Page 118 - South America

Nature of Ecuador
14 days
Coca, Añangu, Otavalo Region, Cuicocha Lagoon, Yunguilla, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Salasaca, Riobamba, Chimborazo Reserve, Guamote, Cuenca, Ingapirca
ECUADOR Downtown Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
home to the Presidential Palace, Catholic Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Following is the Church of San Francisco de Quito that houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artists. Walk through the old town’s lively colonial streets to visit the Panecillo, from where you will have an amazing 360-degree view over the city. Then, drive to the equator line separating Earth’s north an south and visit is the Middle of the World where the Equator Monument was built. One of today’s highlights is La Compañia Church, considered to be a Baroque masterpiece. Finally, visit San Francisco Market before returning to the hotel for overnight. [B]
Day 8: Quito (Yunguilla)
Today, visit Yunguilla, an area pro- tected by the community’s, conserva- tion efforts resting between Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve and Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve. You may choose to hike on one of the trails to learn about the local flora and fauna and take in the breathtaking landscapes. After that, enjoy a deli- cious meal in the project’s restaurant with views of the valley below. In the afternoon, participate in different activities such as helping in their organic farm, in the handicrafts workshop or in the cheese and jam making processes. Then, visit the tree
nursery project or do some bird watching. [B/L]
Day 9: Quito, Cotopaxi National Park
In the morning when we drive south to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most popular highlights: the elegant Cotopaxi Volcano, with an altitude of 19,630 feet. This impressive, snow- capped volcano stands proudly in the middle of the beautiful national park that bears its name. Then, continue to the Limpiopungo Lake, at 12,631 feet,
to enjoy a hike through the stunning grassland landscape to see humming- birds, wild horses, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, we head to the hotel for check-in and an optional horseback riding [B]
Day 10: Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Salasaca, Riobamba
Leave in the morning to visit the impressive Quilotoa Lagoon located within an extinct volcanic crater and one of the most spectacular high- lights of the Ecuadorian highlands. During the visit, It’s possible to rent mules or horses from the locals if the walk back up is too much for you. On your way back, see the small village of Tigua, famous for its local paintings
and masks. Continue to Salasaca that lives mainly of agriculture, livestock- raising and handcrafts. We stop at the "Plaza of the Arts" and its market before heading to Riobamba for overnight. [B]
Day 11: Riobamba, Chimborazo Reserve
Today, visit the Chimborazo stratovolcano with an altitude of 20,702 feet surrounded by a wildlife. Enjoy walking parts of the reserve and admiring the stunning scenery, llamas and alpacas. For a spectacular view of the Ecuadorian Andes, hike up to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge to 16,000 feet. In the unique Llama Museum at Casa Real, learn about the Andean camelids. at their impact on the Andean culture. Return to Chiborazo [B]
Day 12: Chimborazo Reserve, Guamote
If today is a Thursday you'll discover the massive market located in the quaint town of Guamote with hundreds of local farmers filling up the streets between 10 am and noon. Today’s communal visit starts at Inti Sisa Educational Center. After, take off for a beautiful car ride through the moun- tains and get more familiar with the region’s history and its Indigenous culture and traditions. Afterwards, visit the house of a traditional weaver who will demo how they make their typical
118 For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com