Charming Colonial Haciendas:

Today, we will drive north towards Imbabura, also known as the Lake Province, while enjoying an exciting trip by tasting exotic fruit in the Guayllabamba valley. At the base of Imbabura volcano, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador’s largest lake – San Pablo.

Afterwards, we will visit the local Angla indigenous community. During this visit you will have authentic insights into the community’s everyday life, actively learning about their traditions and experiencing unforgettable cultural encounters. Here, you will enjoy a natural healing ritual called Andean “Chakana” which merges traditional indigenous and religious beliefs.

When we arrive in the town of Otavalo, it will be time to visit its world-famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America. Accommodation will be in selected Haciendas. 

After Breakfast, we will visit Cuicocha Crater Lake, which lies at the foot of the extinct Cotacachi volcano, at an altitude of 4968 meters above sea level, along the Western Andean Cordillera in the province of Imbabura, 2 hours north of Quito. 

Our trip will continue by visiting the small town of Cotacachi, which is well known for its hand-crafted leather products. 

Accommodation at San Clemente Community.

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to participate in the daily activities of the community, where you’ll learn about the local culture and traditions.

After the visit we will drive the millenary Polylepis Forest. This unique ecosystem includes the last 12 hectares of the endemic Polylepis left in the Andes. The name Polylepis is in fact derived from the Greek words “Poly” (many) and “Letis” (layers), referring to the shredded, multi-layered bark that is common to all species of the genus. The bark is thick, rough, and densely layered for protection against low temperatures. 

Accommodation at Polylepis Lodge. 

Our journey begins by immersing ourselves in the fascinating world of astronomy and solar culture at the Quitsato Solar Museum, where we will discover the importance of the equatorial line and the French Geodesic Missions. After the visit we will return to Quito, where services will end.