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Travel Ecuadors Best Known Attractions - Haciendas, Hot Springs, and Volcanoes

Cotopaxi is the world's highest active volcano at 19,348 ft/5892m

Duration: 4 days
Cost: $850 (SS $195)
Traveling north and south of Quito, this four-day tour features the attractions that Ecuador is best known for: its breathtaking Andean scenery and its 4,000-year-old folk art traditions. The days will be filled with visits and views of the Avenue of Volcanoes, exotic hot springs and the country's most beautiful lake, Cuicocha. Plus there will be opportunities to learn about the ancestral techniques used in weaving, textiles and other crafts by watching artisans at work in small villages and exploring some of Ecuador's most interesting craft markets.
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Otavalo Market Tour (2 Days) Cotopaxi Tour (2 Days) Haciendas, Hot Springs & Volcanoes (4 Days)

Haciendas, Hot Springs & Volcanoes Itinerary

Day 1 QUITO - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK View Cotopaxi accommodations picture gallery This Ecuador adventure begins with a fascinating drive south through the "Avenue of Volcanoes" to view the spectacular high plains that surround Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano at 19,225 feet. This enormous park is home to many species including llamas, wild horses, deer, rabbits, Andean gulls, and hummingbirds. With luck, you'll catch a glimpse of the endangered Andean condor, one of the world's largest birds. A hearty lunch will be provided on the trail to fortify you for the short climb to El Parqueadero for a stunning view of a nearby glacier. In late afternoon, you'll reach your final destination, an authentic hacienda for a delicious dinner and comfortable night's stay. (B,L,D)
Day 2 COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS View Papallacta Hot Springs accommodations picture gallery After breakfast you'll drive towards Ecuador's Amazon Basin, the Oriente, through a dramatic landscape of waterfalls, high plains, and volcanoes. From the town of Papallacta, you'll embark on a tranquil hike and learn about the flora and fauna of this picturesque region from our guide. With a tasty lunch followed by a long soak in the pristine Papallacta hot springs surrounded by glorious vistas, you will be rejuvenated and ready for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at the hot springs. (B,L,D)
Day 3 PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS - OTAVALO MARKET View Otavalo accommodations picture gallery After breakfast and a last refreshing soak, you'll travel through the lush highlands to a valley deep in the Andes where the town of Otavalo and the country's most famous textile markets are located. Bargain for colorful weavings and tapestries to bring Ecuador home in your suitcase. Enjoy a private weaving demonstration by a family of crafts people that shows how the art of their ancestors is being preserved. In the late afternoon, you'll drive into the Imbabura Province, a highland region of countless lakes, staying for dinner and overnight at a charming historic hacienda. (B,L,D)
Day 4 OTAVALO MARKET - COTACACHI - QUITO In the morning, drive to the village of Calderon, famous for its bread dough handicrafts that are used in Day of the Dead celebrations and as Christmas ornaments. Next is an authentic Ecuadorian lunch at one of the haciendas in the area (not included in trip fee).

Then it's on to the town of Cotacachi, known for its handcrafted leather items. If time allows, there will a last stop at the beautiful deep water Cuicocha Lake, a flooded volcanic crater with two floating islets, before returning to Quito in the late afternoon. (B)

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Itinerary Map

GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR EXTENSIONS

Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends.
GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR DAY EXTENSIONS Quito City Scenic Tour (3hrs) Quito City Tour + Museum (4hrs) Quito City Tour at Night Middle of the World (3hrs) Quito City Tour + Middle (5hrs) Papallacta Hot Springs (1D) Rafting Rio Blanco (1D) Mountain Bicycling (1D) Otavalo Market (1D) Sea Kayak Cuicocha Lake (1D) Cotopaxi National Park (1D) Bellavista Cloud Forest (1D)	GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR MULTI-DAY EXTENSIONS Otavalo Market Tour (2D) Cotopaxi Tour (2D) Haciendas, Hot Springs & Volcanoes (4D) CLOUD & RAIN FOREST LODGES Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge (2D) Sacha Lodge (4/5D) Kapawi Ecolodge (4/5D) Napo Wildlife Center (4/5D)

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Included in all Trip Extensions

- All transportation (air, bus, boat, etc.) as noted in itineraries.

- All bilingual guides as noted in itineraries.

- All meals as noted in itineraries.

- All prices are/Person on a double occupancy basis.

- Single Supplement (SS): Upon meeting the trip minimum, a single supplement charge is assessed for those traveling alone or preferring single accommodation.

- Single passenger extensions can be arranged at an additional charge. Contact us for more information

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