Ecuador in Style

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito at any time.Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year.In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historical buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvellous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town. Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travellers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking. Just a couple of hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for a days hiking (up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge) or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit (overnight excursion). Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.

Day 2 Otavalo / Cotacachi (B,D)

Welcome to the bustling town of Otavalo, famous for its handicrafts and local markets, dating back to pre-Inca times. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits and vegetables. Enjoy the markets before settling into our unique resort accommodations built on the grounds of a 200 year old hacienda, in the nearby town of Cotacachi.Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people. There are three main market plazas in town, with the overflow spilling out onto the streets linking them. The Plaza de Ponchos is where you will find most handicraft items. You will find colourful woollen goods such as ponchos, gloves, hats, blankets, scarves and sweaters, as well as fine tapestries and a variety of embroidered blouses and shirts, shawls, string bags, and rope sandals. This market gets underway at dawn and continues until early afternoon. Remember, bargaining is expected for every purchase! If you're good you should be able to get at least 20% off of the starting price. The food market sells produce and household goods for the locals, and there is an animal market beginning in the predawn hours on the outskirts of town. Although these are not designed for visitors, they are cultural experiences to see and are definitely worth a visit.One of the most evident features of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life.

Day 3 San Pablo (B,D)

Take a morning guided tour of the Cotacachi community, famous for leather wares before arriving to the idyllic shores of San Pablo Lake, a picturesque spot in wonderful surroundings. Spend the night in elegant, luxury chalets. Choose from a range of optional activities or simply curl up by the fire with a book and soak in the atmosphere.

Day 4 Cuenca (B,D)

Head back to Quito with a quick stop at the equator line. Enjoy a city tour of the historic capital before boarding a flight south to the cobblestone lined streets of Cuenca in the afternoon. In true colonial style, relax in a beautifully restored 19th century house for the night.Considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, Cuenca has had an eventful history. Barely half a century before the arrival of the Spaniards, the powerful Inca Tupac Yupanqui was undertaking the difficult conquest of the local Cañari people, who struggled bravely to stem the expansion of the Inca Empire. After several years of bitter fighting, Tupac Yupanqui's forces prevailed. The Inca began the construction of a major city whose splendour and importance was to rival that of the imperial capital of Cuzco. Stories of sun temples covered with gold sheets and palaces built using the finest skill of Cuzqueño stonemasons abound. What happened to Tomebamba, as the city was called, is however, a complete mystery. By the time the Spanish chronicler Cieza de Léon passed through in 1547, Tomebamba lay in ruins, although well-stocked storehouses indicated how great it had recently been. The Tomebamba River divides Cuenca in half, and south of the river lie fairly recent suburbs and the modern university. To the north is the heart of the colonial city. Although Cuenca has expanded to become Ecuador's third largest city with 165,000 inhabitants, it still retains a pleasantly provincial air and the old centre has churches dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The earliest building is the original Cathedral, construction of which began in 1557, the year Cuenca was founded by the Spanish conquerors. Explore the city’s sights including cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas and museums. The villagers in the surrounding areas are expert milliners, creating beautiful Panama hats (which should perhaps more accurately be called Ecuador hats).

Day 5 Cuenca (B,D)

Enjoy a full day tour of the colonial city of Cuenca and its surroundings. Steeped in history and natural beauty, this area will leave lasting memories.Another nearby attraction is Area Nacional de Recreacion Cajas, a protected area of 28,000 ha, about 30 km (19 miles) northwest of the city of Cuenca. The terrain is quite stark, mostly above 4000m (13120 ft) in the páramo (grassy highlands), with many clear lakes and a great variety of bird life, beautiful scenery and good hiking possibilities.

Day 6 Baños (B,D)

Starting early, we head out by private transport to explore the Inca ruins and ancient city of Ingapirca. Enjoy a tour of this captivating site before moving on to the city of Baños, famous for its abundance of natural hot springs and lush mountain scenery. Relax at a unique adventure spa hotel for the evening.Although information about the historical importance of Ingapirca varies, many believe that it served as a fortress. Archaeologists believe that the main structure was considered to be the Temple of the Sun, which may have been used for ceremonial purposes. While exploring the site you will see the mortarless stonework and trapezoidal doorways that are characteristic of Inca construction. Also found at the site are buildings believed to have been storehouses, and rest places for ‘chasquis’, runners that carried messages from one end of the Inca Empire to the other. Unfortunately much of the site has suffered from looting, but today the importance of the site is recognized and the site is officially protected. Baños is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country and you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn sun creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.

Day 7 Quito (B)

Enjoy a free morning in Baños to choose from a plethera of optional activities, such as hiking, biking and rafting to name just a few. After lunch we will return to Quito for one final night on the town.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Comfortable, unique hotels (7 nts)
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	- Arrival transfer and breakfast daily- Visit to Cotacachi community and San Pablo Lake- Visit the "Middle of the World" monument at the Equator near Cayambe- Quito city tour- Full day tour of Cuenca and surroundings- Guided tour of Ingapirca ruins
Meals Included	Continental breakfast daily, 5 dinners as indicated in the itinerary.
Recommendation	Looking for a complete Ecuador experience? Why not add a superior class Galapagos Islands to this trip? EV06Q
StartFinish	ex Quito
Transport	private van, local flight
Brochure Intro	See the highlights of Ecuador in this compact and comfortable 8-day adventure! Wander through the bustling pre-Inca markets of Otavalo, lose yourself in the colonial cobblestone streets of Cuenca and relish in the hot springs and natural beauty of Baños. This is a great way to see and experience the best of Ecuador while travelling in style.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-10-25	2008-11-01	7+
2008-11-22	2008-11-29	7+
2008-12-20	2008-12-27	7+
2009-01-17	2009-01-24	7+
2009-02-14	2009-02-21	7+
2009-03-14	2009-03-21	7+
2009-04-11	2009-04-18	7+
2009-05-09	2009-05-16	7+
2009-06-06	2009-06-13	7+
2009-07-04	2009-07-11	7+
2009-08-01	2009-08-08	7+
2009-08-29	2009-09-05	7+
2009-09-26	2009-10-03	7+
2009-10-24	2009-10-31	7+
2009-11-21	2009-11-28	7+
2009-12-19	2009-12-26	7+
2010-01-16	2010-01-23	7+
2010-02-13	2010-02-20	7+
2010-03-13	2010-03-20	7+
2010-04-10	2010-04-17	7+
2010-05-08	2010-05-15	7+
2010-06-05	2010-06-12	7+
2010-07-03	2010-07-10	7+
2010-07-31	2010-08-07	7+
2010-08-28	2010-09-04	7+
2010-09-25	2010-10-02	7+
2010-10-23	2010-10-30	7+
2010-11-20	2010-11-27	7+
2010-12-18	2010-12-25	7+

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