ANDEAN IMMERSION THROUGH COMMUNITIES + HACIENDAS
12 days / 11 nights (2020) Rates from $1,505 / person 2 – 4 – 6 participants
Quito, Lake Region, Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Indigenous Communities, Baños
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Excursion Highlights: Adventures along the equator Authentic + immersive experiences Mythic volcanoes Indigenous cultures + customs Lakes in the mountains
SAN CLEMENTE
OTAVALO CAYAMBE
QUITO COTOPAXI BAÑOS SALINAS DE GUARANDA RIOBAMBA
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Itinerary
Nº AGENDA Tababela / Cayambe 1 Arrive at airport in Tababela Shuttle to hotel in Cayambe Cayambe / San Clemente 2 AM : Dairy Cows and Rose Plantations PM : Indigenous market of Otavalo and Peguche waterfall San Clemente 3 AM : Visit the community of San Clemente PM : Hike along the Cubilche trail San Clemente / Otavalo 4 AM : Visit cultural center for local artisans PM : Lake Cuicocha Otavalo / Quito 5 AM : Mojanda Lakes PM : Mitad del Mundo Quito 6 AM : TeleferiQo to Rucu Pichincha PM : City tour Quito / Cotopaxi 7 AM : Cotopaxi National Park PM : Free time at the lodge Cotopaxi / Salinas de Guaranda 8 AM : Visit the community of Salinas de Guaranda PM : Local tastes and hike Salinas de Guaranda / Riobamba 9 AM : Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve PM : Quinua Plantations Riobamba / Baños 10 AM : Lakes of Ozogoche PM : Arrive in Baños Baños / Quito 11 AM : Highway of Waterfalls PM : Visit Quilotoa Crater Quito / Tababela 12 Shuttle to airport in Tababela
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Day 1: Arrive in Cayambe
Sites of interest: Arrive in the Ecuadorian capital nestled in the Andes at 9,350 feet – the second highest capital in the world!
You will land at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Tababela, just east of Ecuador’s capital city where your driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in an hacienda whose mill has been restored to host visitors. Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: None Altitude: Quito 9,350 feet Cayambe 9,285 feet Travel: Airport – Hotel: 1h 15 min – 45 miles Accommodations: Molino San Juan*** (or similar)
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Day 2: Otavalo Market and Sacred Waterfall of Peguche
Sites of interest: Local traditions and customs. Indigenous market with artisanal crafts. Andean villages and sacred waterfalls.
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, observe the cow-milking process at a local dairy farm and tour a nearby rose plantation. Then make your way at the Otavalo market—the most famous indigenous market in South America, where Andean traditions thrive in the form of colorful textiles and handmade jewelry. Here, you’ll be able to admire the work of master weavers and expert leather craftsmen from the surrounding villages of Peguche, Agato, Iluman, and Cotacachi. The perfect place to buy your souvenirs! In the afternoon, visit the sacred Peguche waterfall before heading to the community of San Clemente where you will spend the night. You will have the unique opportunity to visit with a local family as they tell you about their worldview and ways of life. Dinner in the community.
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast + Dinner Altitude: Otavalo 8,307 feet San Clemente 9,186 feet Travel: Cayambe – Otavalo: 35 min – 19 miles Otavalo – Peguche: 10 min – 1.8 miles Peguche – San Clemente: 40 min – 19 miles Hikes: Peguche waterfall: 20 min – 1 mile (easy) Accommodations: Host family stay
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Day 3: Discover the Community of San Clemente and Hike the Cubilche Trail
Sites of interest: Immerse yourself in daily life and the role that nature plays in this traditional indigenous community.
Breakfast in the community. Discover the community of San Clemente and take witness to the innovative eco-tourism projects developed by the locals. Lunch in the community. In the afternoon, walk along the trail to the Cubilche outlook nestled between the volcanoes Imbabura and Cusín. As your guide will tell you, this site is important to the local worldview and you will understand just by the pure beauty and tranquility that you witness there immersed in Andean nature. Dinner in the community.
Accompanied by: Driver + local guide for the walk to Cubilche Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Altitude: San Clemente 9,186 feet Cubilche 12,467 feet Accommodations: Host family stay
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Day 4: Visit Cotacachi and Walk around Lake Cuicocha
Sites of interest: Meet the artisans themselves in Cotacachi where Andean traditions are preserved through custom crafts. Lake Cuicocha and its famous islets!
Breakfast in the community In the morning, visit the picturesque village of Cotacachi where its inhabitants are notorious for their expertise in leather crafts. You will head toward the town center where local artisans preserving indigenous traditions present their works in the form of baskets and tapestries out of “totora,” or the beautiful jewelry worn by the indigenous women of the region. Later on, hike around Lake Cuicocha and its two islets that have formed at the base of Mount Cotacachi. These natural wonders find themselves in Cotacachi-Cayapas Natural Reserve, the perfect spot to take in the fresh air and beautiful terrain. You are required to hire a local guide at the entrance of the national reserve (price ref. $40). You will spend the night in a charming hacienda in Otavalo.
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Altitude: Cotacachi 7,939 feet Cuicocha 10,646 feet Otavalo 8,300 feet Travel: San Clemente – Cotacachi: 29 min – 12 miles Cotacachi – Cuicocha: 25 min – 9 miles Cuicocha – Otavalo: 28 min – 11 miles Hikes: Lake Cuicocha: 30 min – 1.2 miles (easy) Accommodations: Hacienda Pinsaquí***sup (or similar)
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Day 5: Admire the Mojanda Lakes and the Mitad del Mundo
Sites of interest: Mojanda Lakes in the heights of Otavalo and fun on the equator line.
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, walk along the shores of the Mojanda Lakes in the heights of Otavalo surrounded by staggering landscapes. With a little luck you might even see a condor flying overhead! In the afternoon, head south toward the capital city after a stop at the Mitad del Mundo and the solar museum Intiñan at latitude 0° 0’ 0’’ (price ref. $5). Don’t leave without a picture of yourself in two hemispheres at once! You will spend the night Quito’s old town district.
Accompanied by: Driver Repas inclus: Breakfast Altitude: Mojanda 13,779 feet Mitad del Mundo 9,186 feet Quito 9,350 feet Travel: Otavalo – Mojanda: 1h 30 min – 33 miles Mojanda – Mitad del Mundo: 2h 10 min – 52 miles Mitad del Mundo – Quito: 40 min – 18 miles Accommodations: Real Audiencia*** (or similar)
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Day 6: Ascend to the base of Rucu Pichincha and Explore Quito’s Old Town
Sites of interest: Ascend on the TeleferiQo for incomparable views of the Andes and capital city! Explore Quito’s old town, the best-preserved in South America and an essential stop while in Ecuador. Panoramic views from the Panecillo.
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a ride on the gondola known as the TeleferiQo and hike around the foothills of Mount Rucu Pichincha (15,695 ft at the summit) for impressive views of the capital. In the afternoon, walk the streets of the largest and best well-kept historic center in Latin America. Start in the Plaza de la Independencia. There encompassing the plaza are some of the most beautiful churches and convents of the capital. You will have the chance to visit, among others, La Compañia de Jesús whose interior is covered entirely in gold, and the Plaza San Francisco which was built out of volcanic rock. Higher up, you will have the chance to appreciate the grandeur of the world’s second highest capital city from the Panecillo. Here, at almost 10,000 feet, stands the statue of the Virgin of Quito whose placement is said to unite the North and South of the city.
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Altitude: Quito 9,350 feet Accommodations: Real Audiencia*** (or similar)
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Day7: Hike through the Heart of Cotopaxi National Park
Sites of interest: Cotopaxi National Park home to the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world!
Breakfast at the hotel. Take the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to Cotopaxi National Park where you’ll find one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world. You are required to hire a local guide at the entrance of the national park (price ref. $40). In the park, pay a visit to the interpretation center and Limpiopungo Lake and from there you will head up by car to the parking lot situated at 14,760 feet for a spectacular view of the park. If you´ve got it in you, and you aren’t affected by the altitude, you can trek 980 feet further to the José Rivas refuge. Keep on taking in the sights from the comfort of your lodge at the foot of Cotopaxi.
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Altitude: Cotopaxi National Park 14,763 feet Travel: Quito – Cotopaxi: 1h 20 min – 43 miles Cotopaxi – Hotel: 1h 38 min – 38 miles Hikes: Cotopaxi: 45 min – 1 mile (moderate) Accommodations: Tambopaxi Lodge***sup (or similar)
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Day 8: Visit a Community Project in the Region of Chimborazo
Sites of interest: Visit a community project emblematic of this region of the country.
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, you will hit the road early and head toward the community project of Salinas, unique to the Ecuadorian sierra, through which independent enterprise has led to agricultural activities promoting local and traditional plants helping to preserve the community traditions in the country.
You will also discover and taste different crops grown here while you learn of the community’s customs. Later on, walk to the community’s water salt water source characteristic of the Chimborazo region.
You will have dinner and spend the night the community.
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Altitude: Salinas de Guaranda 11,646 feet Travel: Cotopaxi – Salinas de Guaranda: 4h 21 min – 136 miles Accommodations: Host family stay
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Day 9: Excursion through Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve
Sites of interest: Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, home to rich wildlife at the foot of the Chimborazo volcano – the peak furthest from the Earth’s center!
Breakfast in the community. This morning, set off for Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, home to Ecuador’s tallest volcano and the peak furthest from the Earth’s center: Chimborazo (20,560 ft). You are required to hire a local guide at the entrance of the national reserve (price ref. $40). On this excursion along the slopes of the volcano, take in the sights and keep an eye out for the llama-like creatures known as vicuñas as well as birds of prey like the condor, caracaras and falcons. You will later take the «ruta de la quinua» to discover the cultural traditions of this local grain which plays a big part in the ancestral foods of the Andean people.
Spend the night at the entrance of the city of Riobamba in a beautiful hacienda that once hosted Simon Bolivar!
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Altitude: Chimborazo First Refuge 15,748 feet Riobamba 9,071 feet Travel: Salinas – Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge: 35 min – 21 miles Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge – Quinoa plantation: 1h – 28 miles Quinoa plantation – Riobamba: 40 min – 21 miles Hikes: Chimborazo: 1h – 1 mile (moderate) Accommodations: La Andaluza***sup (or similar)
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Day 10: Through Lakes and Volcanoes
Sites of interest: Impressive landscapes and the Lakes of Ozogoche!
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, you will head up to the indigenous community of Ozogoche, surrounded by 45 pristine lakes inside Sangay National Park!
You will have the opportunity to experience daily life of this mountain community. At more than 11,000 feet in elevation, you will be able to take in the impressive landscapes of this corner of the Andes. Keep an eye our for llama and alpaca herds!
In the afternoon, head out for Baños, at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano where you can taste the regional sweets made from cane sugar.
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Altitude: Ozogoche 15,190 feet Baños 5,971 feet Travel: Riobamba – Ozogoche: 1h 48 min – 59 miles Ozogoche – Baños: 2h 46 min – 92 miles Accommodations: Chamanapamba*** (or similar)
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Day 11: Highway of Waterfalls and Descent into the Quilotoa Crater
Sites of interest: Highway of Waterfalls in Baños and the turquoise lake of the Quilotoa Crater.
Breakfast at the hotel. Between Puyo and Baños you will follow the “highway of waterfalls” to reach the “Pailón del Diablo” waterfall and take a cable car ride over the Pastaza River to the “Manto de la Novia” waterfall. Keep an eye out for other falls along the way! Continue your journey toward Quilotoa. This dormant volcano is most well-known for the gigantic turquoise lake that has formed in its crater. You can stay at the Shalala lookout, built in 2014 for looking down at the crater from 12,795 feet, or head down to the shores of the lake for some kayaking (price ref. $10/person). Hike back up on foot or ride a donkey (price ref. $10/person)! Head back to Quito to spend the night.
Accompanied by: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Altitude: Quilotoa approx 12,795 feet Travel: Baños – Quilotoa: 3h – 95 miles Quilotoa – Quito: 2h 56 min – 111 miles Hikes: Quilotoa: 1h 10 min – 1 mile (moderate) Accommodations: Real Audiencia*** (or similar)
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Day 12: Shuttle to Quito Airport
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depending on your return flight departure, you will have today to explore once again old town Quito, track down some last minute souvenirs or enjoy one more typical Ecuadorian dish.
Your driver will pick you up at the hotel to take you to the airport 3 hours before you international return flight.
Accompanied by: Driver for the airport shuttle Meals included: Breakfast Altitude: Quito 9,350 feet Travel: Quito – Airport: 40 min – 25 miles
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Accommodations
The accommodations included in this itinerary are the following*:
Molino San Juan*** - Cayambe Molino San Juan was born of the family initiative to restore an old mil on their farm in the hopes of hosting travelers in its warm and peaceful ambiance. The hacienda now represents the combination of heritage and responsible tourism offering cultural activities including gastronomy and agrotourism.
10 rooms / restaurant / library / game room http://www.molinosanjuan.com/
San Clemente*** - Ibarra Near the city of Ibarra, San Clemente offers a cultural exchange to its guests in the form of host family stays and community participation. The local families show their guests their authentic Andean way of life, teach them of their indigenous traditions and their local community tourism projects.
17 cabins / various activities with the community members http://www.sanclementetours.com/turismo_comunitario.php
Hacienda Pinsaquí*** - Otavalo At the heart of the province of Imbabura lives Hacienda Pinsaquí, a place where time seems to have stopped three centuries ago with its elaborate gardens and grand house built in a traditional style.
30 rooms / restaurant / gardens / horseback riding / hiking / cooking classes https://www.haciendapinsaqui.com/#
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Real Audiencia*** - Quito You will enjoy a blissful night’s sleep in the Real Audiencia, located in the heart of the best-preserved historic district in South America. Enjoy an incredible, panoramic view from the restaurant and the simple ease of being able to explore the capital as you step out the front door and into Santo Domingo Plaza.
32 rooms / restaurant https://www.realaudiencia.com/
Tambopaxi Lodge*** - Cotopaxi Tambopaxi Lodge is a hotel situated on the flanks of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano. Built in the year 2000, the lodeg has become a refuge for mountaineers as much as it has for traveling families to whom it offers spectacular views of the volcano!
Capacity 70 guests / restaurant / hiking / horseback riding http://www.tambopaxi.com/es/
Community of Salinas de Guaranda*** - Salinas de Guaranda Nestled in an Andean valley in one of the most traditional regions of Ecuador, the community of Salinas de Guaranda is surrounded by impressive landscapes and amazing traditions. Salinas de Guaranda is a perfect example of community tourism as it offers around 100 microbusinesses to its visitors staying in the community hotel.
15 chambres / community projects http://www.salinerito.com/
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La Andaluza***sup - Riobamba Just outside of Riobamba, the hotel La Andaluza has been declared a cultural heritage of Ecuador for the centuries of history contained within its walls. The Andean landscapes and beautiful architecture combined with the excellent customer service makes La Andaluza the ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature.
55 rooms / restaurant / bar / wine cellar / game room https://www.hosteriaandaluza.com/es-es
Chamanapamba***sup - Baños Just a few minutes from downtown Baños, the Hosteria Chamanapamba is a comfortable hotel with unmatched views of the surrounding nature. The farm offers a harmonious stay to its guests all while respecting the ecosystems present on the property. http://www.chamanapamba.com/es/index.html
* Limited availability. In the case that one of these options is not available, accommodations of the same level of quality will be recommended. ** Hotel categories according to local standards
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Rates
2020 rates are in American dollars and may be subject to change by the time of confirmation.
Tour 12 days / 11 nights Base 2 guests Base 4 guests Base 6 guests Double room $2,040/person $1,505/person $1,395/person Single room supplement $165/person
These rates are not valid during holidays in Ecuador (Christmas, New Year’s Day, Carnaval, Holy Week/Easter, May 24th Battle of Pichincha, August 10th Independence Day, October 9th Independence of Guayaquil, November 2nd and 3rd Days of the Dead).
We reserve the right to modify this itinerary in the case of necessity.
Included
Lodging in the aforementioned establishments Tous les déplacements en véhicule privé touristique avec un chauffeur hispanophone A local guide for the following visits: the dairy cows and rose plantation day 2, the hike day 3, the visits in the community of Salinas de guaranda day 8, the quinoa plantation visit day 9. The visit to the artisinal cultural center day 4 (2 workshops and a snack included) The following meals: o Breakfast days 2-12 o Lunch days 3 and 8 Dinner days 2, 3 and 8 Our assistance throughout the course of your trip
NOT Included
International flights Baggage assistance in hotels and airports Meals not specified as included Drinks Guide at the entrance to Cotacachi-Cayapas National Reserve and Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve (price ref. 40 USD) Entrance fees to aforementioned excursion sites and museums (to be payed on-site). Insurance Tips, extra costs, and anything not specified as included in the program
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Terms and Conditions
Ecuador Emotions will always make a conscious effort to adhere to the programmed itinerary. However, the order of events may be modified and/or certain visits eliminated due to circumstances beyond our control (weather and sea conditions, strikes, public authority decisions, road conditions, and the discretion of local tour operators). Ecuador Emotions will not be held responsible for extra costs due to late or cancelled transportation for whatever reason. It is also the responsibility of the client to abide by the baggage restrictions enforced by the airlines (overweight baggage fees will be paid by the passenger directly). Moreover, flight rates are subject to change without notice. Ecuador Emotions recommends that their clients make sure their passports are valid during the programmed dates of travel as well as find out if a visa is required for them to enter the country. Ecuador Emotions suggests that their clients consult their doctor before traveling, especially to ensure that their health will not be at risk at altitude. Certain excursions may be changed due to the physical condition of our clients if said excursions are determined unsafe or harmful. Thank you for informing us of any health problem or allergy in advance. We recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to avoid any additional charge that may come with any last minute change of your flight itinerary. The client must inform us of any problems as soon as they arise during the program to the following email: [email protected]
Terms of Payment
With the confirmation of our services, an initial payment of 30% the total amount must be processed within 10 days of the reservation. The total amount must be paid no later than 45 days before the start of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Up to 45 days before the start of the tour: penalty equivalent to the amount of initial payment. Between 44 and 31 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 60% the total amount.* Between 30 and 15 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 80% the total amount.* Less than 15 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 100% the total amount. *A credit memo equivalent to the amount already payed (penalty not included) will be issued.
Quito, August 18, 2020
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