10 Days in Ecuador – At your convenience if you design your own tour
5 Days – Add-on tour to Cuenca
Refresh and Renew in the High Sierra mountains on the equator. We suggest
three destinations over ten days that offer beautiful decor, excellent service, delicious food from local gardens and magnificent scenery in the most bio diverse country in the world. Start at restored http://Haciendacusin.com gardens in abundance in this complex of a 1602 hacienda surrounded by small houses converted to guest rooms.
Villages and mountain retreats abound in the landscape of volcanic peaks surrounding Otavalo; visit the unstoppable renowned markets; choose as much hiking as you like through spectacular landscapes. Dine-in at the hacienda or explore local restaurants featuring fine Andean cuisine. We schedule horse back riding on the property, or try a bike ride. Lago Cuicocha or guinnea pig lake features unique islands that look like floating guinea pigs in the middle of deep green/blue waters still bubbling from sulphur rising; enjoy the drive to the raptor preserve to see recovering birds of prey, some are trained to make free flights off the property over the Peguche valley. It is an amazing demonstration of eagles, hawks, owls; there are condors to visit. The attractive town of Cotacachi is a center for family leather shops, and good restaurants now that it has become a center for retired Americans. In Peguche, be sure to visit the weaver’s studio to find the work by craftsmen maintaining the traditional back strap loom weaving process.
In the 19th Century, German scientist and explorer, Alexander Humboldt spent 4 years in South America measuring temperatures, collecting botanical samples and recording in massive detail the diversity of species here. As an early scientist, he noted the impact of the colonialists on the environment, he mapped the temperature at various altitudes. Because he was right here, on the equator, he was able to prove that cold rises!
We have copies of Nan Magazine, Issue 34, that we will gladly send out if you are interested in a new look at the routes and discoveries of Humboldt in this his 250th anniversary.
Garden at Las Palmeras Inn
Otavalo Market
Then transfer to the west of the Cotacachi volcanic mountain to stay at El Refugio de Intag, a naturalist paradise for bird watching and hiking. Visit a coffee plantation, enjoy hot springs, and explore this unique environment – the cloud forest of Intag. It is a contrast to transition to the bustle of the city of Quito, a World Heritage city since 1978 featuring monuments, museums, stunning churches and cultural energy in a thriving metropolis. We suggest you retreat from the city’s bustle to the homelike setting of Casa Aliso, a hotel in a restored home in the finer contemporary section of the city.
Dinner at El Refugio with owner, Peter Joost
Rooftop View of Otavalo
Quito – La Compania is a Jesuit church started in the 16th century
Three worlds in ten days!
Choose to join our group experience where we provide plenty of activities and also time for personal exploration. Mornings will have time for yoga on most days. Practice with Michael Pulitzer – a gentle Kripalu style class for all abilities.
Estimated Land Cost: $2040 per person, double occupancy – 10 days.
We suggest a tour to the Galapagos Islands for 4 nights or 7 nights. More info? just ask!
Ramelle@newviewtours.com
View of Cuicocha (guinea pig) Lake from the trail
Above: Cuicocha Lake overlooking the guinea pig islands.
Below: Experienced bi-lingual guide, Christian introduces back strap weaving at the workshop home of Luz Maria and her father, Miguel. They are preparing the wool for carding before spinning before dying and before the weaving.
Luz Maria and her father, Miguel Andrango in their garden – April 2018.
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