& The Olive Odysseys Present
Ecuador
The Andes Mountains-Volcanoes-Inca Ruins-Hiking-Horseback Riding-
Birding-Mountain Crater Lakes-Indigenous Indian Markets-
Coffee Taste Testing-Artisanal Chocolate tour+ Much More!
with our
+Galapagos Islands Add On+
Join us
November 11-20 2019
“But Ecuador is full of surprises.
Perhaps because it is a place you don’t hear much about.
But after you’ve been there, you’ll know you have made a wonderful discovery.”
Perhaps because it is a place you don’t hear much about.
But after you’ve been there, you’ll know you have made a wonderful discovery.”
Lynne Castillo- Ecuador Tour Leader
Day One
November 11
Welcome to beautiful Ecuador! We will meet in the afternoon at our lodge near the outskirts of Quito. Check in and relax, use the steam room or book a massage, if you would like. We will meet in the afternoon for a welcome drink and a talk about our trip. We will enjoy a talk by a local on Ecuador and Ecuadorian culture.
Join us later in the early evening as we head up to the Guapulo neighborhood of Quito and the check out the amazing vantage point of the Volo church.
We will stroll along the La Rhonda, the famous walking street of Quito, later in the evening for our first dinner together as we sample delicious Ecuadorian food.
Includes- Welcome drink/ Welcome meeting/ Talk by local guides/ Private transport into Quito and back/ Volo church/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Quito/ Overnight Quito*
* Quito is a little above 9000 ft in altitude. Some people experience altitude sickness and some do not. It is advisable to come a day or two earlier and take it easy before our trip starts. Email us for additional nights at our first hotel.
Day Two
November 12
After breakfast at our lodge, we are up early for our trip to Mindo. Known for its cloud forests and butterfly farms it is also known for its flora and fauna diversity.
We will have many activities to choose from including a visit to hummingbird garden, tubing on the Mindo river, and a visit to an artisanal chocolate producer. Lunch will be on your own at any number of places.
Later, we will be joining a local naturalist for an evening walk in the forest preserve. Dinner will be on your own with recommendation from us. We are back at our cosy lodge in the evening for tea and snacks before bed.
Includes- Breakfast/ Transport to Mindo/ Tour of hummingbird garden/ River tubing/ Chocolate factory/ Local naturalist walk/ Evening tea and snacks/ Overnight Quito
November 12
After breakfast at our lodge, we are up early for our trip to Mindo. Known for its cloud forests and butterfly farms it is also known for its flora and fauna diversity.
We will have many activities to choose from including a visit to hummingbird garden, tubing on the Mindo river, and a visit to an artisanal chocolate producer. Lunch will be on your own at any number of places.
Later, we will be joining a local naturalist for an evening walk in the forest preserve. Dinner will be on your own with recommendation from us. We are back at our cosy lodge in the evening for tea and snacks before bed.
Includes- Breakfast/ Transport to Mindo/ Tour of hummingbird garden/ River tubing/ Chocolate factory/ Local naturalist walk/ Evening tea and snacks/ Overnight Quito
Day Three
November 13
This morning we are off to the Antisana Ecological Reserve a nationally preserved area. Here we’ll see have our first glimpse of the stunning Andes mountains. We’ll be on the lookout for wildlife including the spectacular condor, this protected area being home to some of the last of these giant birds. We’ll go with a trained guide who will be able to give us a real insight into the nature of special place.
In the midst of this beautiful scenery, we will enjoy our own packed lunch on the trail today provided to us by our lodge.
After our visit to the the park, we will travel the Quilotoa loop, known for its remote Andean villages and mountainous roads. We’ll take a break on our journey at one of the Haciendas in the town of Lasso for a break and a snack.
We will end our day at our lodge with dinner together followed with stories told by the Ecuadorians, about the legends of the volcanos.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of the Antisana Ecological Reserve/ Bird Watching/ Packed lunch/ Hacienda visit with snack/ Dinner together/ Volcano Legends/ Overnight Chucchilan
November 13
This morning we are off to the Antisana Ecological Reserve a nationally preserved area. Here we’ll see have our first glimpse of the stunning Andes mountains. We’ll be on the lookout for wildlife including the spectacular condor, this protected area being home to some of the last of these giant birds. We’ll go with a trained guide who will be able to give us a real insight into the nature of special place.
In the midst of this beautiful scenery, we will enjoy our own packed lunch on the trail today provided to us by our lodge.
After our visit to the the park, we will travel the Quilotoa loop, known for its remote Andean villages and mountainous roads. We’ll take a break on our journey at one of the Haciendas in the town of Lasso for a break and a snack.
We will end our day at our lodge with dinner together followed with stories told by the Ecuadorians, about the legends of the volcanos.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of the Antisana Ecological Reserve/ Bird Watching/ Packed lunch/ Hacienda visit with snack/ Dinner together/ Volcano Legends/ Overnight Chucchilan
Day Four
November 14
We’ll have an early start on this day to catch the colorful Indian market in the town of Saquisili, where you can shop for locally made products. On the way we’ll talk about the the indigenous cultures that make the Andes their home.
Then we’re on our way out the Lake Quilotoa, called by some as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful hikes in all of Ecuador. We’ll take our time enjoying our hike up and around the volcanic crater lake, with a picnic lunch on the way.
Later, will stop at a local restaurant overlooking the volcano lake and you can reward yourself with a cocktail of your choice. Then we’re off to our cozy lodge located in the famous Quilotoa loop. We'll have dinner together this evening at a place well known to the locals. Join us later at a local spot that offers Andean music for us to enjoy.
Includes- Breakfast/ Indian market at Saquisili/ Lake Quilotoa hike/ Packed picnic lunch/ Hacienda stop/ Dinner together/ Andean music/ Overnight Chucchilan
November 14
We’ll have an early start on this day to catch the colorful Indian market in the town of Saquisili, where you can shop for locally made products. On the way we’ll talk about the the indigenous cultures that make the Andes their home.
Then we’re on our way out the Lake Quilotoa, called by some as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful hikes in all of Ecuador. We’ll take our time enjoying our hike up and around the volcanic crater lake, with a picnic lunch on the way.
Later, will stop at a local restaurant overlooking the volcano lake and you can reward yourself with a cocktail of your choice. Then we’re off to our cozy lodge located in the famous Quilotoa loop. We'll have dinner together this evening at a place well known to the locals. Join us later at a local spot that offers Andean music for us to enjoy.
Includes- Breakfast/ Indian market at Saquisili/ Lake Quilotoa hike/ Packed picnic lunch/ Hacienda stop/ Dinner together/ Andean music/ Overnight Chucchilan
Day Five
November 15
This morning we’ll join our local guides on horseback as we explore the magical landscape of the cloud forest above Chucchilan. From the top of the ridge we’ll be able to see all the way to the coast of Ecuador. Lunch together as we eat our packed food on the trail.
After we return from our ride, we’ll grab our packs (luggage) and head out for the region of San Andres. On the way we will have a stop in the city of Ambato, home to botanical gardens, which we will visit, and known for a special pastry which you may sample to your heart's content. We will end our day at a historic hacienda and enjoy dinner together in the dining room.
Includes- Breakfast/ Horseback riding in cloud forest/ Packed lunch/ Transport to San Andres/ Stop at Botanical Garden/ Hacienda stay/ Overnight San Andres
November 15
This morning we’ll join our local guides on horseback as we explore the magical landscape of the cloud forest above Chucchilan. From the top of the ridge we’ll be able to see all the way to the coast of Ecuador. Lunch together as we eat our packed food on the trail.
After we return from our ride, we’ll grab our packs (luggage) and head out for the region of San Andres. On the way we will have a stop in the city of Ambato, home to botanical gardens, which we will visit, and known for a special pastry which you may sample to your heart's content. We will end our day at a historic hacienda and enjoy dinner together in the dining room.
Includes- Breakfast/ Horseback riding in cloud forest/ Packed lunch/ Transport to San Andres/ Stop at Botanical Garden/ Hacienda stay/ Overnight San Andres
Day 6
November 16
After our breakfast, we’ll join local guides that will take us trekking to the high peaks of Chimborazo. Our guide will explain the volcano, flora and fauna in this high altitude wonderland. We’ll likely see llama, alpacas, and vicuñas in the wild on our way up. We’ll be packing a picnic lunch to enjoy during our stop at one of the shelters along with glorious views.
Later we will come back to the hacienda for a change of clothes, necessary due to our change from higher altitude to warmer jungle forest. We will be off to Banos, the home of the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall, a powerful waterfall formed by the crystalline Río Verde. We’ll also visit the Casa Arbol swings (you can literally swing into the clouds). Dinner on your own in Banos at recommended restaurants and then back to our lovely rooms at the Hacienda.
Breakfast/ Guided hike to Chimborazo/ Wildlife viewing/ Packed picnic lunch/ hike to Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall/ Casa Arbol Swings/ Overnight San Andres
November 16
After our breakfast, we’ll join local guides that will take us trekking to the high peaks of Chimborazo. Our guide will explain the volcano, flora and fauna in this high altitude wonderland. We’ll likely see llama, alpacas, and vicuñas in the wild on our way up. We’ll be packing a picnic lunch to enjoy during our stop at one of the shelters along with glorious views.
Later we will come back to the hacienda for a change of clothes, necessary due to our change from higher altitude to warmer jungle forest. We will be off to Banos, the home of the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall, a powerful waterfall formed by the crystalline Río Verde. We’ll also visit the Casa Arbol swings (you can literally swing into the clouds). Dinner on your own in Banos at recommended restaurants and then back to our lovely rooms at the Hacienda.
Breakfast/ Guided hike to Chimborazo/ Wildlife viewing/ Packed picnic lunch/ hike to Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall/ Casa Arbol Swings/ Overnight San Andres
Day 7
November 17
Today is mostly set aside for travel. We’ll make our way from our Hacienda to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Cuenca. Along the way we’ll make some fascinating stops. We will peruse the various Sunday Market towns, visit Lago de Colta (a lake that is a birders delight), and stop at Ingapirca, (a town and site known for its Inca ruins). We will include other delightful surprises along the way.
We will arrive in the late afternoon in Cuenca. After an introduction to the city, take your time to wander on your own in this city known for its 17th century era Spanish colonial architecture. Dinner is on our own with many choices of fine Ecuadorian or international food dining.
Breakfast/ Private transport/ Guamote Market / Lago de Colta/ Ingapirca/ Introduction to Cuenca/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Cuenca/ Overnight Cuenca
November 17
Today is mostly set aside for travel. We’ll make our way from our Hacienda to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Cuenca. Along the way we’ll make some fascinating stops. We will peruse the various Sunday Market towns, visit Lago de Colta (a lake that is a birders delight), and stop at Ingapirca, (a town and site known for its Inca ruins). We will include other delightful surprises along the way.
We will arrive in the late afternoon in Cuenca. After an introduction to the city, take your time to wander on your own in this city known for its 17th century era Spanish colonial architecture. Dinner is on our own with many choices of fine Ecuadorian or international food dining.
Breakfast/ Private transport/ Guamote Market / Lago de Colta/ Ingapirca/ Introduction to Cuenca/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Cuenca/ Overnight Cuenca
Day 8
November 18
We start our morning at the Cafe de Ñucallacta and introduction to Ecuador coffee. We will taste test and learn about what coffee means to the Ecuadorians in this region.
Then the day is your choice of activities in and around Cuenca. You can have an option of a city tour, a tour to one of the towns surrounding Cuenca (for instance Panama hats are made close by), or you can visit Cajas National Park for spectacular hiking. Either way it is your choice and we will be on hand to facilitate.
Later in the evening we will all meet back for dinner at a chef-driven restaurant in the this foodie capital of Ecuador.
Breakfast/ Ecuadorian coffee tasting/ Choice of activity (activities) for the day/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Cuenca / Overnight Cuenca
November 18
We start our morning at the Cafe de Ñucallacta and introduction to Ecuador coffee. We will taste test and learn about what coffee means to the Ecuadorians in this region.
Then the day is your choice of activities in and around Cuenca. You can have an option of a city tour, a tour to one of the towns surrounding Cuenca (for instance Panama hats are made close by), or you can visit Cajas National Park for spectacular hiking. Either way it is your choice and we will be on hand to facilitate.
Later in the evening we will all meet back for dinner at a chef-driven restaurant in the this foodie capital of Ecuador.
Breakfast/ Ecuadorian coffee tasting/ Choice of activity (activities) for the day/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Cuenca / Overnight Cuenca
Day 9
November 19
We are up early for our flight back to Quito. After being picked up at the airport we make our way to the Imbabura Province, one of the richest natural and cultural areas in Ecuador.
We have several options for all day immersion trips in this area. We can have a deeper look into the Northern Highlands of Ecuador, or take in the Fralies Landscape of El Angel, hike the Mojanda Lakes, visit some local villages where local craftsmen and women are at work, or take a train ride through excellent scenery. It will be your choice and we will be on hand to help you choose your favorite activity.
After our exciting day we are on our way to a beautiful restored Hacienda. Our farewell dinner is tonight as we will relish all the things we experienced as we say goodbye to a great adventure.
Breakfast/ Flight to Quito/ Your choice of many day activities/ Farewell dinner/ Overnight Otavalo
Shopping/ Overnight Otavalo
November 19
We are up early for our flight back to Quito. After being picked up at the airport we make our way to the Imbabura Province, one of the richest natural and cultural areas in Ecuador.
We have several options for all day immersion trips in this area. We can have a deeper look into the Northern Highlands of Ecuador, or take in the Fralies Landscape of El Angel, hike the Mojanda Lakes, visit some local villages where local craftsmen and women are at work, or take a train ride through excellent scenery. It will be your choice and we will be on hand to help you choose your favorite activity.
After our exciting day we are on our way to a beautiful restored Hacienda. Our farewell dinner is tonight as we will relish all the things we experienced as we say goodbye to a great adventure.
Breakfast/ Flight to Quito/ Your choice of many day activities/ Farewell dinner/ Overnight Otavalo
Shopping/ Overnight Otavalo
Day 10
November 20
After breakfast we have one more fabulous activity before we say good bye- a visit to the Otavalo Market, simply one of the largest markets in South America. We’ll have local guides that will take us around the market so that we may see every facet before letting you on you own to wander and shop to your heart’s content.
Rest your feet at the balcony restaurants for lunch overlooking the Plaza de Ponchos or grab a specialty coffee on the main church plaza.
For those of you joining us on the Galapagos Island cruise we will gather and take our flight to the start of our adventure, stay overnight at a nearby hotel and then board our ship the next morning.
For those of you returning to the states, be sure to book your flight for the following day. We wish you buen viaje, have a good trip!
Breakfast/Otavalo Market/ Guided tour of market/ Afternoon flight to Galapagos for those joining the cruise
November 20
After breakfast we have one more fabulous activity before we say good bye- a visit to the Otavalo Market, simply one of the largest markets in South America. We’ll have local guides that will take us around the market so that we may see every facet before letting you on you own to wander and shop to your heart’s content.
Rest your feet at the balcony restaurants for lunch overlooking the Plaza de Ponchos or grab a specialty coffee on the main church plaza.
For those of you joining us on the Galapagos Island cruise we will gather and take our flight to the start of our adventure, stay overnight at a nearby hotel and then board our ship the next morning.
For those of you returning to the states, be sure to book your flight for the following day. We wish you buen viaje, have a good trip!
Breakfast/Otavalo Market/ Guided tour of market/ Afternoon flight to Galapagos for those joining the cruise
+What is included-
UNESCO World Heritage City of Quito
Welcome drink
Talk by locals on Ecuadorian culture
Volo Church and La Rhonda in Quito
Mindo Cloud forrest and butterfly farms
Artisanal chocolate producer
Naturalist talk
Antisana Ecological Reserve
Bird watching
Quilotoa loop
Talk about the legend of the volcanos
Indigenous market at Guantualo
Lake Quilotoa
Horseback riding
Cloud forest
Ambato Botanical Gardens
Local pastry tasting
The peaks of the Chimborazo
Llama sightings
Devil’s Cauldron waterfall
The Rio Verde
Casa Arbol swings
UNESCO World Heritage City of Cuenca
Guamote market
Coffee tasting
Lago de Colta
Ingapirca
Day Trip around Cuenca (your choice of options)
Cajas National Park
Mojanda Lakes
El Angel Ecological Reserve.
Flight from Cuenca to Quito
Otavalo Market guided tour
Day Trip around Otavalo (your choice of options)
Optional train ride
Ten full breakfasts
Four packed picnic lunches
Five multi course dinners
Local guides
Hotels in central locations
Mountain Lodges
18th century hacienda
Local food
Attention to detail
Guides with 21 years experience
+ Ecuador is on EST
(The Olive Odysseys, it's partners and providers reserve the right to substitute any of the places and activities listed in the itinerary and above with equal or greater activities and places)
Physical Recommendations For This Tour-
This is an active tour.
We will be at high altitude for a good portion of this trip. Quito, our starting city is at 2,850 m (9350 feet).
You should be able to complete the following in order to enjoy yourself on this tour.
Be able to walk up a flight or two of stairs carrying your own luggage.
Be able to hike a trail (at your leisure-to be sure it is not a race) at altitude.
Good news is the Ecuador is on EST so for you in that area of the world, no jet lag :)
This is an active tour.
We will be at high altitude for a good portion of this trip. Quito, our starting city is at 2,850 m (9350 feet).
You should be able to complete the following in order to enjoy yourself on this tour.
Be able to walk up a flight or two of stairs carrying your own luggage.
Be able to hike a trail (at your leisure-to be sure it is not a race) at altitude.
Good news is the Ecuador is on EST so for you in that area of the world, no jet lag :)
What is on you?
Your international flight (in and out of Quito, Ecuador)
Transport from the airport to our starting hotel and ending hotel
Meals not together as indicated on the itinerary
Transport to and from activities during optional activities
Any medicinal or medical needs while on the trip * Trip insurance should be bought or waiver signed if you choose not to buy it*
Any communication costs such a phone, mobile or internet charges
Expenses arising from personal needs such as medications, vaccinations, travel documents, communications or any other expenses incurred due to traveling.
This trip is strictly limited to 14 travelers
Tour Costs
12 people and up $4590
10 people and up $4790
8 people and up $4990
Tour Costs
12 people and up $4590
10 people and up $4790
8 people and up $4990
A deposit of $1000 holds a place on this tour. Spaces on this tour are on a first come, first serve basis. The remaining balance of $3990 (8 people and up) $3790 (10 people and up) and $3590 (12 people and up) is due May 31 2019. Up until that time all deposits are fully refundable. After final payment is received by The Olive Odysseys, no refund is available. Trip insurance should be purchased for this trip.
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