5 Days Hidden Gems of Imbabura

tourhub | Ecuador Galapagos Travels | 5 Days Hidden Gems of Imbabura | 5D IMBABURA | Map

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5 Days From

~~$925~~

$881

Tour Overview

Start your trip at Quito, then visit Otavalo which features one of the most important traditional markets in South America. In the afternoon, you will visit Cuichocha Lagoon. The next day, you will get picked up to visit the Otavalo Community where you will appreciate different workshops on the indigenous communities, learn about how totora and cotton clothes are made, and visit amazing waterfalls. Finally, horseback through a native forest, and enjoy a purification ritual experience. Return to Quito to spend the night, And connect your flight back home. ...more ...less

Highlights

Horseback Ridding
Cuicocha Lagoon
Interaction with indigenous community

Itinerary

tourhub | Ecuador Galapagos Travels | 5 Days Hidden Gems of Imbabura | 5D IMBABURA | Route Map

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Day 1 : Welcome to Quito

Location: Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, Quito

Accommodation: Hotel

The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m). It welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hat makers, as well as a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Your private driver will meet you for approximately 45 minute transfer to your accommodation in the city center. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Cultural immersion in Quito and Otavalo.

Location: Quito, Otavalo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, after a fantastic breakfast, you will be part of one of these incredible activities provided at the lodge. You can choose between a tour of a rose plantation where you can experience the process that Ecuadorian flowers face before to are exported.
Ecuadorian flowers are known for being beautiful and colorful, in this experience you will receive a surprise gift.
or
The other option to be chosen it's to be part of a cooking class, immerse in the flavors of Ecuadorian local dishes in this class, you will have the assistance of an expert who will guide you in the activity and of course you will try your delicious creation.
Your guide will pick you up at Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets in South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits.

Take a stroll through the streets and maybe try some of the local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, and fried pork with cooked corn.

Day 3 : Indigenous Village & Cuicocha lagoon

Location: Otavalo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Be ready in the early morning your pick-up time will be at 09:00 from your hotel lobby. On this tour, you will visit 4 indigenous communities and you will be able to observe the manufacture of different handicrafts, among which stand out the manufacture of totora reed mats, along the Imbakucha Lake (San Pablo), Andean musical instruments and the processing of wool with which they make their scarves and clothing.

The tour also includes a visit to the Peguche waterfall, which is a sacred place, and a visit to the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products. Finally, you will visit the spectacular Cuicocha Lagoon, and you will discover the amazing legends that surround this ancestral place.

Day 4 : Horseback 3h + Shamanismo (individual participation) - Return to Quito

Location: Otavalo, Quito

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your morning will begin your departure from your hotel in private transportation to an indigenous community where you will begin the horseback ride (3 hours) through a native forest to visit indigenous communities and where you will be able to observe the daily life of the indigenous families. Finishing with this activity, you will continue to perform a purification rite. The communities have the tradition of performing this rite once a year, on the summer solstice on June 22nd at midnight. However, the Yachak "shaman" will give an explanation and demonstration of the ritual that consists of changing the negative energy to positive to improve the quality of life of the person who performs it.
Return to Quito to spend the night.

Day 5 : Connect with your flight back home (Departure)

Location: Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

Upon arrival at the airport, you will connect with your international flight so you can return home with some everlasting memories. See you next time!

What's Included

Tourist Class Accommodations (6 nights
English and Spanish speaking national guide
Meals as mentioned on the itinerary.
All transfers according to the program

All transfers according to the program

What's Not Included

Optional excursions not included
Personal expenses such as tips not included
Alcoholic drinks not included
Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program not included

Check out our Q&As

What is the tipping policy?

Tips are well regarded in the country, and depend on the degree of customer satisfaction.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

The visa is not included in the services
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes, it is.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, there is some free time to enjoy the places to visit.
What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 12 people

Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we can arrange any tour or additional service in Ecuador. (Except for activities regulated by low)
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, there is a Supplement, it depends on the hotels and services. Request to our travel advisor this information.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, flights are not included in our rates. You can book on your own or request a quote from us.
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

If there is such a probability
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

The guide that will be with you in the different activities in the Galapagos Islands, according to the itinerary
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

Yes, we need the complete card of the Covid vaccine (If you don't have it, you need a PCR test taken 72 hours before your arrival to Ecuador)
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

For this trip a minimum of 2 passengers is required
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

If children from 10 years old can participate in the tour
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, of course, at the time of the confirmation of the services you will know the name of the hotels that you will have throughout your trip.
Company Instant Book

We need to check on the availabilities first
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Visa is not required to enter Ecuador.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Ecuador is a small country, in some Andean accommodations, there is no Wi-fi, and in some others, the connection is not good. Only in the big cities, there is a good Wi-fi connection.
What currencies are required for this tour?

The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

The hotels are standard category
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, the entrance fees indicated in the itinerary are included.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, our guides speak English (we also have guides in other languages upon request.)
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Very good physical condition is required, since you will be doing various activities that require you to be fit
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, the transfers are included (upon request of our clients).
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

It depends on the amount of luggage your international flight permits.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We can arrange it if you do it before the time limit of our cancellation policies, subject to availability.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

No, it is not possible
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

For the past 12 years, Responsible Travel has specialized in creating wonderful memories with our professional and trustworthy providers in every corner of Ecuador. We also collaborate with native communities and local suppliers to ensure that the incoming that comes through responsible travel generates profits for minorities.I am delighted that you are planning to spend your holidays in Ecuador;
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

At your arrival, you must present a COVID-19 vaccinations certificate with at least two doses completed at least 14 days before arrival. This is the only vaccine the government asks as a requirement to enter the territory.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

We operate a “single share” only in cruises options.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

You will receive an Invoice detailing our terms and conditions. a voucher of services that included all the reserved services.
How long has the tour company been trading?

For the past 12 years, we have been operating Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and recently South America destinations.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Tyler United States of America

7 Days Tour Avenue of the Volcanoes

06-Feb-2024

Excellent experience, excellent service, our guide Evi was the best of the best. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and kind and their processes as a team work exceedingly well. An excellent experience

Karen United States of America

7 Days Tour Avenue of the Volcanoes

28-Dec-2023

Santiago was brilliant and attentive from the start of the planning stage right through to the tour itself. We were looked after through every step of our journey, which really was the trip of a lifetime! We felt so safe, and our guides were knowledgeable and made it so much fun. We did something different every day, and Santiago checked in with us regularly. I highly recommend Ecuador and Santiago at Responsible Travel! ...more ...less

Javier Spain

7 Days Tour Avenue of the Volcanoes

14-Nov-2023

Hi Paul Great initiative! Thanks to your company but especially to you for the excellent service you have given us. It has been a pleasure !!! We will keep in touch. Best regards from Spain

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~~$925~~ $881 (USD)