Cotopaxi Tour - Avenue of the Volcanoes

DAY 1
Take a two day tour to the towns and volcanic valleys north of Quito. See Ecuador the way the Ecuadorians see it. 90 km north of Quito, you will discover the largest and most interesting of the Indian markets in all of South America –the Otavalo Indian market. . Start off with a tour to the archaeological site named Cochasqui, where this pre-inca culture had already discovered that this area was located at the equator - at the middle of the world. Then take the back roads for a drive through green beautiful valleys behind the imposing, Imbabura Volcano. Your drive ends at Zuleta where you will see the ornate embroidered costumes of the indigenous people from this area. You can then visit one of their workshops and see their work in progress! En route, you will be provided a delicious box lunch with the opportunity to sit down for a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this valley.

In the afternoon, visit the town of Peguche, an Indian village, to learn about native lifestyles and observe farmers working in their fields…and also weaving in their homes. First on the way is a visit to NANDA MANACHI, a musical workshop, to meet Jose Pichamba, Master of the Band, creating Andean instruments. First see the instruments being made, then experience a short performance in his home nearby. Following this, your tour takes you the house of Jose Cotacach. Jose is considered the very best weaver in the area and you will have the opportunity to see him working in his loom, and creating beautiful wall hangings with his unique designs.
Overnight at Hacienda Cusin or Pinsaqui.

DAY 2
This day takes you to Cotacachi – Cayapas National Park, to thrill at the beautiful paramos ( the ecosystem of the Andes ). Follow on to the lake of Cuicocha. From here, you will be able to hike in this area where your guide will explain the flora and fauna of this location.. After your hike, take a brief visit to Cotacahi (the leather town ) and then continue on to Otavalo. At Otavalo, the Otavalo Indians have created a splendid open air market, where you have the rest of the morning to buy or barter for handicrafts with the locals.
Lunch is provided at a fine Ecuadorian restaurant located on the Shore of San Pablo Lake. In the afternoon return to your hotel in Quito. .
Note: A visit of a rose plantation may be arranged along the way – time permitting.

Price per person: $395.00 usd
Price includes
• Two days - full day tours with hiking and shopping
• English speaking guide driver – certified Ecuadorian guides
• Breakfast and lunch on the first day
• Breakfast and lunch on the second day
• Accommodations in an Ecuadorian Hacienda for one night
• Transfers hotel / Otavalo / hotel in a private car

DAY 1 - The market at Sasquisili is one of the most colorful markets in all of South Market.
Saquisili (Thursday market day) - is probably the most colorful market in the Ecuadorian Andes, as an early morning drive will take you to this interesting cultural gathering where you will see the animal market and the locals trading their llamas, horses, sheep, etc...all in 7 plazas. Enjoy walking around the market, or just feeling the culture or have fun shopping a diverse variety of local handicrafts.
Lunch at Rumipamba de las Rosas.
Note: Over night at Hosteria Andaluza (with a view of Chimborazo) or Abraspungo
can be arranged. ( B, L, D )

DAY 2
Today you will be taken to Chimborazo National Park. Chimborazo ( 6,310 m.) is the highest mountain in Ecuador and it’s also considered as the highest mountain in the world if you measure it from the equator. You will reach 4,800 m in altitude by car to the first refuge, and if you decide to hike a little bit in this altitude you can reach the second refuge at 5,000 m of altitude.
Enjoy a box lunch and in the afternoon return to Quito by car.
4 hours drive back approximately
Dan Carlton Hotel in Quito.
( B, L ) Please call for prices