Gualaceo and Chordeleg
Breakfast at the hotel. Again we will see the sights of the Cuenca surroundings, and visit the town of Gualaceo known for its tapestry. Guacaleo is surrounded by a beautiful valley, and a river of the same name goes through the town.

Later we will go on our trip towards a little town called Chordeleg, where most of its inhabitants are jewelers of the greatest quality silver and gold filigree at affordable prices.

Colonial Quito & Nightlife in Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the historic center of Quito and the modern area of the city, and watch the important architectural changes that have been done from the 10th century to the 16th century, when Quito was established.

We will see La Alameda Park, San Blas square and church and Sucre National Theatre, neoclassical building from the 19th century which is in excellent conditions. In the colonial city center, we will stroll around the colonial streets that will lead us to the Independence Square, where we can see the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s and Municipal Palaces; all these buildings are an example of the last 5 centuries.

The Cathedral dates back to 1562. Also we will visit the Archbishop’s Palace, passing by the Sacrarium. We will visit Compañia de Jesús Church, from the 17th century with its gold-covered altars, example of the fine Latin American baroque style. Then we will visit San Francisco square and church from the 16th century, home of the Quito Art School, where we can appreciate the classic, neoclassic, mannerist, baroque, rococo and mudejar styles.

Quito was the fist city in the world declared Heritage Trust by the UNESCO due to its state of preservation and size; the colonial city center is formed by 320 blocks so it is the biggest colonial center in America. Finally, we will ascend to El Panecillo Hill at 3000 m.a.s.l. to see the Virgin of Quito and enjoy a spectacular view of the whole city.

Nightlife in Quito on a Chiva Don Otto
Optional: We will go to see the night life in Quito in a unique experience. At sunset, the buildings of the colonial center of the Franciscan city are magically illuminated, and ghosts from the Ecuadorian ancient times came to visit the place.

We will stroll around the streets of Quito on the famous and traditional bus: Chiva Don Otto. This is a very exciting way to go into the narrow streets of Quito, accompanied by live folklore music, and tasting the typical hot beverage of Quito: El Canelazo, together with typical sweets and snacks.

Otavalo Market
Breakfast at the hotel. We will get to know the outskirts of Quito. And the best option is to go straight to Otavalo’s indigenous market. We will head for Imbabura, going through enjoyable Andean scenery.

At Otavalo Market and its multicolor square, you can find wool and cotton craft textiles, wood carvings, native paintings, toquilla straw hats, handcrafted costume jewelry and an endless number of handicrafts. After going around the market, we will have lunch in a hostel or a typical colonial estate.

After lunch, we will visit Cotacachi, where we will find leather products of outstanding quality at affordable prices. Finally we will visit the beautiful Lake Cuicocha. Then we will go back to Quito.

Cotopaxi National Park
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit one of the most important volcanoes of Ecuador: Cotopaxi. We will go to Cotopaxi National Park. On our way, we will see different indigenous towns such as Sangolqui and Machachi; each of them has its own typical market to be visited. We will leave behind Pasochoa and Rumiñahui volcanoes.

We will hear some people talking in “Quichua,” the indigenous language; and we will be able to feel the customs of these towns. Later we will go on our trip to visit Cotopaxi National Park. It is the most ancient protected continental area in Ecuador with the world’s highest active snow-covered volcano (5,907m).