Ecuador Holidays - Quito & Indian Markets - Otavalo

We spend one days in Quito, visiting the old colonial city and the Mitad del Mundo (Equator). From here we travel via Cochasqui to Otavalo. On our way, we visit the Cochasqui Indian Ruins and shop for leather. In Otavalo, we explore the cattle and main market, before returning to Quito.

Day 1: (Thursday)
Transport will be provided from your hotel to Quito’s old town. The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compañia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America, and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings. Afterwards we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally, we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, " El Panecillo" where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the only winged virgin in South America. Just 30 minutes from Quito is the location of the equator at La Mitad del Mundo ("the middle of the world".) This is the site where, in 1736, Charles-Marie de la Condamine’s expedition made the measurements which demonstrated that this was the equator. Here visitors have the rare opportunity to be in two hemispheres at the same time! A monument was built to mark the site and visitors can take an elevator right to the top, as well as visiting the excellent ethnographical museum inside. Around the monument are buildings and restaurants designed to represent those of a typical colonial town.Overnight in La Fuenta de Piedra I or II.

Day 2 :
On our way to the indigenous market town of Otavalo, we’ll visit the Cochasqui Indian Ruins and Cotacachi town, famous for its leather clothes, where there is plenty of opportunity to shop. We’ll also visit Cuicocha Lake and San Antonio de Ibarra before arriving at our hotel in Otavalo (B)

Day 3:
The next day of our tour begins with an early morning visit to the animal market. After breakfast, we will take you to Otavalo’s main market. After lunch, you will be able to visit the beautiful Mojanda Lakes before we begin our return journey, heading firstly to Cayambe and El Quinche, before we arrive in Quito in the late afternoon. (B)

Rated: Easy

Private departure prices in standard (3*)class hotels. Also available in tourist class and luxury class.

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 309	$ 240	$ 211	$ 61
EUR	€ 256	€ 199	€ 175	€ 50
GBP	£ 173	£ 134	£ 118	£ 34

(*) Price last updated on 22 February 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request

Included:
Private transport, double room accommodation with private facilities, bilingual guiding services, meals as indicated, all entrance fees.

Quito & Indian markets

"Quito - Otavalo"

"Ecuador"