 hours. We stop for lunch at Salina’s social project restaurant. The northern Andes region is one of the most visited areas in mainland Ecuador however it still has many wonders where tourism has yet to take hold. That is the case in the Valley of Salinas. Surrounded by amazing landscapes, friendly people, the project is a way to help the people of the valley become a destination in itself and to help improve its peoples lifestyle. The main project with the people of Salinas was the creation of a restaurant in the village. High quality training, lead by Paola Pretto, in the areas of cooking, service, cleaning, nutrition, dish decoration and teamwork, was provided to the people of Salinas in order to fulfill tourists’ expectations. . For sure you will enjoy this experience and feel the satisfaction of being part of this social project.
After lunch we will visit Ibarra, a lovely colonial town, famous for its traditional fruit ice cream called “helado de paila”. Enjoy.
Located in the heart of Ecuador’s Lake District, Hacienda Pinsaqui is ideally situated at the base of Imbabura Volcano.
Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner
Hacienda Pinsaqui Day 03: Otavalo-Quito, Wednesday
The Andean Highlands north of Quito are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The dramatic mountain scenery is dotted with shiny white churches set in tiny villages and includes views of Volcan Cayambe, the third highest peak in the country.
Stop in Calderon, a village famous for unique Ecuadorian folk statuettes to colorful Christmas tree ornaments, such as stars, Santa’s, candles and tropical fish. These decorative figures are inedible- a preservative has been added so they will last for many years.
Then visit the indigenous markets in Otavalo, home of the most famous crafts market in South America. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were brought up from the eastern lowlands and traded for highlands goods. Here you can purchase woolen goods such as ponchos, blankets, scarves, sweaters, tapestries and gloves.
Finally, visit the village of Cotacachi, famous for its leatherwork.
Breakfast, Lunch
Swissôtel Quito Day 04: Quito, Thursday
Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical center in the Americas. Marvel at the city’s ornate churches, cathedrals and baroque architecture as we tour Ecuador’s Capital City. We drive through the traditional San Juan neighborhood and continue on to Panecillo Hill, topped with a statue of Quito’s “Winged Virgin” visible from almost anywhere in the city. Enjoy breathtaking views of both the old and modern city. Next, visit the Equatorial Monument for an irresistible opportunity to straddle both hemispheres.
Following our tours of Colonial Quito and the Middle of the Earth Monument, enjoy a delicious lunch in a typical Ecuadorian restaurant where flavors from across the country can be sampled.
In the afternoon return to the hotel for overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch
Swissotel Quito Day 05:Quito- Amazon,Friday
Transfer to Quito airport this morning to start your journey to the Amazon. Begin with a 45-minute flight over the Andes Mountains to the port town of Coca. After a short drive from the airport to the dock, you will board a large, motorized canoe for a scenic trip to your jungle lodge. After a welcome cocktail and brief orientation, you will be shown to your comfortable room, which provide 24-hour electricity, private bathrooms with on demand hot water showers, ceiling fans, and porches with hammocks overlooking the jungle. Later, there should be time to take a walk, swim, bird watch or visit a small lookout with a scenic view of the lake before sunset.
Breakfast
La Selva Lodge Days 05-08: Amazon- Quito, Friday to Monday
Enjoy three full days at the jungle lodge. Guests will be divided into small groups for activities, which will be led by an expert guide. This Amazon ecotourism gem has plenty of activities for both day and night- imagine what its like to be walking around the Amazon at night! Swim at Garzacocha Lake; hike the easy or challenging trails near the lodge, which are teeming with wildlife; visit the Butterfly Farm-designed to present an ecologically sound, sustainable alternative way to help preserve Ecuador's rainforest. It is another step in the Lodge's ongoing effort to find viable ways (besides ecotourism) to help save Ecuador's beautiful rain forest. Discover endemic flora with an indigenous guide who will teach you their medicinal uses. This place may just change your life!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
La Selva Lodge Day 08: Amazon- Quito, Monday
Today your jungle experience ends as you return to Quito. When you arrive you will be taken back to the Swissôtel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Quito as you wish.
Breakfast
Swissôtel Quito Day 09: Quito - Depart, Tuesday
Transfer to the Quito International Airport for your international flight, or continue on with us to the Galapagos Islands.
Breakfast
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