know the cultural wonders of Ecuador, enjoying the warmth of our people, and getting involved in community tourism.
Ecuador, Responsible & Community
Day1: Arrival Quito and Accommodation
Arrival to Quito, considered by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity, transfer to the hotel accommodation.
Day2:Native Communities, Northtern Sierra
After breakfast, we headed to Panamericana Highway to the province of Imbabura, for about 2 hours, visited the community of Otavalo and its famous "Mercado de Ponchos" (variety of tissues in colorful wool). Later in Cotacachi, Rune Tupari community welcomes us with a typical lunch of the region. In the afternoon we make a tour to visit micro craft industries, agro industry and Andean ethno botanical garden. Community accommodation, and dinner at the homes of the families in the community.
Day3: Afro-Ecuadorians Communities
Breakfast with a family in the community and join activities of daily living with them, such as farm work and care of small animals, visit the Afro-Ecuadorian populations of Chota and Mascarilla, heading down to a temperate valley (1:30 am) where discover the "Black Art" known for its dance, crafts and music "La Bomba". In the afternoon we return to Quito.
Quilotoa
Day4:Native Communities, Central Sierra
Day5: Amazon Native Communities
After breakfast we take the road to the Amazon region to reach the Native community of Shandia (4 hours), where the native Indians Quichuas, welcome us with a delicious natural fruit juice typical of the area. Accommodation and Lunch. In the afternoon we will practice Canopy (crossing the river by pulleys) or a short walk from the beach of JatunYaku River, visiting the farms of the community. Return to the lodge to enjoy a cultural presentation of the dance group of the community. Dinner and overnight at Shandia.
Day6:Visit to the Amazon Rainforest
After breakfast we will walk to the waterfalls of Pimpilala where our experienced native guide, explain the uses of medicinal plants of this area and the natural attractions of the place. Then we will visit the natural pools of Guayusa Yacu located next to the river where we will take a refreshing swim. Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon we will learn with the community about their craft, one of the daily activities of the native men and women, we can understand its value, its meaning, its importance and everything, we can also practice with the use of blowgun. Bonfire Night in Playa del Río JatunYaku. Dinner and overnight at Shandia
Day7:Walking Waterfalls and Volcanoes
Breakfast and departure towards city of Baños where we will discover the route of the waterfalls, including the Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo, Agoyán, and others. Later we will go from the Amazon region to the Highlands to see the Tungurahua Volcano and then to go to Riobamba Seated at the foot of the volcano (inactive) we can also see other volcanoes such as Tungurahua, Altar and Carihuairazo, overnight in Riobamba.
Day8:Road train, Southern Highlands
After breakfast, we will go to the train station to catch the train in Alausí and make the path to the Nariz Del Diablo to Sibambe station, considered one of the best works of engineering.
This will be an unforgettable experience an Andean landscape. At the Sibambe station, we will visit the viewpoint coffee place Condor Puñuna, (Tourism project supported by MCCH for the communities Tolte and Nizag), where you can watch the spectacular landscape. Also enjoy a box lunch, return to the Alausí station, continue our journey to the ruins of Ingapirca, the most representative of the Inca culture in our country, then we continue to the city of Cuenca, considered a cultural heritage and one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador.
Day9: Travel Cuenca / Quito
After breakfast we headed Gualaceo, a subtropical valley near Cuenca. This city is especially known for its handicrafts and folklore. In Sunday market, you will find hand-woven shawls called makanas, colored belts, shoes, leather goods and many other surprises.
In the afternoon we visited Chordeleg, located 10 minutes from Gualaceo. In this Pre-Inca city we can also find important archaeological objects. This magnificent culture habited the area between 500 and 1500 AD
Craftsman sell Ikat ponchos, mud pottery, straw hats and jewelry. This place is ideal to purchase gold and silver with reasonable prices. Then back to the airport in Cuenca to flight to Quito.
Day10: Quito / Return
After breakfast, we will take a city tour through the historic center of Quito .Transfer to the airport for return flight.
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Spanish version
After breakfast we headed to Panamericana Highway, to the native community of Quilotoa (2:30 hours) who keep their crops to more than 4000 meters high, we will see a Tigua famous paintings, and one of the main attractions of the area a spectacular lagoon located inside the crater. Known for the contrast between its turquoise waters and volcanic rocks. Lunch at the Kirutwa restaurant (Community Tourism project supported by MCCH). In the afternoon we return to Quito.
