Mon-Fri 9am to 5:30pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm
From the outdoor playground of Baños to the bustling lanes of the Otavalo market, get an introduction to the culture, history, and spectacular scenery of Ecuador on this six-day adventure. Venture along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," checking each off your list: active (Cotopaxi), green (Cuicocha), water-filled (Quilotoa) and extinct (Cayambe). Because we have years of experience in Quito and an established operational office, we'll take care of the hassles ' just focus on the highlights. And, with an expert CEO to lead the way and time for optional excursions, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to do your own thing.
Be in awe of the majestic "Avenue of the Volcanoes", learn about Ecuador's eruptive geology, straddle both hemispheres on the Equator line, learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from local artisans
Your Discover Moment: Baños. Overnight in an historic hacienda. Otavalo handicraft market. Visit Quitsato Sundial located at the equator line. Visit a traditional leather town. Visit Cotopaxi National Park. Scenic drive along the "Avenue of the Volcanos." All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Upgraded hotels (3 nts), historic hacienda (2 nts).
5 breakfasts
Private car/van, walking.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO)/driver throughout.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi
share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a medium sized soft suitcase, duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Depart early from Quito and travel north along the Pan-American Highway with a stop at Quitsato Sundial and set foot on both sides of the equator line. Opt to shop for handmade clothing and handicrafts at the Otavalo market, South America's biggest. Overnight in a historic hacienda outside of town.
Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs 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 lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal 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.
This trip leaves early on the morning of Day 1 from Quito - a pre-night in Quito is not included. Should you require the pre-night, please ask our sales CEOs who will be happy to arrange this for you. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Depart early from Quito and travel north along the Pan-American Highway with a stop at Quitsato Sundial and set foot on both sides of the equator line. Opt to shop for handmade clothing and handicrafts at the Otavalo market, South America's biggest. Overnight in a historic hacienda outside of town.
Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs 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 lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal 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.
This trip leaves early on the morning of Day 1 from Quito - a pre-night in Quito is not included. Should you require the pre-night, please ask our sales CEOs who will be happy to arrange this for you. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Depart early from Quito and travel north along the Pan-American Highway with a stop at Quitsato Sundial and set foot on both sides of the equator line. Opt to shop for handmade clothing and handicrafts at the Otavalo market, South America's biggest. Overnight in a historic hacienda outside of town.
Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs 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 lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal 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.
This trip leaves early on the morning of Day 1 from Quito - a pre-night in Quito is not included. Should you require the pre-night, please ask our sales CEOs who will be happy to arrange this for you. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Depart early from Quito and travel north along the Pan-American Highway with a stop at Quitsato Sundial and set foot on both sides of the equator line. Opt to shop for handmade clothing and handicrafts at the Otavalo market, South America's biggest. Overnight in a historic hacienda outside of town.
Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs 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 lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal 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.
This trip leaves early on the morning of Day 1 from Quito - a pre-night in Quito is not included. Should you require the pre-night, please ask our sales CEOs who will be happy to arrange this for you. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Depart early from Quito and travel north along the Pan-American Highway with a stop at Quitsato Sundial and set foot on both sides of the equator line. Opt to shop for handmade clothing and handicrafts at the Otavalo market, South America's biggest. Overnight in a historic hacienda outside of town.
Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs 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 lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal 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.
This trip leaves early on the morning of Day 1 from Quito - a pre-night in Quito is not included. Should you require the pre-night, please ask our sales CEOs who will be happy to arrange this for you. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Depart early from Quito and travel north along the Pan-American Highway with a stop at Quitsato Sundial and set foot on both sides of the equator line. Opt to shop for handmade clothing and handicrafts at the Otavalo market, South America's biggest. Overnight in a historic hacienda outside of town.
Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs 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 lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal 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.
This trip leaves early on the morning of Day 1 from Quito - a pre-night in Quito is not included. Should you require the pre-night, please ask our sales CEOs who will be happy to arrange this for you. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Details
Duration: 6 Days
Trip Style: Classic
Service Level: Upgraded
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - Light
Group Size Notes: Max: 16
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
6 day Classic tour
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