Day 01 - Saturday -
Arrival in Quito
Upon arrival, our collaborators offer a welcoming reception and will transfer you to the hotel. A documentation kit, detailed program explanation plus luggage and hotel registration assistance is offered. Overnight in Quito.
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Day 02 - Sunday -
Quito Colonial & the The Intiñan Museum (B)
In the morning, a short trip to the north of the city of Quito will lead you to Latitude 0´0´0´´,where the Intiñan museum is located. There you can appreciate the wonderful world of the Andean Cosmo-vision, its culture and traditions. After this visit, enjoy of a wonderful tour through the streets and main squares of Quito’s Historical Center. A visit to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo is part of this spectacular visit. Overnight in Quito.
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Day 03 - Monday - Andean Handicrafts and Markets (B/L)
An early start will take you North on a beautiful scenic drive to the province of Imbabura, a magic land of lakes and mountains of outstanding beauty. The day opens the possibility to learn about the customs of the people living in the area, the Otavalos, who are known around the world for their weaving patterns and textiles which pre-date the Spanish conquest. The market is a unique occasion to wonder through this maze of color and to buy great quality handicrafts at superb prices. Lunch will be offered at one of the many charming Hosterias or Country Inns of the area.
Overnight in Quito.
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Day 04 - Tuesday -
The Cotopaxi National Park – Valley of Patate (B/L)
The Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres). Surrounding the highest active volcano in the world, it is a special attraction for nature lovers. You can observe the treeless vegetation of the Andean meadows or “paramo”. Its bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and the Andean condor. You will have the opportunity to see wild horses, and some deers, depending on the season. Lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, we will drive South, passing the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to the Valley of Patate. Overnight in Patate.
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Day 05 - Wednesday -
The Fortress of Ingapirca - Cuenca (B/L)
Located approximately two hours away from the city of Cuenca, The Ingapirca Fortress is undoubtedly the most important archeological vestige left by the Inca Civilization in Ecuador. Despite the great number of studies made in the area, the final use of this architectonic complex is still a mystery: it is believed it was a fortress, a center of astronomic observation or a temple devoted to the sun and the moon. Inside the complex, you will find clear evidence of the sumptuousness of the Cañari and Inca Cultures, in the ceramic pieces, sculptures and metal pieces of art. After having lunch, the trip will continue to the city of Cuenca. Overnight in Cuenca.
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Day 06 - Thursday -
Cuenca (B)
Located at the southern highlands, in a picturesque valley surrounded by spectacular mountains, Cuenca was declared by the UNESCO a World Cultural Heritage in 1989. Known as well as “Santa Ana of the 4 rivers”, this city was specifically built to satisfy the demands of the Spanish elite during the conquest period. Today Cuenca displays with glamour a French Neoclassic architecture represented in its nicely decorated balconies with colorful geraniums, main squares and colossal churches that exalt the monumental beauty of colonial architecture. This excursion is an encounter of traditions, emblematic shields, culture and art. Overnight in Cuenca.
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Day 07 - Friday -
Guayaquil (B)
At scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Guayaquil. At your arrival, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil.
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Day 08 - Saturday -
International Departure Flight or Optional Extension (B)
Early in the morning transfer to the airport to get your international flight or to connect with your program extension:
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END OF THE PROGRAM |
