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An Insiders’ Look at the Culture & History of Ecuador’s Highlands
Type of Trip: Culture, Family Length: 9 days Season: Year-round Rating: Grade II
Ecuador’s Andean highlands feature some of the most beautiful countryside vistas in South America. In this majestic region, we encounter old farms or “haciendas”, dating back centuries. Their proprietors still work the fertile rolling hills, and have opened their doors to visitors interested in traditional Andean culture.
The tranquility, here at the center of the world, is arrayed with patchwork fields, awe-inspiring glaciated volcanoes, lush cloud forests and centuries-old colonial villages. Weaving and handicrafts flourish. In addition to exceptional cross-cultural opportunities to be had in Ecuador haciendas, we find unique species of flora and fauna in well-protected ecological reserves.
Trip Highlights:
- Hike bamboo forested paths on the slopes of an extinct volcano
- Spot majestic conic peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Feel the vitality and history of colonial Quito, Ecuador’s capital city
- Bargain for local handicrafts at the colorful, well-known Otavalo Indian Market
- Get outside each day with highland hiking, horseback riding and bird watching
- Relax in the comfort, hospitality and rich culinary tradition of Ecuador haciendas
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: USA / QUITO
Arrive to Quito, overnight at nearby Hostería La Carriona.DAY 2: PASOCHOA / HACIENDA SAN AUGUSTIN DE CALLO
Explore Pasochoa protected forest area, Hacienda Hualilahua lunch visit.DAY 3: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK / HACIENDA SAN AUGUSTIN DE CALLO
Hike near the base of volcano Cotopaxi, enjoy hacienda San Agustin de Callo.DAY 4: LAKE DISTRICT
Drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes north to the Lake District and Hacienda Cusin.DAY 5: HACIENDA CUSIN
Relax and enjoy the amenities of the Hacienda, guided hikes and horseback rides.DAY 6: CUICOCHA LAKE / HACIENDA PINSAQUI
Take a scenic 2-3 hour hike above Lake Cuicocha, afternoon at leisure at Hacienda Pinsaqui.DAY 7: HACIENDA PINSAQUI
Explore the surrounding area and lunch at the nearby Hostería Chorlaví.DAY 8: OTAVALO / QUITO
Today is market day in the village of Otavalo, lunch at the oldest farm in Ecuador, return to Quito.DAY 9: QUITO / USA
Transfer to the airport this morning with check-in assistance for your return flight home.All Southwind itineraries are fully customizable to your personal interests and travel dates. Please contact us for firsthand knowledge and help with your travel plans.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.Departures
On request, for any dates year-round for a minimum of two participants.
This trip is customizable according to travel preferences and season.2024 Land Cost
2-3 participants: from $6,050 p.p.d.
4-6 participants: from $5,600 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $5,300 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $1,450p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Sangolqui: Hostería La Carriona
Constructed over 200 years ago, Hostería La Carriona has retained its history and character as its inhabitants have played a vital role in Ecuador’s past. The hacienda’s stone courtyard and garden are reminiscent of the Spanish Colonial lifestyle, while the 30 rooms are individually decorated.
Cotopaxi: Hacienda San Agustin de Callo
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo is an historical landmark turned into an exclusive hotel located just over one hour south of Quito near Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador. This working farm offers an unrivaled glimpse into Ecuador’s rich and colorful past.
Otavalo: Hacienda Cusín
The history of Hacienda Cusín begins in 1602, when the Luna family purchased 100,000 acres from Philip II, King of Spain. Magnificent gardens flower year-round and attract some 50 species of birds. All rooms are individually-decorated, furnished with antiques, Andean crafts, a fireplace and hand-woven bed covers.
Otavalo: Hacienda Pinsaquí
Located at the base of Imbabura Volcano in Ecuador’s Lake District, Hacienda Pinsaquí was originally constructed in 1790 as a colonial textile enterprise. Traditions remain as the property has been passed down through the last five generations of the Freile-Larrea family. The 20 suites each include fireplaces.
Quito: Patio Andaluz
In the heart of historic “Quito Antiguo,” Patio Andaluz is surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. The building is an official National Treasure of Ecuador and was declared a Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. This luxurious boutique hotel features only 32 suites, as well as its own library.
Cloud Forest & Western Rainforest
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
Choose one of three unique lodges as a base. Each is located in the lush, pre-montane cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, nature hikes to secluded waterfalls, biking rolling hills, or the zip-line at Mindo.Testimonials
