A colorful journey across landscape and population contrasts…
FERNANDO’S WORD OVER THIS TOUR
The Culture & Heritage tour was designed to let you have a brief immersion in the northern and southern Ecuadorian culture -particularly Andean culture-. You will certainly appreciate the changing scenarios and population.
First, you will be to discover the Otavalo region and its surroundings such as Cayambe, Cuicocha Lake, and Cotacachi. We particularly love both the Cuicocha Lake with its magnificent view and the Rose plantation near the Cayambe Region. Another authentic stop during this tour will be the local cooking class with Claudia and the San Clemente indigenous community, just fantastic!
In the southern part of Ecuador you will surely notice not only the landscape difference but also the local population contrasts. At the end of your program you will experience a very original encounter with one of the most renowned characters among southern cultures.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Quito > Cayambe > Cuicocha > Otavalo | Otavalo (San Clemente indigenous community) | Otavalo (Cooking class) > Lasso |
| Day 4 | Day 5 | |
| Lasso > Saquisilí > Cotopaxi National Park > Riobamba | Riobamba (The last Ice-Breaker & Chimborazo Reserve) > Quito |
Tour highlights :
– Completely private tour in Ecuador, in the Andes, with your English-speaking guide.– 5 days of discovery -in exceptional natural and cultural spots-.– Cotopaxi National Park visit – Encounter with Baltazar the “last ice-breaker” in Chimborazo.– Local home-stay in an Indigenous community (optional)
Rates/per person:
| 2 People | 4 People |
|---|---|
| $1658 | $1376 |
– The rate decreases/increases according to the group size. The prices provided are based on the ”Superior” 3/4**** category. Let us know if you would like this program in the ”Comfort” 2/3*** or “Luxe” 4/5***** category. The final cost of this trip depends on the way we personalize it specially for you. The exact price will be provided in your personalized quote when you BOOK THIS TRIP.
Rate Includes
– All transfers, vehicles, drivers and their costs and fees.
– Accommodation
– National-licensed guides as indicated in the guidance part.
– Meals (4 breakfasts / 5 Lunches / 4 Dinners).
– Entrances to sites, museums and national parks specified in the program.
– Licenses (ITK travel agency and our guides and drivers).
Rate Doesn’t include
– International flights
– Individual equipment
– Visits indicated as “Optional” or “at an additional cost.
– Drinks in bars, hotels, restaurants or villages.
– Not indicated meals
– Tips
Explore in more detail :
Day 1 : Quito > Cayambe > Otavalo > Cuicocha
After an early departure you will head northbound to one of the most authentic indigenous regions in Ecuador. The beginning of your adventure will impress you!
Meal
l/D
Visit
4h00
Hike
1h30
transport
3h45
Day 2 : Otavalo (San Clemente Community)
You will experience an exceptional encounter and exchange with your Quichua hosts. You will discover an authentic indigenous community, its population, families, customs, artisans, farmers, and crops.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
from 2h00 to 4h00
Hike
from 1h00 to 4h00
transport
1h30
Day 3 : Otavalo (Cooking Class) > Lasso
You will get to Claudia’s house where you will prepare a complete traditional menu (starter, main course, dessert, homemade “aji” -chili pepper to be prepared by hand-)
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
4h00
Hike
0h00
transport
4h00
Day 4 : Saquisilí (Indigenous Market) > Cotopaxi National Park > Riobamba
Early departure to get to the charming Saquisilí indigenous market and the other points of your itinirary. This will be a very active day!
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
4h00
Hike
from 1h00 to 3h00
transport
3h45
Day 5 : Chimborazo Reserve (The Last Ice-breaker) > Quito
This day will be devoted to the encounter with Baltazar, the “last Ice-breaker” alive in Ecuador. Although Baltazar no longer has the physical condition to continue this activity, his son-in-law continues the tradition. Then you will finish your program by coming back to Quito, to enjoy a deserved rest.
Meal
b/l
Visit
3h00
Hike
3h00
transport
5h30
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
«Comfort » category : charming and comfortable accommodation 2/3*** category. Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service.
« Superior » category : charming accommodation 3/4**** category. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service. Spacious and tasteful rooms.
« Luxe » category: top of the range accommodations 4/5***** categoryoffering an irreproachable quality of service. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. .
* Andes:
=> Private Guide/Driver (From Day 1 to 5) : private transfers, activities, and excursions accompanied by your local English-speaking guide with his own vehicle. (Vehicle type: Kia Sportage or Hyundai H1).
Note : for 4+ people you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide + a Spanish-speaking driver.
Clothing :
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 breathable warm jacket(type softshell)
-1 waterproof jacket (type gore-tex)
– light t-shirts
– hike shoes
– casual shoes
-1 pair of gloves for high altitude walks
-1 warm hat for high altitude walks
– cap
Additional :
-1 water bottle – sunglasses
– solar cream
– hike sticks (if you wish)
– camera
– binoculars
– No specific physical or technical level is required for this trip. However, Some walks will be planned (day 4). They will not be physically hard but you will have to accept to walk 1 to 2 hours straight.
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– Foresee between $ 5 and $ 30 per meal not included, per person.
– Tips: we recommend between $ 10 and $ 20 per worked day for a guide, and between $ 5 and $ 10 per worked day for a driver.
– Have a look at our USEFUL INFORMATION page to better prepare your adventure!