Itinerary
Day 1: The Northern Highlights.
Stop At: Ecuador Best Tours, Quito 170179 Ecuador
You start the adventure at 08h30 towards Cochasquí, one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Ecuador.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Cochasqui Pyramids, Highway 35, Tabacundo 170450 Ecuador
The complex has fifteen pyramids and several tombs from the period 850 B.C. – 1580 A.C. Here we will have the opportunity to be surrounded by hundreds of llamas, while we learn all about the Caranquis, one of the most developed civilizations in South America!
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Volcan Cayambe, Cayambe Ecuador
After the unforgettable hike along the Inca Trail, we will drive towards a local rose plantation to learn all about the process of planting, harvesting and exporting roses! We will have time for lunch in a local restaurant, and only after a 10 minute drive from there, we will stop at the Quitsato sundial, which is a large circular stone mosaic of 52 meters of diameter, located exactly in the middle of the world! Finally, we will go to Hacienda Guachalá, considered the oldest one in Ecuador, built by the Spaniards in colonial times (1580), where we stay the overnight in guest rooms with charming fireplaces!
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Hacienda Guachalá or Palmeras de Quichinche.
Day 2: An unforgettable day at the Market!
Stop At: Volcan Imbabura, Otavalo Ecuador
We leave at 08h00, towards the populated, colourful and the most famous indigenous market in South America! Before going to Otavalo, we will visit the beautiful viewpoint of Laguna San Pablo, which is at the foothills of Imbabura Volcano (4.610 m.a.s.l.).
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Otavalo Market, Plaza de los Ponchos, Otavalo 100450 Ecuador
We continue to the animal market, and then we go to "Plaza de Ponchos", a place that shows a large variety of Ecuadorian handicrafts. It is also possible to visit the rural parish of Peguche, where we can learn more about the local culture and the weaving process of carpets and tapestries.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, Esmeraldas region Ecuador
After lunch we will visit the town of Cotacachi, well-known as the “Capital of Music in Ecuador”, rich in the production of leather products, which are displayed for sale in small shops throughout the city centre. Then we will visit Cuicocha Lake, which is inside the crater of Cotacachi volcano. Once we finish this wonderful tour, we will drive you back to Quito, and we will arrive to your hotel approximately at 17h00. End of this fantastic getaway from Quito!
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.