ITINERARY 

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN QUITO

After our arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito our guide will meet you and welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala

DAY 02: QUITO

CITY TOUR OF COLONIAL DOWNTOWN AND MIDDLE OF THE WORLD
After breakfast in the hotel, the first stop is to explore the Old Town. We will visit the main sites of colonial downtown such as Plaza de la Independencia, the Church of La Compañía (1605), with its impressive golden altars. This is considered as one of the best examples of baroque art in America. Then we will visit the Museum of the City. During the Museum’s tour, it is possible to appreciate the city heritage, in addition to a set of exceptional works and everyday objects.

Finally, we will go to the viewpoint highest in the historic center, the hill “El Panecillo” from where we will have a spectacular view of Quito. Time for lunch (on your own). Then, we will go to the north of the city towards the Middle of the World, here visitors have the rare opportunity to be in two hemispheres at the same time! We will visit Intiñan interactive museum, the perfect place for kids to experience some phenomenon that occurs when you live on the equatorial line. Here our guide will also explain how Andean culture is related to our location in the world.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala

DAY 03: QUITO

DAY TOUR OTAVALO & ANDEAN VILLAGES
After breakfast, start your journey driving north towards Imbabura Province with its many beautiful lakes in the low valleys of the northern Ecuadorian Andes. During the 2.5-hour drive, we will stop in Cayambe to taste “bizcochos”, a delicious biscuit specialty of this area. Then continue to Otavalo, where we will see San Pablo Lagoon and the steep Imbabura Volcano. Then we will visit Condor Park, where at 11:30 (from Wednesday to Sunday) we will be able to observe a spectacle of majestic birds. Condor Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, rescue, rehabilitation, and possible reintroduction to the wild of birds of prey, vultures (Andean condor) and owls. This is a special place to raise awareness about the importance of environmental issues and their relationship with society.

We will return to the city of Otavalo for walking tour of the famous indigenous market, considered one of the biggest Indigenous markets in South America. You’ll find beautiful textile tapestries, wooden handicrafts, ponchos, and many different colorful products being sold in the market.

Afterward, we will visit the well-maintained trails towards Peguche waterfall, an environmental recreational area, made up of protective forest, with an area of 40 hectares. Peguche waterfall of 18, used in ancestral rituals by the indigenous community, specifically by the Otavalo’s indigenous people, considered one of the most representative native peoples of Ecuador. After this awesome day we will continue our way to Quito.
Note: The spectacle of birds has 2 schedules: 11H30 or 15:30 from Wednesday to Sunday.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala

DAY 04: QUITO / HACIENDA PORVENIR

Horseback Riding, Mountain Trekking, Cotopaxi National Park
ROSE PLANTATIONS & COOKING IN THE CLOUDS
We leave Quito in the morning and head South to Machachi, a highland town located at the Heart of the Avenue of Volcanoes. This is a 1-hour drive from Quito. On the way to Hacienda Porvenir, we will visit NatuFlor, a farm that has over 25 hectares of cultivated greenhouses and 81 rose varieties. Due to their privileged location, their roses receive twelve hours of sun guaranteeing a unique quality, longer and thicker stems, vibrant foliage, intense colors, and higher durability. At the farm, you will witness the process of rose cultivation from the start until they are ready to be shipped. Lunch at the Hacienda.

Time to immerse yourself in history and culture through flavors! In the afternoon we’ll have our Cooking in the Clouds lesson. The class starts by preparing our famous cheese empanadas, followed by the elaboration of aji. Aji or chili sauce is a very important part of Ecuadorian cuisine. The recipe varies from home to home. Here, at Hacienda El Porvenir we will learn how to make it the traditional way, on a stone mortar and seasoned with various herbs and spices. At last, we will learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink that is served on celebrations in the Highlands of Ecuador. After the class we will enjoy the food, we prepared next to a crackling fireplace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight accommodation Hacienda Porvenir

DAY 05: HORSEBACK RIDE TO EL MIRADOR AND HIGH ROPES COURSE

Rise and shine! In the morning we will have a delicious, nutritious farm breakfast, followed by a brief riding lesson from our guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the “Chagra” (Ecuadorian cowboy), we start a 2-hour ride through exclusive trails at the hacienda. The first portion of the ride we will get acquainted with our horses and ride on dirt roads. Then we will ride through an open paramo where we can learn about the native flora and fauna of the area. We will reach 3,800 mts. (12,500 ft) at “El Mirador de los Guardianes del Volcán” where, on a clear day, we will enjoy a magnificent view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, then we will start our descent towards the hacienda. The pace of the horses is mainly walking, but we can trot and canter on portions of the ride. Good possibilities of spotting Andean birds on this ride. Return to the hacienda. Back in the farmhouse, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival. In the afternoon we will have the chance to walk in the clouds on the High Ropes course! This is a high adventure activity with low environmental impact, letting people with little or no knowledge of climbing techniques have a unique experience in a safe environment. We will traverse ladders, nets, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, and more fun surprises at 20 ft from the ground (6m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight accommodation Hacienda Porvenir

DAY 06: RUMIÑAHUI VOLCANO TREK

Get your trekking shoes on, after a wholesome country breakfast, we begin our trek to Rumiñahui Volcano inside the exclusive trails of the hacienda, crossing vast highlands swept by the cold breath of the Andes. In one single frame one can take pictures of valleys, mountains, and neighboring volcanoes. On a cloudless day, we will even admire the Ilinizas peaks and Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped mountain of Ecuador. Hiking takes about 5 hours total round trip. The technical level is for beginners and the physical level is medium. We will trek along with a local guide that will share with us his knowledge about the mountains, the páramo, and the local culture. . We will have a lunch-date with the Apus (Mountain Spirit) taking a packed lunch for this hike. Then we will return to Hacienda El Porvenir, a warm fireplace will be waiting for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Overnight accommodation Hacienda Porvenir

DAY 07: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK VISIT

Have you ever thought about how glaciers are possible on the Equatorial line? Have you ever wondered how it is to climb an active volcano? Would you like to discover why ancient explorers pointed out Cotopaxi as one of the most beautiful mountains in the World? This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a fantastic day trip of exploration to the Iconic Cotopaxi National Park. Home of herds of wild- truly wild- horses, Andean foxes, and deer. Where migratory birds stop by to get some rest on their way South.

The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean geology, with Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi Volcano being the hosts. On the visit, you will reach the car park below the Cotopaxi Refuge, where you begin a short hike up to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m (15,744 ft). It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the Volcano on this short hike (about 1.5 miles round).

Once back in the vehicle, you will continue the way, driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a wholesome box lunch will be served. After fueling, the exploration will continue a vast territory with ancient Inca military fortresses and plains full of volcanic rocks from past eruptions. Don’t forget to hydrate and bring your camera for this spectacle! (Breakfast/Packed lunch). Return to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Overnight accommodation Hotel Ikala

DAY 08: DEPART QUITO

Breakfast at hotel. Assistance and transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

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RESERVATIONS: 

Forty-eight-hour confirmation for travel between November 2023 and December 2024 except for December 24 and December 31, reservations are subject to confirmation.

THIS PROGRAM IS IDEAL FOR FAMILIES. 

RATES PER PERSON ISLAND HOPPING – FIVE DAYS / FOUR NIGHTS
RATES VALID ALL YEAR ROUND EXCEPT HIGH SEASON

CHILDREN DISCOUNTS:

(*) Double Room: Kids younger than 3 years old: FREE (1 kid per adult), sharing the room with the parents.
(**) Triple Room: Kids younger than 12 years: 20% (1 kid) sharing the room with the parents.
(***) Quadruple Room: Kids younger than 12 years: 20% (2 kids) sharing the room with the parents.

SINGLE RATES: Available or request

TOUR RATES INCLUDE:

QUITO:

• Four-night accommodation at Hotel Boutique First Class Ikala. Includes daily breakfast and 22% taxes and hotel service fees.
• Land service and daily tours as indicated in itinerary fully escorted by Licensed English-speaking guides.
• Round trip transfers between a hotel in Quito and Hacienda Porvenir – Private services
• Meals as indicated in itinerary.

HACIENDA PORVENIR

• Three-night accommodations based on Master Suite or Double Junior Suite
• Daily tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary.
• Gears required for the activities.
• Entrance fees to National Parks .and Rose Plantation
• Entrance to APU Mountain SPA wet area
• Meals as indicated in itinerary plus one soft drink per meal.

NOTE: Horse Riders can’t exceed 220 pounds of weight.
NOTE: Itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions or rose plantation visit days.
NOTE: To participate in this tour, you must sign a waiver of liability.
NOTE: We recommend you buy a travel health insurance plan.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International air between points in USA and Quito.
• Travel and Health Insurance (Highly Recommended)
• Land service, tours, accommodations not indicated in itinerary.
• Expenses of personal nature. Alcoholic drinks
• Gratuities/Tips to guides.

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