Hiking, Haciendas & Markets

All the best that Ecuador has to offer! Enjoy scenic day-hikes as you discover the colonial haciendas and communities of the Ecuadorian Andes. A chance to experience the diversity of Ecuador’s cultural heritage and its unique native arts and handicrafts, while staying in historic and unique locations.

2007 Departures: Daily/minimum of two passengers

Note: while the “main” market day in Otavalo is on Saturdays, there is a thriving handicraft market all through the week. If you prefer to visit the Saturday market, which expands to include foods, animals, and lots more visitors, you should plan to begin this itinerary on a Thursday.

2007 Prices:

• $1655 per person/based on 2 people
• $1185 per person/based on 4 people/2 double rooms

2007 Prices-Luxury

• $2365 per person/based on 2 people
• $1900 per person/based on 4 people/2 double rooms

• Single supplement available on request

Note: This tour is a suggested, customized itinerary that is very flexible. We can make changes in number of travelers, hotels, excursions and destinations to suit your travel dates, style and budget.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Quito. You will be met as you exit the airport, and transferred to your selected hotel. Overnight hotel Casa Aliso (luxury) or Sierra Madre.

Day 2: This morning you will enjoy a city tour where you will visit the Independence square, the city's oldest colonial center.  Stops are also made at La Compania and San Francisco churches.  Finally drive up to Panecillo hill for a spectacular panoramic view of Quito and surroundings.   Afternoon is free to explore a little of Quito on your own. Museums, art galleries and arts and crafts stores & markets are popular options. Or you may wish to try Quito’s new teleferiqo that takes you high about the city of the slopes of Pichincha volcano for stunning views of the Andes. Overnight at Casa Aliso or Sierra Madre. (B)

DAY 3: Today we will travel to Otavalo, famous for its handicraft market. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll the stalls, looking for the unique textiles, wood carvings and leather works produced in this area. Lunch will be provided at the charming Hacienda Pinsaqui. In the afternoon we will visit typical native towns such as Iluman and Peguche, with a chance for a weaving demonstration by one of the local residents. Overnight Hacienda Zuleta (luxury) or Hacienda Cusin (B, L, D)

Day 4: After breakfast, we will drive to the nearby forest hills of the Cusin Mountain with great views of the San Pablo Lake where we start our hike. Travel through rolling hills, farmlands and alongside small streams while surrounded by the striking scenery of volcanoes, green hillsides and bright blue skies. Overnight Hacienda Cusin. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Morning hike toward Guachala where our vehicule will meet us with a picnic lunch and continue to Papallacta for an overnight by the hot springs. We drive through the fertile Tumbaco valley. After about 32 km/20 milles, we descend to the eastern range of the Andes. After crossing the pass, we continue down through the Andean primary forest with bizarre polylepies trees. As we descend towards to Papallacta we will see patches of Paramo Vegetation and Andean cloud forest. We will be arriving at Termas de Papallacta (3,350M/10,900 FT) in time for lunch. Check in to your hotel at the hot springs, where you have time to enjoy a nice soak in the many pools located just steps from your door. If you feel like a bit more pampering, you can get a massage at your hotel, or go next door to the adjacent full-service spa for a variety of specialized treatments. Dinner and overnight at Termas de Papallacata. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Early morning depart from Papallacta to Cotopaxi. We will take the Panamerican highway, which takes us to Machachi, we will be passing by indigenous communities and highland plantations. We will continue to Cotopaxi National Park where we can enjoy the Andean mountain landscape. Cotopaxi is the world’s highest active volcano, a perfect snow-capped peak! After lunch we will hike to the hacienda San Augustin de Callo (luxury) which was built over remains of an Inca Palace, or La Cienega, where we will stay.. (B, L, D)

Day 7: After a great breakfast with views of the Cotopaxi, we will start our hike to La Cienega where we will have lunch. In the late afternoon we will return to Quito. Overnight Hotel Casa Aliso (luxury) or Sierra Madre (B, L)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

Hotel & Hacienda Descriptions:

Quito

Casa Aliso: This 10-room gem offers all the style and comfort of a small luxurious home with an especially inviting interior. The use of color, wood, iron and marble throughout creates the atmosphere of a sophisticated private residence, maintaining the same tradition and elegance as when it was built in 1936. Delightfully secluded, Casa Aliso is well known to experienced travelers who want to be close to everything, but desire a quieter, more refined atmosphere. It is located in the fashionable residential neighborhood of "La Floresta", a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet just a short taxi ride away from some of Quito's most popular tourist attractions.

Hotel Sierra Madre: The Hotel was renovated and restored to grand Spanish villa style in 1992. This three story, 21 room hotel boasts sunroofs, a terrace, some rooms with balconies, a quaint bar and spacious restaurant. Tucked in a small neighborhood, but minutes from all the main sights of the city.

Otavalo area

Hacienda Zuleta:  An elegant and luxurious family owned hacienda tucked into the natural beauty of the Andes mountains Established in the 17 th century, this working farm today thrives under the supervision of former Ecuador President Galo Lasso’s descendants, producing a wide range of products. The fertile valley still bountifully supports its inhabitants and is sited as a model for farming and land use in Ecuador and all of the Andes. Of special interest to many guests are the hand embroidery workshop and condor rehabilitation project. 

Here you are a guest of the Lasso family and you are welcomed as such. All guests receive a private room with hand-embroidered linens and beautiful garden views. You will be invited to relax at your leisure in the cozy reading and living rooms, which have entertained their own entourage of famous visitors including past presidents and dignitaries.

Hacienda Cusin is a restored 17th century Andean estate at 8,500 feet, just 20 minutes south from the famous market town of Otavalo.

Cusin’s terracotta-tile roofs, winding cobblestone pathways, courtyards and perennial gardens nestle beneath a deep blue sky in a wide, pastoral lake valley. Nearby, the often snow-capped 15,000-foot Cotacachi volcano is reflected in Lago San Pablo.

An ancient lakebed, cool nights and a predictable equatorial sun have conspired with avid gardeners to create several acres of ever-blooming gardens which include belladonna, bougainvillea, agapantha, acanthas, foxgloves, orchids and palms that attract over 50 species of birds.

Guestrooms are individually styled and have views of perennial gardens. Most guestrooms have log-burning fireplaces, beamed ceilings and king-size beds.
Public rooms are antique furnished and have log-burning fireplaces.

Papallacta

"Termas de Papallacta" Hot Springs SPA & RESORT is located 67 kilometers (40 miles) east of the city of Quito, only at one and a half hour's distance, in the paved Interoceanic Highway on the way to Baeza.

This marvelous Spa & Resort is located on the Cinnamon Trail, the same route that Francisco de Orellana took in 1542, when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of gold and other treasures, and which unexpectedly led him to discover the great Amazon River. However, despite the fact that this place is located in the Ecuadorian Highlands, at an altitude of 3,220 meters (10,800 ft.) above sea level, Papallacta is the entry door to the Ecuadorian Amazon Region. Depending on the weather season, the climate is cold humid, with an average environmental temperature from 10 to 14 C.

Upon arrival at Papallacta, you will began to feel the beneficial effects of the life-giving, diaphanous air which originates in a singular meeting of the Amazonian winds with the rocks, forests and water of the high Andean mountains.

Spend an unforgettable night at the comfortable rooms of the hotel located around the swimming pools, which are exclusive for guests. From these pools you will be able to admire the high mountains, primary forests, and starry nights.

Cotopaxi

Hacienda La Ciénega is located in the area of Guaytacama, in the Valley of Lasso at the foot of Cotopaxi volcano, and belongs to the descendants of its original owner, the Marquis of Maenza, dating back to the 17th century. The Manor House was built in 1838 and is reached via an avenue flanked by gigantic and fragrant eucalyptus trees. It was open to the public in 1982, with spacious rooms surrounded by beautiful gardens. The charm, taste and elegance of the rooms of La Ciénega have witnessed important events in Ecuador's history.

San Agustin de Callo is nestled in the foothills of Cotopaxi volcano--the perfect base to explore the National Park and surrounding Andean villages.

The historic hacienda is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. Dating from around 1440, San Agustin de Callo has served as an Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission. In 1921 the hacienda was purchased by General Leonidas Plaza Gutierrez. Gutierrez and his son both stood office as Ecuador’s president, and the hacienda is currently owned by the General’s grand daughter.

In both the main house and the Callo Lodge the individually decorated rooms come with en-suite bathrooms and fireplaces (many have fireplaces in the bathrooms as well). Beds are on the generous side and are extremely comfortable. The beautiful wall paintings are made by the Chilean artist Manuel Araya. There are 3 rooms in the Callo house with a central living room and kitchen, and 6 in the main house set around a Spanish courtyard. The meals are served from a cosy dining room with lovely views across the foothills to Cotopaxi volcano. Meals are a tasty mix of local and international dishes. A full English breakfast is served with the warning that the hacienda “is not liable in any way for consequences, medical or otherwise, for consumption of English breakfasts at high altitude!!” The dinner menu usually includes Andean dishes such as tamales (steamed corn maize stuffed with seasoned chicken, eggs, chillies and olives wrapped in achira leaves), locro (a rich cheese and potato soup served with slices of ripe avocado), and a variety of poultry, seafood, lamb or pork. Freshly picked vegetables and salads accompany the main dishes.

Trip Notes

• This program is our suggestion of a customized itinerary. It can be modified to include specific destinations, activities and hotels at your request.
• Latin American Escapes offers excellent discounted international airfares from most US cities, local airpasses, and complete land packages through-out Latin America.
• This itinerary combines easily with a Galapagos cruise, Amazon adventure, or other destinations in Ecuador

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.