trip specifics

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Enjoy an in-depth and relaxed experience of Otavalo and Ecuador’s Province of the Lakes. Ecuador’s highland region is famous for its enduring Andean culture, artisans, handicrafts, Haciendas, nature reserves, beautiful landscapes, and regional cuisine. Visit the world famous Otovalo market and villages where crafts are produced by local artisans. Stay in centuries old colonial haciendas and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Day 1 - Andean Villages

Depart Quito early to for a scenic drive north of Quito to Calderón, a small town where unique bread dough figurines are made in many shapes and sizes. Continue on the relaxing drive along Guayllabamba and Cayambe Valleys while enjoying spectacular Andean scenery. At lunchtime arrive at the Hacienda Cusin, a restored 17th-century estate, in the nearby village of San Pablo. The hacienda offers a luxurious taste of Ecuador's colonial history among individually decorated rooms, gardens and courtyards. In the afternoon, visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for the woodcarvings.

Accommodations: Hacienda Cusin or similar
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - Otavalo Market and Peguche

For hundreds of years indigenous people from over seventy surrounding villages have brought their crafts and produce to the world famous market in Otovalo. Here you can get involved in the excitement of bargaining and buying or merely photograph native textiles, the original “Panama” hat, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and pottery arranged in colorful displays. Enjoy another delicious lunch at a nearby hacienda or hosteria in the area. This afternoon visit nearby villages of Peguche to observe traditional weaving and Cotocachi which is known for its leather work.

Accommodations: Hacienda Cusin or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Cuicocha Lake and Cotacachi

Visit Cuicocha Lake and the town of Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to fine leather products. Continue south for a visit to a rose plantation and lunch, before the return to Quito.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch



Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of travel unique.

Included: Transportation, accommodations, local guides, entrance fees and meals as specified in itinerary.

Exclusions: Airfare to Ecuador, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, Quito airport international departure tax, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival & Departure: The Otovalo Escape begins and ends in Quito and requires one pre and one post hotel night. Please plan flights to arrive anytime one day prior to day 1 of the itinerary and depart anytime one day after day 3 from Quito International Airport.

Payment & Cancellation: Call for pricing for groups of six or more. In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days - 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days - 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for culture and the outdoors.


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