Northern Andes Tour

Explore the Northern Andes visiting volcanoes, experiencing local Indian life as it now along side a glimpse into the past.

Duration:  4 Days
2 people prices start from:  £1100 / $1430 per person
4 people prices start from:  £925 / $1190 per person

 

 DAY 1 – Quito Walking City Tour

On our first day we will visit the historical centre of Quito, built in 1534 and considered a city of Outstanding Universal Value by UNESCO. We will walk around the picturesque streets and visit the most impressive colonial churches.

Lunch included.

DAY 2 – Cochasqui Arqueological Site and Mojanda Lakes

In the morning we will visit the archaeological park and scientific research area of Cochasqui which is considered to be the most extensive and important complex of Pre-Columbian and Pre-Inca Empire ruins in Northern Ecuador. The park covers 84 hectares at 3,100 meters above sea level and consists of 15 truncated pyramids and 21 burial mounds, called tolas. Also, on site there is an archaeological museum, two ethnographic museums, a botanical garden and a Museum of musical instruments and weapons.

After the visit we will continue to hike through the Andes for about 2 to 3 hours of moderate hiking, taking a stop for a picnic lunch. On the way we will pass by moorlands and several hills to reach Mojanda lakes a beautiful complex of lagoons.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

 

DAY 3 – Indian Markets

Today we will visit the show room of Totora to learn how the local people use this Andean plant to make different products from baskets to boats!

Afterwards we will drive to the Otavalo market, the most colorful place in the Andes, this will be the time to interact with the local people from town and purchase the finest textiles in Ecuador.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Visit to local families in Peguche village to learn more about their culture, we will see the natural materials like cochineal and ancestral techniques to make textiles and crafts, and to learn about Andean music.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

DAY 4 – Cuicocha Lake and Cotacachi Town

Today we will hike around the Cuicocha Lake to admire the Cotacachi volcano located 12,000 feet above sea level, and its beautiful landscape surrounded by the native flora of the reserve. Lunch in town and visit local leather shops and markets that offer the best quality of products made by locals.

Late in the afternoon we will go back to Quito; on the way back we will have a short stop to try local coffee and the traditional biscuits.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

 

 

 

 

Hotels

We use small, eco-friendly hotels of the best standard. We can also arrange hotels in Quito, for before or after your Andes adventure. Please just ask!

This tour does include:

  • Professional private guide
  • Transportation (program starts in Quito)
  • Entrances and fees
  • Meals: 3 Breakfasts and 4 Lunchs
  • Accommodation

This tour does not include:

  • Drinks
  • Meals that are not specified
  • Tips

Price per person:

  • Based on 2 people prices start from: £1100 / $1430 per person
  • Based on 4 people prices start from: £925 / $1190 per person
  • Please contact us for availability of dates and a full pricing quote.