Haciendas & Markets

This trip is marked by beautiful landscapes, colorful markets and natural treasures. The tour starts with a visit of the famous Indian market at Otavalo and includes furthermore a hike in the Cotopaxi National Park, other markets and possibilities to admire the indigenous handicrafts, a visit of Baños and the waterfalls in its surroundings, as well as a little morning stay at the Conceptas museum at Riobamba. Very varied and full of unforgettable experiences, this tour is an enrichment for everyone interested in the indigenous culture and natural wonders.

Day 1: (SAT) Quito-Otavalo
Early departure for Otavalo, in the province of Imbabura and characterized by picturesque lakes, magnificent sierras and terraced, patchwork farmlands. In the local market you will be able to purchase ponchos, embroidered blouses, ceramics, wall hangings, leather crafts and locally produced jewelry of the finest quality. The tour includes a visit to San Antonio de Ibarra, the woodcarving center of Ecuador. The town is home to hundreds of artisans whose workshops are dedicated to the crafting of beautiful sculptures and ornaments.
We spend the night in the Pinsaqui hacienda where the chandeliers, the heavy, ornate beds and tiled floors create the aura of a bygone era. Dinner not included.

Day 2: (SUN) Otavalo-Lasso
After an early breakfast, we set off to visit the nearby towns where there are plenty of opportunities to buy local products and admire the scenery. We lunch at a pleasant Hosteria in the Puembo area before continuing our journey to Lasso where we spend the night at La Cienega Hosteria. A delightful hacienda, tastefully and elegantly designed, it is approached along a long, broad carriageway lined on both sides by fragrant, towering eucalyptus trees. Dinner not included.

Day 3: (MON) Lasso-Patate
An early start takes us traveling along the Pan-American Highway and into the Cotopaxi National Park in the heart of the Andean paramo. We cross through a deer and llama reserve and gently ascend the flanks of the volcano, passing through fields of ancient lava strewn with boulders until arriving at the base of Cotopaxi (19,700ft/5,897m), the world’s highest active volcano. On leaving the National Park, we travel on to Ambato and visit the town’s bustling fruit and vegetable market, the largest in Ecuador.
After lunch we drive to Leito where we spend the night. This charming and family-owned hacienda at the entrance to Llanganates is so welcoming you'll feel as though you're in your own home.

Day 4: (TUE) Patate-Baños
A short but scenic drive takes us to Baños, a small town nestling in the shadows of the Tungurahua volcano high above the Amazon Basin and surrounded by waterfalls and orchids. After lunch, we take a trip to admire the nearby waterfalls before returning to Patate and our overnight stay at Leito or similar. It is also possible to do other activities at Baños and pass the night at the first class, but cousy Hacienda Manteles with a personalized service. It is located about 30 km away from Baños. In its garden you can relax and find the typical flowers of the Manteles Cloud Forest. Concerning food, many products are home made and you have the possibility to learn about the ecuatorian way of cooking or to give special advises about what you want to eat and how do you want it to be prepared (for example light food).

Day 5: (WED) Patate-Riobamba-Guano
Another short drive brings us to Riobamba. Our stay enables us to explore the town as well as visit the Conceptas Museum, dedicated to religious artifacts. After lunch we drive out to Guano where we see how rugs are manufactured before returning to Riobamba and spending the night at La Andaluza.
Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 6: (THU) Riobamba-Saquisili-Quito
After breakfast, we depart to Saquisili and the local market, famed for being one of the most colorful and authentic in Ecuador. Of particular interest are the locally produced basketwork handicrafts on sale.
We lunch at a restaurant or country inn before returning to Quito. Dinner not included.

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Departure: Any Saturday
Season: All year
Minimum: 2 Passengers
Services Included: Entrance fee to the Cotopaxi Park, Hotels, tours, visit to the villages and markets, Transportation and guide
Not Included : Meals as stated, Alcoholic beverages, Laundry, taxes and communication expenses and extras