CULTURAL TOUR

Cultural tour is the perfect opportunity to discover the main attractions offered by some of the regions of Ecuador, such as the Sierra and the Amazon. Enjoy this trip while you enjoy the comfort of the different tourist points, as well as an enriching journey through the magical towns that only Cultural Tour can offer in this Andean country.

Cultures of the Equator Line

Tour cultural

TRIP PLAN (14 DAYS)

DAY 1 Arrival in Quito (Ecuador) (Approximate driving time is 1 hour)

Arrive in Quito and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have time to explore the city. Overnight Casa Sol or similar. No meals are included today.

Quito

Quito has been a city of two halves for a long time. Occupying a highland valley flanked by volcanoes, the setting of its historic center and adjoining modern quarters is breathtaking. The formerly dark and run-down colonial heart has been magnificently restored. Cobbled lanes and whitewashed façades scrubbed up churches, and renovated theaters now gleam and echo with the sounds of the everyday life of its traditional inhabitants. Beyond are the skyscrapers and broad avenues of the contemporary commercial city, with flashy shops, offices, and restaurants.

DAY 2 Quito – Otavalo (Approximate driving time is 2 hours) - Cultural Tour

This morning we will explore the colonial old town of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit the major colonial churches and monasteries including La Catedral, El Sagrario, La Compañía and San Francisco. Later, the Plaza de la Independencia flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building, and the Archbishop's Palace. Continue to the Church of San Francisco, one of the most fascinating buildings in South America. Its impressive façade and atrium give way to an opulent, Baroque-influenced gilded interior, with the winged Virgin of Quito on its main altar. Enjoy Quito's Colonial Center, resplendent with its churches, gilded altars, sculptures, and religious paintings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The tour continues through narrow streets, old colonial houses with Moorish-style arches, and mysterious patios to El Panecillo, a viewpoint to enjoy the extraordinary city. 

Middle of the World

In the afternoon, drive from Quito north to the Mitad del Mundo (literally, the middle of the world), where the Equator Line Monument is located. Here, the most remarkable thing is that you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. Leaving Quito behind, continue towards Otavalo. Overnight Santa Fe Hotel or similar. (B/D)

DAY 3 Otavalo - Cuicocha Lagoon - Cotacachi - Otavalo (Approximate driving time is 1 hour) - Cultural Tour

This morning, we explore the surroundings of the Cuicocha crater lagoon during a 4 to 5-hour easy to moderate-grade hike through the flora of the Andean highlands. After a traditional lunch in Cotacachi, we will visit a small archeological museum and finish the day with a stroll through the Otavalo market and for sure, try the exotic fruits and vegetables. Overnight Santa Fe Hotel or similar. (B/L)

Note - Alternatively, clients can take a boat tour of the lagoon instead of hiking.

DAY 4 Kichwa Community - Otavalo - Cultural Tour

Today's first excursion takes you to the community of Kachiviro (San Rafael), where you will witness the processing of tortora. A totora grows in Lake San Pablo and is used by many families to make their handicrafts. Then, he will visit the Peguche waterfall, a must for local people, where he will take a short walk and learn about the importance of this sacred place. To get a deeper insight into the local culture, he will visit other craft workshops (wool processing, a musical instrument workshop), where you will fall in love with the beautiful souvenirs on offer there. To end the day, immerse yourself in the use of medicinal herbs. (B/L)

DAY 5 Otavalo - Papallacta - Archidona (Approximate driving time today is 5 fours) - Cultural Tour

Enjoy an early morning walk through the streets of Otavalo to observe the lively activity of the market in the Plaza de Poncho, as well as the Andean culture of the Otavaleños. Continue over an Andean pass at 4,050 m altitude towards a valley at 3,300 m, where hot springs feed the most beautiful spa in the country. This afternoon we arrive at Hakuna Matata, a cozy rainforest lodge in a private protected forest. Overnight Hakuna Matata Lodge or similar. (B/D)

DAY 6 Archidona - Hike in the rainforest and Pacari chocolate experience - Cultural Tour

This morning we will hike through the lodge's protected rainforest. Your naturalist guide will point out interesting medicinal plants and talk about the wildlife in the area. The destination of this hike is the small town of Santa Rita, where a delicious jungle lunch awaits you. Afterward, Pacari's experts will show you how to make delicious chocolate using local cocoa beans. Returning to the lodge, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight Hakuna Matata Lodge or similar. (B/L/D)

DAY 7 Río Arajuno - Quichua Community - Misahualli - Cultural Tour

Early this morning, head to the Arajuno River, where you'll take a canoe trip to a clay lick, where you'll observe (weather permitting) hundreds of parrots and parakeets. Continue by canoe to the indigenous Quichua community of Santa Barbara to sample many local dishes at a typical jungle buffet with the community. Later, continue to the small jungle town of Misahualli to enjoy a traditional lunch. After a short walk through the townlet and its surroundings, we return to the hostel. Overnight Hakuna Matata Lodge or similar. (B/L/D)

Note: Those that do not wish to do the canoe ride can opt out and stay by the Hakuna Matata Lodge, taking some short walks and enjoying the jungle directly from the lodge.

DAY 8 Puyo - Macas (Approximate driving time is 2 hours) - Cultural Tour

After breakfast, travel through the rainforest to Puyo, where we will visit an Animal Rescue Center to observe tropical species from the Amazon region and meet some monkeys face to face. From here, continue deep into the rainforest to the small jungle town of Macao. Here, will be time to relax in the afternoon in a mysterious Lodge in the tropical jungle. Overnight Luzcelinda Hotel or similar (B/D)

DAY 9 Macas - Shuar Waterfall - Lagoons of Atillo - Guamote (Approximate driving time is 3 hours) - Cultural Tour

A short trip takes you to Shuar territory. Take a round-trip hike of around 3 hours through the forest to a sacred waterfall. You will participate in the ceremony of the spiritual waterfall of the Shuar, enjoy a bath in the waterfall, and culminate in tasting the typical food of the Shuar. In the afternoon, to the Atillo Lagoons, crossing the Andean highlands to Guamote. Overnight Inti Sisa Hotel or similar. (B/L/D)

DAY 10 Guamote - Andean Kichwa Community - Riobamba (Approximate driving time 1 hour) - Cultural Tour

Visit the traditional Andean Market of Guamote early in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the Guamote area and visit one of the small nearby towns to learn about the life of the Kichwa people. Continue your trip to Riobamba, a city surrounded by the Chimborazo, Carihuayrazo, El Altar, and Tungurahua elevations. The city is considered one of the most important Ecuadorian Andes agricultural centers. Overnight Santa Isabella Mansion or similar. (B/L)

DAY 11 Chimborazo Volcano (Altitude: 6,267m) - Latacunga (Approximate driving time is 1h50 min) - Cultural Tour

Esta mañana viaje desde Riobamba hasta las alturas del poderoso volcán Chimborazo. En el camino, se detendrán en una de las Comunidades Indígenas Kichwa que viven aquí, a una altitud de más de 3000 metros. Desde aquí, se continúa hasta el refugio de montaña Hermanos Carrel a 4800 metros de altitud. Los aventureros pueden caminar desde aquí hasta la cabaña de Whymper a más de 5000 metros de altitud. Más tarde, llegarán al pequeño pueblo de Latacunga situado a una altitud de 2800 metros. Overnight Villa Tacunga or similar. (B/L)

Avenue of the Volcanoes

The aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes is flanked by eight vertiginously tall, snow-capped mountains that stretch south from Quito down the backbone of the Andes. It traverses a valley rich in a landscape of dense forest and tiny fields that plaster incredibly steep slopes. Surrounding it is a mix of deeply traditional indigenous and colonial settlements, with horticultural and artisan markets and cottage industries. There are also a handful of old haciendas given to the conquerors, where the spectacular buildings are now country hotels. Ecuador is an ideal country for hiking, with trails that lead to craters that are home to turquoise volcanic lakes or views of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi that will take your breath away.

DAY 12 Latacunga - La Victoria - Zumbahua - Quilotoa Lagoon - Chugchilan (Approximate driving time is 2 hours) - Cultural Tour

This morning, continue to the town of La Victoria, famous for the traditional manufacture of ceramics. Continue to the Andean territory of Zumbahua and experience the noisy and colorful market before heading to the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lagoon. After a short hike, enjoy ever-changing views of the lagoon and surrounding Andes mountains. Overnight Mama Hilda Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

DAY 13 Chugchilan - Hacienda La Ciénaga - Cotopaxi National Park - Quito (Approximate driving time is 2 hours) - Cultural Tour

This morning, you will drive to the 400-year-old Hacienda La Ciénega and enjoy a coffee cup break in this nostalgic atmosphere before visiting a nearby flower farm to experience the many colors and fragrances. Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park, and enjoy an easy walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon, learning about the typical vegetation of the Andes and, in good weather, be dazzled by magnificent views of the impressive Cotopaxi. Lunch at the Tambopaxi mountain refuge, surrounded by the mind-blowing peaks of Sincholagua and Cotopaxi. At the end´s day, return to Quito. Overnight Hotel Casa Sol (B/L)

DAY 14 Departure from Quito

Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Accommodation on hotels in double rooms.
  • Meals are mentioned in the program.
  • Private English-speaking guide and transportation through all the itineraries.
  • Entrance fees to the mentioned places and activities.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Domestic and international flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Personal expenses, such as tips.
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program
  • Covid PCR test, if apply

Please note that the rating stars for accommodations are estimated as local ratings that do not conform to international standards. The local categories are, in all cases, the same or superior to the previous ones.

NB: Read all itineraries as a guide only. All routes and programs in Cultural Tour may change without prior notice due to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, security reasons, and wildlife encountered during the trip. Flexibility is the key to the success of any expedition. However, the safety and interest of our passengers are always the priority.

SERVICES FROM / TO QUITO Local English-speaking tour guide; all transfers in private transportation; entrance fees according to the program; all excursions as mentioned; 11 nights in hotels, lodge, and guest houses in double room accommodation; meals: 11xB, 9xL/BL, 7xD

REQUIREMENTS: For Cultural Tour, a healthy fitness level is necessary to enjoy hikes of about 2 hours (depending on conditions, maybe more) at altitudes up to 5000m and in tropical (jungle) climates. Technical expertise is not necessary for the treks. Hiking boots are recommended.

Serie

Start date

End Date

Language

ZB-2022-01

19/01/2022

30/1/2022

GER

ZB-2022-02

9/2/2022

20/2/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-03

9/3/2022

20/3/2022

GER

ZB-2022-04

13/4/2022

24/4/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-05

4/5/2022

15/5/2022

GER

ZB-2022-06

1/6/2022

12/6/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-07

15/6/2022

26/6/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-08

29/6/2022

10/7/2022

GER

ZB-2022-09

13/7/2022

24/7/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-10

27/7/2022

7/8/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-11

10/8/2022

21/8/2022

GER

ZB-2022-12

24/8/2022

4/9/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-13

31/8/2022

11/9/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-14

7/9/2022

18/9/2022

GER

ZB-2022-15

21/9/2022

2/10/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-16

12/10/2022

23/10/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-17

26/10/2022

6/11/2022

GER

ZB-2022-18

9/11/2022

20/11/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-19

16/11/2022

27/11/2022

ENG

ZB-2022-20

7/12/2022

18/12/2022

GER

QUOTE THIS TOUR.

If you want to travel to more destinations in Ecuador visit https://responsibletravelsa.com/es/ and discover what the country of the four worlds can offer you.