14-Day Ecuador Slow Food Experience

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Today, you'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city of Quito to give you a first impression of the variety there is regarding religious and cultural sites. During your visit to the old part of the city, you'll visit the Independence Square with the Government and the Bishops Palace, as well as the Cathedral. On the way to San Francisco Square, you will visit the church of La Compañia and step inside the church of San Francisco. Then, you'll go to a cooking class with lunch at Restaurant Altamira.

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Today, you'll travel north of Quito to Otavalo. In Plaza de los Ponchos, you'll wander around the famous handicrafts market. Here, the colourful stalls are filled with an excellent selection of handwoven crafts. You'll then continue just outside Otavalo to the quiet village of Peguche. You'll visit the waterfall and then watch the village’s weavers blend traditional and modern techniques. A gourmet dinner of homemade Ecuadorian recipes will be served at the hotel in the evening.

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This morning, you'll visit Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake located at approximately 3,000 metres above sea level. You'll appreciate the stunning views, unique vegetation, and the volcanic islands surrounded by totora reeds. Next, in a small village about three kilometres outside Otavalo, you'll visit a Kichwa family and their Kawsaymi project. In an open kitchen, you'll roll up your sleeves and cook typical Ecuadorian food using ancient and modern cooking methods.

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Located near Cayambe, about 47 kilometres north of Quito, the Quitsato Sundial monument is situated exactly on the equator. Then, continuing on your journey to Cotopaxi, you'll visit the slow food organisation, Mishky Huarmy. You will get an introduction to nutrition and the origin of the elements and will, of course, try the Chahuarmishky along with a cultural lunch. Then, you'll drive south towards Cotopaxi along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, appreciating the view.

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This morning, you'll admire Cotopaxi volcano’s peak. Located south of the capital, the 'Shining Peak' is the second-highest mountain in Ecuador with an altitude of 5,897 metres. You'll walk near the Limpipungo lagoon at the volcano’s base and admire its snow-capped peak. From Cotopaxi, you'll then head south along the winding road known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes. You'll contemplate the stunning views with the Chimborazo volcano in the background as you arrive in Riobamba.

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Today, from Riobamba, you'll drive south towards Cuenca. First, you'll head to Guamote, and you will visit the Inti Sisa community where you will participate in a cooking class guided by the wonderful kitchen staff. Continuing on to Cuenca, you'll also stop and visit Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins. Ingapirca is the most important archaeological site that belonged to two cultures: the Cañari and the Incas.

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You'll start your city tour in Cuenca’s main square, Plaza Mayor, surrounded by its two distinct cathedrals and city hall. You'll appreciate the historical centre and admire the colourful buildings that have maintained their colonial magnificence. You'll pass by the vibrant flower market, visit the eclectic style church, Todos los Santos, and end your tour at a Panama hat factory to learn about this handicraft. In the evening, you'll enjoy a traditional dinner of guinea pig!

After breakfast, you will start your way to Naranjito. You will notice the dramatic changes of vegetation. As you cross the National Park El Cajas which lies at an altitude between 3200 metres and 4500 metres you will observe the typical paramo grassland, small colourful flowers, mosses, lichens, and other fungi. Once in the lowlands, you will see a lot of rice, cacao and banana plantations. You'll be staying the night at Hacienda La Danesa, a 145-year-old traditional dairy and cacao farm.

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You have the opportunity to participate in various activities of the hacienda. Drift down the river with inflatable dinghies in the midst of forests and crystal clear water with birds you’ve never seen before. You can also ride a bike or visit the Organic Garden. During a guided tour of the cocoa plantations, you'll learn everything about the cultivation of the cocoa fruit, the process of harvesting and cocoa bean processing.

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This morning, you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the airport to your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you’ll be welcomed by your guide. Baltra is a scantly vegetated island and very dry. From the airport, you'll take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where you head by ferry for the other side of the Island Santa Cruz. You'll then transfer from here to Puerto Ayora. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Center.

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During a full-day boat excursion, you’ll visit one of the islands North Seymour, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. Each of the islands has its own significant beauties to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay. You'll have lunch on board. The excursion is shared with international travellers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

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Today, during another full-day boat excursion, you’ll visit one of the islands North Seymour, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. You can visit a different island from the one you visited yesterday. Each of the islands has its own significant beauties to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay. You'll have lunch on board. The excursion is shared with international travellers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.