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HACIENDAS AND MARKETS (8d/7n)

EXPLORANDES ECUADOR WILSON 547 Y DIEGO DE ALMAGRO QUITO – ECUADOR www.explorandes-ecuador.com

HACIENDAS AND MARKETS

Ecuador is well known as one of the friendliest of the South American countries. While

being one of the smallest in area and population, it is also one of the richest in terms of

geographical wonders, flora and fauna. Beginning in the laid-back, multi-ethnic city of

Quito - one of the highest capitals in the world, your challenge continues to the

Pasochoa volcano (home to one of the highest cloud forest) to finish with a serious climb

of the Cotopaxi volcano.

DAY 1 (FRI): ARRIVAL IN QUITO

Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Quito.

DAY 2 (SAT): QUITO - OTAVALO

Early departure heading to Otavalo, city located 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. The tour includes a visit to San

Antonio de Ibarra, the woodcarving center of Ecuador.The town is home to wood carving

artisans whose workshops are dedicated to the crafting of beautiful sculptures and

ornaments. After lunch, we take a short drive to Cuicocha, a beautiful crater lake followed

by a visit to Cotacachi, famous for its leather crafts.

We spend the night at Hacienda Pinsaqui or Cusin where the chandeliers, the heavy,

ornate beds and tiled floors create the aura of a bygone era.B, L, D.

DAY 3 (SUN):O TAVALO - LASSO

After an early breakfast, we will be ready to enjoy the activities offered at the Hacienda

like biking or horseback riding. Before continuing our journey to Lasso we will have a stop

for lunch at El Molino de San Juan Hacienda. After lunch we will visit a rose plantation, as

Ecuador is one of the top producers of roses in the world. You will have the unique

opportunity of visiting a family run farmhouse that has been passed down for generations.

Continuing our journey we will arrive at Lasso where we spend the night at the Hacienda

La Cienega. A delightful hacienda with the original style of the old house approached

through a long broad carriageway linded on both sides by fragrant, towering eucalyptus

trees. B, L, D.

HACIENDAS AND MARKETS

DAY 4 (MON): LASSO-PATATE

An early start takes us travelling along the Pan-American Highway and into the Cotopaxi

National Park in the heart of the Andean paramo. We 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

Nationl 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 Manteles where we spend the night. This charming and family-

owned hacienda at the entrance to Llanganates is so welcoming you’ll feel as though your

at home. B, L, D.

DAY 5 (TUE): PATATE - BAÑOS

A short but scenic drive lead us to Baños, a small town locatred in the shadows of the

Tungurahua volcano high above the Amazon Basin and surrounded by waterfalls. Baños,

an area rich in vegetation, orchids and tropical birds, is famous for its nearby hot springs

that provide hot running water to the local baths.After lunch, we take a trip to admire the

nearby waterfalls as the amazing “Pailon del Diablo” before returning to Patate for our

overnight at Manteles or similar. B, L, D.

DAY 6 (WED): PATATE – ALAUSI - Devil’s NOSE TRAIN- RIOBAMBA

Early morning departure to Alausi (approx. 2 hours drive). Alausi is a small town, and is

the entrance point for the Devil’s Nose Train. This ride lasts approximately 2 hours. You

will travel by train on “the world’s most difficult railroad”, called like this due to the

geographical obstacles that had to be faced during its construction. The train will take you

to the famous “Devil’s nose”, descending 800 meters in zigzag in the rocky formation. This

descent allows us to experience the different climate zones from the highlands towards

the coast vast open valleys. In the afternoon we will return to Riobamba where we will

visit the town. Overnight Abraspungo. B, L, D.

HACIENDAS AND MARKETS

DAY 7 (THU): RIOBAMBA – SAQUISILÍ- QUITO

After breakfast, we depart to Saquisili market, famed for being one of the most colorful

and authentic in Ecuador. Locals gather here to sell sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, llamas,

potatoes, cereals, wool, handicrafts, clothing and tools. After that we drive back heading

to Puembo while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery and stoping for lunch at

Hacienda Rumipamba de las Rosas. Overnight Puembo. B, L, D.

DAY 8 (FRI): TRANSFER OUT

Early breakfast in your hotel and transfer to the airport for international or extension

flights.

END OF SERVICE

The itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, natural events,

the strength of the group and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the

set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute

changes that might occur. In all such circumstances your expedition leader

will have the final word.