South America’s pride, the Andes is the continent’s 4,500-mile-long spine that has earned the title of the world’s longest continental mountain chain. With awe-inspiring landscapes that are must-see spectacles in themselves, this cordillera is also home to dozens of distinct cultural groups, each possessing their own language, history, and civilization – yet all sharing the same spirit of the Andes.
DAY | SERVICE | Meals |
1 | International Transfer in Accommodation | None |
2 | City tour – Middle of the World & Agave degustation Accommodation | B/-/- |
3 | Otvalo Full day tour Accommodation | B/L/- |
4 | Transfer out Galapagos | B/-/- |
B: Breakfast / L: lunch / D: Dinner
When you arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador (which sits 2,800 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Pichincha volcano), you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Your local guide will begin the tour in the city center, known as Colonial Quito. The old city of Quito contains a rich and attractive diversity of churches, structures and historical sites.
“La Virgen del Panecillo”: We will move to Mirador del Panecillo, where the giant metal statue of the “Winged Virgin” is located. This Virgin is the guardian of the city, also known as “Virgen de Legarda”, from where you can admire a beautiful landscape of Quito.
“La Plaza De La Independencia”: It is the main square of the city of Quito where the Government Palace, the Absobishop’s Palace, the city hall and the Independence monument are located.
“La Iglesia De San Francisco”: The Plaza San Francisco is located in the historic center of the city. It is dominated by the imposing façade of the Church and convent of San Francisco, from which it takes its name, settling into one of the most representative urban scenes of the city since colonial times. Its structure is the largest architectural complex within the historical centers of Latin America. The structure of the church is the largest architectural complex within the historical centers of Latin America.
“Santo Domingo Church” We will visit the Santo Domingo convent, we will tour the church, the chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary, the catacombs and the beautiful domes.
The chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary is a magnificent example of the baroque, we will be able to observe its details and the shine of the gold leaf. The image of the Virgin was a gift from Charles V, brought from Seville in 1548, the construction of the chapel was completed in 1650.
We will climb to the top to observe the roof and the church from above and then enjoy the best view of Quito from the green domes, there are several viewpoints to admire the traditional neighborhoods of the city. “Basilica de voto Nacional”: Considered the largest neo-Gothic temple in America, its structure and style is compared to two of the great cathedrals around the world: St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York) and Notre Dame (Paris).
PACARI chocolate tastings are a pleasure for all the senses. Through the different sensations, it is about differentiating the qualities of the chocolates, the main idea is to carefully taste, using the different senses: sight, smell, hearing and taste.
All your senses will be delighted with each bar you taste and, in addition, you will learn the process and history of cocoa in Ecuador.
We will continue to Pomasquie, here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular “AGAVE” tasting, The place where you meet your true roots, with Ecuadorian history and culture.
The place where you connect with Ecuadorian ancestors… all through a magical drink, The place where you learn, share, discover, live… Where magic happens
You will also have the opportunity to see the Mitad del Mundo monument, which was built to commemorate the French scientists who in the 1830s made history by determining the shape of the planet thanks to their studies in this place. After the visit, we will take you back to your hotel.
The Otavalo Market Day Tour is a wonderful way to discover and combine Ecuador’s famous indigenous artisan market and some of the amazing sights outside of Otavalo.
This tour begins with a scenic drive north of Quito through the Sierra highlands. We’ll go to Cayambe, where we’ll be able to taste and learn about the town’s famous biscuits. From that point, we’ll continue to the famous Otavalo Market, where you’ll have the option to purchase local handicrafts. The main market day in Otavalo is Saturday; however, this tour can be run throughout the week (Tuesday). Our professional guide will provide you with an explanation about the indigenous peoples of this area, such as the Quitu, Cara, and other pre-Incan groups, and some additional information about the town.
Depending on your interests, you can add to this excursion by learning about indigenous weaving through a visit to a home workshop in the nearby village of Peguche. Here, a family of weavers have amazing products and will demonstrate how they weave on their traditional backstrap looms and how they create striking colours using local plants. Just around the corner lives a family of musicians, where you can experience Andean music and see how perfectly tuned Andean flutes are made in minutes.
Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Galapagos.
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