COME TO THE PARADISE IN ECUADOR

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THE ANDES PROGRAMS

01 ECUNAT

Quito 2 D/1N:
Arrive to Quito.
(Transfer In) Transfer to the hotel of your preference.
It is possible to organize optional visits to the surrounds of Quito (Option under request).

02 Day:
Breakfast (Transfer Out) transfer to the airport, to continue with tour required or we will take the transport continuing the different extension programs.

Includes: transfers in private transport, hotel of your election with American breakfast.

01 ECUNAT

Quito City Tour 4 Hrs.

Private transportation from the hotel to downtown. Tour start with a visit to the Sucre Theater, soon we have the "Independence Square" where are located the principal buildings of the city like Government Palace , the Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop Palace and the City Hall that form a Roman grid, of the traditional Spanish style. We´ll be able to see the beautiful churches like "La Compania"(1605), "The Sacrarium Church" admiring its fascinating altars. And the Church and Monastery of San Francisco (1535), the first one built in Quito, will find exceptional paintings, linens and sculptures from the XVI and XVII century.

The route ends with exceptional scenic overlook "Panecillo Hill", that it is a natural formation from where is possible to be observed the contrast between the old city and modern Quito, next to the beautiful "Virgin of Quito". Return to the hotel.

Includes: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.

03 ECUNAT

(City Line) Colonial Tour and Middle of the World ( Equator )

After visiting the Colonial center of Quito in the City tour program, we will take toward the north route. "The Middle of the World" is located 30 minutes north from Quito, it´s a small replica of a Colonial style city. Here we can find the monument of the same name that symbolizes latitude zero; it indicates the exact point by where it crosses the Equatorial line. In the Monument it is possible to visit the Ethnographic Museum, in which they are represented the main ethnic groups of the country

and biodiversity, also there is the astronomy museum, Quito Colonial miniature, and handicrafts stores.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

04 ECUNAT

Monument of Middle of the World 3 Hrs.

We will take the north route to the "Middle of the World", located 30 minutes northeast from Quito, is a Little Spanish style city This it is the site where Charles Marie De la Condamine and his expedition, in 1736, made their studies to measure the arc of the diameter of the Earth. In this place the visitors have the unique opportunity to be in both hemispheres at the same time. The monument was constructed to indicate the exact site.

05 ECUNAT

Jácchigua Folkloric Ballet 2 1/2 Hrs. (All Wednesdays and Fridays)

It is an excellent opportunity to see the best folkloric dance group of the city. During the act it is possible to appreciate the typical clothes and the ancestral rituals of the pre-Columbian towns of Ecuador.

The impressive unfolding of color, folklore and music offers the ballet definitively an unforgettable experience.

Includes: Private Transportation, entrance to the ballet

06 ECUNAT

Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge 1 DAY

Our tour begins from Quito toward the south by the Panamerican Highway 30 Km; to the left flank is the Pasochoa Refuge. This refuge comprises of the national system of protected areas of Ecuador.

It is one of the main Andean humid forest that the central valley has, in this place we can admire different plants and more than 100 species of birds, and those are a true attractiveness for the visitor.

We can make several long walks by the diverse footpaths, same that go from the thirty minutes, excellent option for the family, and footpaths that occupy a whole day for most adventurous.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

07 ECUNAT

Lagoon and Hot Springs of Papallacta 1 DAY

After a route of two hours from the City of Quito, we found the town and the lagoon of Papallacta located at 3800 meters above the sea level, which attractive are medicinal thermal waters (alkaline water sulfurated) of volcanic origin and its lagoon.

Here we´ll be able to make long walks around the lagoon, horseback riding, simply fishes or to enjoy the landscape.

Also we can visit the famous swimming pools of Papallacta and to take a refresh bath. In order to have lunch something traditional of this zone can be chosen that is the flavorful trout: a specialty of this place.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, entrance to the swimming pools.

08 ECUNAT

MIndo Birdwatching 1 DAY

Located to 90 km to the northwest of Quito, with a privileged climate, Mindo It´s name is because the pre-Columbian town of the Mindus, who lived in this sector and left some archaeological vestiges, like tombs that still in the zone. Mindo is characterized by the presence of dimmed subtropical forest. This forest is one of the last paradises of the world, and has been declared by "Bird Life International", as an area IBA, (Important Bird Area), since it has been gotten to discover

09 ECUNAT

National Park Cotopaxi 1 DAY

Our fascinating tour begins in Quito, towards the south the Cotopaxi National Park.

We´ll take the famous "Volcanoes Avenue" in which we will see a lot of snowpeaks surrounding the road, such as The Illinizas, Viudita, Corazon, Atacazo, and more. Until arriving at the National Park Cotopaxi. In the Park a long walk of 1 and a half hours can be made until the first refuge of the Volcano called Jose Rivas located to 4800 meters a.s.l.

We will visit Limpiopungo lagoon, where we will have our box lunch, admiring the beautiful Andean landscape.

We´lll visit the Site museum where it´s an explaining of the flora, fauna, and geological description of the zone.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, box lunch, and Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee.

INDIAN MARKETS

Indigenous Markets in all Latin America are very famous around the world and have great affluence of national and foreign tourists by their traditions, own and cultural characteristics like their crafts, their textiles, ceramics, jewels, paintings all elaborated by hand, without forget the "animal fairs" with species of all the sizes, making these markets an attractive for the tourist.

Calendar:

DAYS FAIRS AND MARKETS

10 ECUNAT

Otavalo Indian Market 1 DAY

Our trip we will initiate from Quito toward the north to the Calderon town, where are the famous and decorative manufactures of breath dough called "Mazapán" can be appreciated.

We continue until Cayambe, traditional for the delicious "Biscuits" and their very known "Cheese of Leaf" or "Queso de Hojas" of this city. After two hours of trip, during which some shutdowns are made simply to enjoy the charming Andean landscape, is the province of the lakes "Imbabura".

Before arriving at Otavalo a fabulous view of the San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura Volcano can be observed. In Otavalo we will visit the Indian market, one of the biggest markets in South America. We have lunch, in some of the beautiful restaurants. After we will arrive at the Cotacahi town, famous by the very fine leather articles.

Finally we will visit the Lagoon of Cuicocha.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

11 ECUNAT

Market of Latacunga 1 DAY

In this city the markets are very colorful where a great variety of crafts can be admired and bought, such as famous shigras made with vegetal fiber of a this zone tree.

Latacunga is also famous by the celebration of "La Mama Negra" in honor to the Virgin of the Mercedes, once to the year on September 23 and 24, during these festivities there are processions with colorful dancers, clothes, Andean music and much diversion.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

12 ECUNAT

Market of Saquisilí 1 DAY

Considered one of the most important popular markets of the country, is the destiny of tens of inhabitants of remote regions which meet here in Saquisilí to buy, to sell and to interchange products, fruits and animals.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

13 ECUNAT

Market of Pujilí 1 DAY

Is another colorful Indian market located in the Ecuadorian Andes in the province of Cotopaxi.

Basically it is a varied agricultural market, where the visitors can admire the typical style of life of the region and customs of the populations.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

14 ECUNAT

National Park Cotopaxi & Indian Market 1 DAY

This tour mixes the visit to the National Park Cotopaxi, the scene is wonderful and incomparable views later we will visit one the markets previously mentioned of the zone, this tour.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

CUENCA ATENAS OF ECUADOR

The city of Cuenca is well-known like the home of four rivers. Declared Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity by UNESCO and it is considered like one of the best ones conserved and more beautiful colonial cities of Ecuador. Its enchantment is in the colonial architecture, the beautiful churches that date from XVI and XVII centuries, narrow houses with red roofing tiles and streets. The city has a provincial and lodges an infinite wealth in the manufacture of ceramics, the famous Panama hats and jewelry shops of high quality.

15 ECUNAT

Cuenca Basic 2D/1N

1 Day:
Arrival to Cuenca. We receive you at the airport .
Transfer to the hotel of your preference.
This day optional excursions to the surrounds of Cuenca can be organized (under request).

2 Day:
Breakfast, transfer to the airport.

Includes: private transport, bilingual guide, lodging in a hotel.

16 ECUNAT

City tour (noon) 3 Hrs.

You will cross all the city of Cuenca declarated by UNESCO like "Cultural Patrimony of Humanity" a pretty and colorful city of Ecuador.

Tour begins with a long walk by downtown admiring the colonial architecture. We will be able to appreciate the market of flowers until arriving at the main square of Cuenca, the Cathedrals and the famous Museum of the Conceptas, which is in the old infirmary of the Convent of the Immaculate Conception.

Here is a small sample of the religious colonial art can be admired. Tour finishes with the pre-Columbian ruins of All the Saints.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees

17 ECUNAT

City Tour (full day) 6 Hrs.

After making the long walk before described, we enjoy a delicious lunch in a typical restaurant.

After, some of the local workshops are visited where the people are making ceramic, Panama Hats and leather products.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees

18 ECUNAT

Gualaceo/Chordeleg and Sigsig 1 DAY

Early in the morning we leave Cuenca to visit Gualaceo, in the way we observe Paute the greatest hydroelectric dam of Ecuador, until arriving at Gualaceo, famous by the manufacture of wool textiles, chalinas, belts, among other crafts. Here also the market of animals, the most important market of Gualaceo, on Sundays.

At few kilometers from Gualaceo is the city of Chordeleg, famous by the manufacture of fine jewelry in gold and silver and by its textiles.

We will be able to observe the workshops. We continue our trip to visit Sigsig, quiet colonial city located 25 km of Gualaceo where we find the famous Panama Hats.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees

19 ECUNAT

Cajas National Park 1 DAY

It´s located to 30 km to the west of Cuenca . It is known by the beautiful lakes and it has great interest for nature lovers. Here it is possible to find small forests of quinua. This park is the perfect place to enjoy long hikings or simply to enjoy the breathtaking landscape. It is also an excellent place to make birdwatching.

20 ECUNAT

Incas Ruins of Ingapirca 1 DAY

At 3230 meters above sea level are the famous ruins of Ingapirca, which constitute the main ruins of the empire of the Inca times. Ingapirca was not only a strength of the Inca civilization, but also an administrative center of the Empire. The main structure is the Temple of the Sun, which was constructed with religious intentions and in which still can be observed the delicate stone work. Imagine to even back down in the time when the Sun and the Moon governed the empire.

Also we invited you to visit the museum to admire the fine ceramics and jewelry shop of the old civilizations.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees

21 ECUNAT

Saraguro Indian Market 1 DAY

Toward the south of Cuenca after 4 hours trip, it´s located the Saraguro town.

Sundays it is the main day of this market, the clothes of the people of this town have typical black color because they keep it in memory of the death of the last Inca Atahualpa.

Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.

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