Day 1: Arrival to Quito
AM OR PM
Transfer in to Sheraton hotel or similar
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Quito and it's surroundings, in depth
6 Days / 5 Nights
Introduction
RED MANGROVE MAINLAND SERVICES
PRE AND POST TOURS
Ecuador is a patchwork of highland and jungle, colonial cities, snowcapped volcanoes, unspoiled beaches, the Amazon rain forest, and the wonder and magic of the Galápagos Islands. Although it is a small country, Ecuador has one of the most varied geographies in South America.
Two hemispheres and four distinct regions: the Andean highlands, the coastal tropical plains, the Amazon basin and the Galapagos Islands.
You will be surprised to discover how much diversity Ecuador has to offer considering how a small country in extension we are.
Come to experience with us the beauty and richness of our lands, let us show you the wonders that had made of Ecuador the precious stone on the South America´s crown!
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Day 2: Quito and Equatorial Monument
AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
We will take you to a short ride through the north of the city in order to arrive to the Equatorial Monument, built as a tribute to the French scientists who determined the shape of the earth in the 1700s.
You will visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, where the colorful way of life of the different ethnic groups of Ecuador is on display, and you will continue to a visit to the Intiñan interactive museum, which shows the different theories of the Incas in determining the middle of the world.
You will have lunch at a local restaurant in order to taste different flavors from our gastronomy.
PM
The tour will then continue through to visit the modern section of Quito and continue towards the city's historic district. You will visit San Agustín Convent and its historical Sala Capitular, followed by Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and City Hall.
We will continue with the visit to the Stroll past El Sagrario Church and marvel at the exquisite stone facade of La Compañía Church. You will visit the San Francisco Church, built over the ruins of an Inca Palace in the 16th century. After this, you can choose between a visit to the home of former philanthropist Maria Augusta Urrutia or the City Museum.
The Urrutia House has its original furniture and paintings from the 19th century, privately restored by the owners. The City Museum is housed in the old San Juan de Dios Hospital, a restored building from the 16th century. Here you will gain insight into what life was like in Quito, from prehistoric times to the 19th century. The day will conclude with a ride up the road to the Panecillo or the Itchimbia hills for a breathtaking view of Quito.
Transfer to the hotel.
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Day 3: Volcanoes Avenue, Cotopaxi
AM
Breakfast at the hotel
From Quito we will drive south through the Volcanoes Avenue to Saquisili market, an authentic Indian market that is a fantastic mixture of colors, scents and sounds, where locals buy and sell animals, fruit, vegetables, medicinal plants and flowers. Afterwards there is a choice of different walks and activities within the park according to your physical condition.
The snow-capped symmetrical summit of Cotopaxi volcano takes pride of place along Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes. Known as the King of the Andes, it is the highest active volcano in the world, with a summit of 5,897 meters ( 19,700 feet ) above sea level. It is surrounded by the national park, a vast wilderness of sweeping plains.
The Cotopaxi National Park is the most visited of all Ecuador's mainland National Parks. 34,000 hectares of wild, starkly beautiful moorland, streaked with wispy clouds and pockets of mist, is home to a variety of mammals, birds and endemic species.
Lunch will be at Hacienda La Cienega, built in the 17th century and one of Ecuador's oldest colonial haciendas, a mansion that offers charm, history and tradition amongst the breath-taking natural beauty of the landscape and rich folklore of Ecuador's indigenous people.
PM
We will return to Quito in the afternoon.
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Day 4: Otavalo Indigenous Market
AM
Breakfast al the hotel.
We will pick you up from the hotel and we will drive north, with magnificent scenery along the way and spectacular views of San Pablo Lake as we approach Otavalo.
In Cayambe we will stop at the Equatorial Monument and try some typical biscuits and cheese. Upon arrival in Otavalo, you will have time to browse through the open-air indigenous market, where colorful handicrafts are on display.
Lunch will be at an hacienda in the area.
PM
In the afternoon there is a visit to some authentic workshops that produce woodcarvings and/or Andean musical instruments.
Dinner and accommodation will be at an "Hacienda" that will let you taste our traditions and culture.
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Day 5: Cuicocha Crater Lake & Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve
AM
After enjoying a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast, we will drive up to to Cuicocha Crater Lake and the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve. A short hike around the edge of the lake gives you a unique view of the lake and its surroundings.
Then we will visit the town of Cotacachi, home to Ecuador's finest leather craftsmen. We will also take you to a visit to the village of Zuleta, famous for its embroidery.
Lunch will be at an hacienda in the area.
PM
We will return to Quito in the afternoon and take you to the hotel
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Day 6: End of Services or the beginning of your next adventure: Galapagos, the other regions of Ecuador or Peru
AM
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer out if needed.
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