Itinerary:

DAY 1:

This getaway from Quito is the perfect complementary adventure to your journey in Ecuador! You start from your hotel in Quito at 8:30 a.m. towards Cochasquí, one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Ecuador. The complex has fifteen pyramids and several tombs from the period 850 B.C. – 1580 A.C. In here you will have the opportunity to be surrounded by hundreds of llamas, while you learn all about the Caranquis, one of the most developed civilizations in South America! After our unforgettable hike along the Inca Trail, you will drive towards a local rose plantation to learn all about the process of planting, harvesting and exporting roses! You will have time for a tasty lunch at a local restaurant, and only after a 10 minute driving from there, you will stop at the "Quitsato sundial", which is a large circular stone mosaic of 52 meters of diameter, located exactly on the Equator Line! Finally, you will go to "Hacienda Guachalá", considered the oldest one in Ecuador, built by the Spaniards in colonial times (1580), where you stay the overnight in charming guest rooms with fireplaces!

Day 2:

We leave at 8:00 a.m., towards the populated, colourful and the most famous indigenous market in South America! Before going to Otavalo, you will visit the beautiful viewpoint of Laguna San Pablo, which is at the foothills of the Imbabura Volcano (4.610 m - 15,124 ft). You continue to the animal market (Saturday), and then you go to the "Plaza de Ponchos", a place that shows a large variety of Ecuadorian handicrafts! It is also possible to visit the rural parish of "Peguche", where you can learn more about the local culture and the weaving process of carpets and tapestries. After lunch you will visit Cotacachi, known as the “Capital of Music in Ecuador”, rich in the production of leather products, which are displayed for sale in small shops throughout the city centre. Then you will visit "Cuicocha Lake", which is inside the crater of Cotacachi Volcano. Once we finish this wonderful journey, you will arrive back to your hotel in Quito approximately at 5:00 p.m. End of this exciting adveture in the Northern Andes!!

RECOMMENDED DAYS: Any day of the week.

Include:

• Private Transportation
• Certified English speaking guide
• Mentioned lodging or similar (depending on availability)
• Entrance fees
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Mentioned itinerary and visits

Exclude:

• Lunch
• Drinks
• Additional hotel nights

Level de Difficulty: 

• Moderate

Recommendations:

Important outfits: Camera, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, backpack or handbag, comfortable hiking boots, walking shoes or tennis shoes, T-shirt or long sleeves shirt, long or short trousers, windbreaker or waterproof jacket, warm sweater, and some cash (US dollars) for extra expenses, meals or drinks.  

Tour average temperature: 12 C° - 23 C°  /  53,6 F° - 73,4 F°

Insurance: It is responsibility of every traveler that he/she is adequately insured against personal accidents and medical expenses during his/her trip to Ecuador, as well as having travel cancellation and baggage insurance to protect himself/herself.

Tour booking policy: Our tours are based on private transportation and guiding services. - All tour prices are given in US dollars. - All services should be fully prepaid before starting the tour. - Bookings must be done through www.ecuadorbesttours.com, or by paying directly at our offices. - For last minute bookings, our clients must request availability via phone call or email. After confirming availability, bookings must be fully prepaid before starting the tour. - Especial physical conditions, allergies and dietary restrictions must be informed to a EBT´s representative in advance. - Our tours will be guided in fluent English or Spanish languages, as it is required. - EBT shall have no liability with passengers in case of accidents or sickness. Therefore, EBT deeply recommends a private travel insurance. - EBT reserves the right to cancel or suspend tours depending on weather conditions, natural disasters, government regulations, suspicious diseases, etc. Always regarding for the safety of the passengers. - Under no circumstances, EBT will refund any money on the same day that the tour takes place. - Cancellations must be done 5 days previous departure day. - Flights cancellations, or last minute flight changes are totally out of control or responsibility of EBT. - Children under 3 years old don't pay. - EBT never offers any refund if a cancellation happens within 5 days before tours departure date. - EBT always offers a 60% refund of the total amount if the client decides to cancel a tour 6 days or more, before tours departure date.