Ecuador's Country Inns, Indian Markets, Otavalo, Riobamba, Valley of the Volcanoes & Quito Tour

Tread the narrow, cobblestone streets of colonial Quito. Wander through the sprawling, colorful marketplace at Otavalo (above). Imbabura Volcano, Ecuador

Explore the charming, rural countryside of the Valley of the Volcanoes (below, right), and take a thrilling train ride through the Andes Mountains via the Devil's Nose to Cuenca in the southern highlands. Roam the market stalls in colonial Cuenca, and all along the way, stay in quaint, historic hostelries. Now you will have an understanding of Ecuador's rich colonial past and vibrant present. EcoAdventures' innovative routing in Ecuador combines these unique elements into ten fabulous days of history, handicrafts, country inns and memories!

Day 1: Arrive Quito, capital of Ecuador. Meeting service at the airport and transfer* to your selected hotel.

Altar of the Church of La Compania, Quito, Ecuador, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque art in the Americas.

Day 2: Quito City Tour** - Drive around the colonial center of Quito to see the carved stone facade of the House of Congress, which depicts scenes from Ecuadorian history. Facing the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral, Independence Square precedes a stop at the Church of La Compania (dating from 1605) with its breathtaking gilded altars (left). Finally, stop at the arts and crafts gallery of Tianquez. (B)

Hotels Selection

Tour Rates Per Person (Airfares from North America to Quito not included; available upon request.)				Extra Nights			Otavalo Indian Girl
	Dbl	Sgl	Tpl	Dbl	Sgl	Tpl
Vieja Cuba	$185	335	176	$49	95	49
Alameda Real**	$195	315	199	$59	119	60
Dann Carlton**	$195	300	159	$59	110	40
Radisson Royal	$199	290	165	$68	115	52
Patio Andaluz*	$235	455	199	$62	125	55
Swissotel Quito**	$285	470	250	$112	205	95
Relicario del Carmen*	$289	465	260	$90	142	82
JW Marriott**	$299	485	269	$109	202	94
Villa Colonna*	$315	599	n/a	$105	209	n/a
Plaza Grande*	$735	1435	n/a	$315	625	n/a
Hotels are located in the restored Colonial sector *Transfers are quoted on a semi-private basis with guide. Supplement for round-trip private transfers with guide: 2 pax: $24; 1 pax: $75; 3 pax: $22 Supplement for Private City Tour: 2 pax: $35; 1 pax: $59; 3 pax: $22

Suggested Optional Quito Tours

Otavalo Overnight Tour
2-Day Extension - Daily Departures

Pinsaqui Hacienda grounds

Day 1: Quito to Otavalo - Drive north through the Awakening Valley to Ibarra, noted for wood carvers and artisans. Stops will be made en route at the bread-doll factories of Calderon and San Pablo Lake. Take time to explore and shop, and by all means, bargain! Overnight at the 16th century Pinsaqui Hacienda (left). This colonial gem is complete with its own quiet chapel, Otavalo Indians

library with fireplace and more than a dozen comfortable, antique colonial rooms. Upgrade is quoted for La Mirage. Lunch and dinner are included. (B, L, D)

Day 2: Otavalo Market/Return to Quito - After an early breakfast, head to the renowned market at Otavalo. Woven textiles, embroidery, ceramic pots, jewelry, leather goods, belts, bread dough figurines, ponchos, hammocks and hand-knit wool sweaters are only a hint of what you’ll find. Bargain, bargain, bargain! Enjoy a delicious lunch before your return drive to Quito. Overnight in selected hotel in Quito is NOT included. (B, L)

Avenue of the Volcanoes, Devil's Nose Train & Cuenca Tour
4-Day Extension - Mon, Wed & Fri Departures

Day 1: Quito to Riobamba - Travel from Quito, taking the Southern Pan-American highway with Riobamba as the final destination. Flanked by a dozen of the highest snow-capped peaks in the Western Hemisphere, you travel through a beautiful valley aptly called the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Riding the rails to Cuenca aboard the Chiva Express autoferro.

Riding the rails to Cuenca aboard the Chiva Express autoferro.

Lunch is provided en route and you will have time to visit one of the colorful local Indian markets. Overnight outside of Riobamba in the Hosteria Abraspungo. (B, L, D)

Day 2: Devil's Nose Train/Transfer to Cuenca - After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the autoferro (right) for a scenic ride to Alausi. From there you commence an exciting trip on what is called the Devil's Nose, a series of high switchbacks traversing the Andes. The trip takes about one hour and then returns to Alausi. Continue on the road to Cuenca, stopping en route for a boxed lunch at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. You have two nights at the delightful, colonial Hosteria Santa Lucia. (B, L, D)

Take your pick of an amazing variety of woven straw baskets, Cuenca daily market, Ecuador

Day 3: In Cuenca - Enjoy a tour of Cuenca with its popular market renowned for arts and crafts. Ikat textiles, colorful pottery and the famous "Panama" hats are all produced in this region and would be interesting additions to any Ecuadorian souvenirs. The day will give you a view of life as it once was in all of Ecuador forty years ago. Lunch is included at a charming restaurant. (B, L)

Day 4: Cuenca to Quito - In the morning visit the Valley of Gualaceo, and after lunch transfer to the airport for a flight back to Quito and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in selected hotel in Quito is NOT included. (B, L)

EcoAdventures, Inc.
16375 Monterey Street, Suite E
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
CST #1011294-10
800-326-5025
408-465-8181
Fax: 408-465-8177