Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Quito

   • Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador!
   • Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level, Ecuador’s dramatic capital city is the second highest in the world after Bolivia’s La Paz. Built on the ashes of the northern Inca capital following the 1533 Spanish conquest, Quito is nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic Andean peaks, among them the restless Volcán Pichincha. The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m). It welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hat makers, and a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.
   • Your private driver will meet you for approximately a 45-minute transfer to your accommodation in the city center.

   Meals included: -

2. Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Quito and Otavalo

   • Today, after a fantastic breakfast, you will be part of one of these incredible activities provided at the lodge.
   • You can choose between a tour of a rose plantation where you can experience the process that Ecuadorian flowers face before they are exported. Ecuadorian flowers are known for being beautiful and colorful. In this experience, you will receive a surprise gift.
   • Alternatively, you can choose to be part of a cooking class, immersing yourself in the flavors of Ecuadorian local dishes. In this class, you will have the assistance of an expert who will guide you in the activity, and of course, you will try your delicious creation.
   • Your guide will pick you up at Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets in South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits.
   • Take a stroll through the streets and maybe try some of the local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, and fried pork with cooked corn.

   Meals included: Breakfast

3. Day 3: Indigenous Village And Cuicocha Lagoon Exploration

   • Be ready in the early morning; your pick-up time will be at 09:00 from your hotel lobby.
   • On this tour, you will visit 4 indigenous communities, and you will be able to observe the manufacture of different handicrafts.
   • Among these, the manufacture of totora reed mats along the Imbakucha Lake (San Pablo), Andean musical instruments, and the processing of wool with which they make their scarves and clothing are notable.
   • The tour also includes a visit to the Peguche waterfall, which is a sacred place, and a visit to the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products.
   • Finally, you will visit the spectacular Cuicocha Lagoon, where you will discover the amazing legends that surround this ancestral place.

   Meals included: Breakfast

4. Day 4: Horseback Riding and Shamanism Experience

   • Your morning will begin with your departure from your hotel in private transportation to an indigenous community.
   • There, you will embark on a horseback ride lasting 3 hours through a native forest to visit indigenous communities, where you will observe the daily life of the indigenous families.
   • After completing this activity, you will continue to perform a purification rite. The communities have the tradition of performing this rite once a year, on the summer solstice on June 22nd at midnight. However, the Yachak "shaman" will give an explanation and demonstration of the ritual that consists of changing negative energy to positive to improve the quality of life of the person who performs it.
   • You will then return to Quito to spend the night.

   Meals included: Breakfast

5. Day 5: Departure from Quito

   • Upon arrival at the airport, you will connect with your international flight.
   • This will allow you to return home with some everlasting memories.
   • See you next time!

   Meals included: Breakfast