Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
From UIO we will travel south through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes." This stretch of land was named by Alexander von Humboldt during his journey through South America in 1802. In Machachi we will take a mountain route around the volcanoes Antisana (5753 m s/m / 18874 feet s/m), Sincholagua (4898 m s/m / 16069 feet s/m), Pasochoa (4199 m s/m /13776 feet s/m), and Rumiñahui (4712 m s/m / 15459 feet s/m. This route allows us to learn first hand about the mountains and visit Cotopaxi National Park, the home of the tallest active volcano in the world (5897 m s/m / 19347 feet s/m). There we will observe huge fields of lava and volcanic rubble. We will then descend to the Panamerican Highway for a short one-hour trip to Patate, a picturesque town situated in a subtropical valley where the majority of the population cultivates fruit to produce wine and liquor. From there, we will continue on a mountain path that will take us through temperate valleys, humid tropical mountain forests, and Andean flatlands. We will then descend into the small city of Baños, situated at the foot of Volcano Tungurahua. Baños is famous for its thermal springs that bubble up out of the side of the volcano and its subtropical climate.
In Baños we offer two lodging options:
- Luna Runtun- situated on top of a hill ten minutes outside of the city. It offers spectacular views of both the mountains and the city. Pool and spa included
- Hotel Posada de las Artes- small hotel situated in the town that is decorated with original art from the best Ecuadorian artists. Very close to all the attractions of the town of Baños.
Day 2:
After a short 40 minute trip, we will arrive in Salasacas, a rural indigenous town famous for their tapestry weaving. The indigenous people of Salasacas are easily recognized by their long black ponchos that are still used today as a sign of the mourning of the last Inca Atahualpa. We will visit the house of a "mayor" to accompany him in the ritual of "retirada de ropas" (retiring of the clothes). These wardrobes are between 30 and 70 years old. The tradition is celebrated with offerings that are brought for the alcalde (cuy, potatoes, oranges, bread, corn chicha [local drink], and liquor). It includes the retiring of the Dancers of the Suns’ clothing, ritual dancing, and Andean music with the accompaniment of the bombo (drum) and the pingullo (three-holed Andean flute). We will lodge in the hostal Runa Huasi (Quechua for House of the People). It is a small hotel owned and run by a local indigenous family. There are comfortable accommodations with a simple, natural atmosphere. We will be treated as guests in the family’s home. Optional: We can find a group of village youth to visit us after dinner for a presentation of traditional music and dance.
Day 3:
In the morning we will traverse the land in Salasacas visiting weavers and learning about the plants that are cultivated in the town for painting the tapestries. We will also visit a sacred hill where weaving tools are offered to acquire virtue and dexterity. That afternoon we will go to the ceremonial center of the town where all the “mayors” gather with their Dancers of the Sun to celebrate Inti Raimi. There will be ritual dancing held around an imaginary figure that is traced on a large piece of land. It is one of the most colorful and authentic festivals of the Ecuadorian Andes.We will end the day traveling back to the hotel in Quito via the Panamerican Highway.
We recommend three lodging options in Quito:
- Hotel Quito (antique intercontinental): located on the heights o fan urban hill with extraordinary views of the oriental mountain range and the valley of Tumbaco. Complete with beautiful gardens and a large outdoor pool.
- Hotel Meson del Angel: situated in a neighborhood named la Mariscal that is in the most lively part of the city. There is a great variety of restaurants, bars, and general nightlife. The hotel itself is actually an art deco house that was built in the 1940’s. Exquisite service.
- Hostal Mi Casa: located in the traditional residential area la Floresta. This hostel is a giant house that was constructed in 1949. It offers excellent accommodations and a family atmosphere. Famous for their breakfast, include bread and jelly that is made in the hotel. Close to the biggest hotels of the city.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Optional: Spend the night in a 19th century hacienda in the South of Quito. 45 minutes from the airport in Quito.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
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