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Tour ID:121527
Tailor Made
We will have to check a few things first before we can confirm but please do make contact so we can discuss your requirements.
Arrival:Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Dates are flexible
Prices are Per Person

Ecuador may be a  relatively small country, but it is rich in beauty, biodiversity, and adventure. Alongside its many giant volcanoes, Amazon destinations and cloud forests, it is also home to historical town centres and sights of culture and history, all which make it a spectacular place for a family trip. This journey will take you through old cities and towns to explore the country’s heritage, as well as to incredible sites of natural beauty such as the Peguche waterfall. This is the ideal trip for a family looking for excitement and variety. Across two weeks, this holiday will take you across Ecuador to view a variety of the incredible sights and experience which the nation has to offer.

Example Itinerary

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arriving at the airport, you will have a private transfer from Quito airport to your selected hotel in Otavalo. Look for a sign with your name on it when arriving.

The next day will see you explore Otavalo and its surrounding areas, starting with a tour of the town itself.

Otavalo and Surroundings

You will first visit the town of Otavalo, famous for its indigenous market that is held every day, with the largest bargains and traders present on Saturdays.  The market is an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. Furthermore, you can visit the peaceful town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products such as shoes, purses, coats and belts. You can browse the products and meet the local craftsmen who create these beautiful pieces.

Pachamanka Ancestral Culinary Experience

“Pachamanka” is a word derived from Incan times. In the indigenous Quichua language it means “Pacha” for Earth and “Manka” for pot. The Pachamanka is a ceremony performed during special occasions such as the Summer and Winter Solstices and Equinox of the agricultural calendar. Weddings, welcomings, farewells, and giving thanks to the Earth Gods for the gifts of harvest are also important occasions. The pot used during the ceremony is heated by volcanic stones and filled with foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, mellocos (similar to potato), beans, carrots, beets, plantains, and meats wrapped in achira leaves. The pot is then covered with a cloth and buried in the ground to cook. The mound where the pot is buried is adorned with flowers from the region, transforming into a beautiful Andean altar where everyone can give their thanks and appreciation. You will be able to participate in the ceremony just like the ancient Incans once did, and maybe learn some new things to do when you return home.

The foods are cooked perfectly in the pot due to the intense heat produced by the stones below ground. All the nutrients are preserved in this manner of cooking, and it is especially healthy as no condiments or additional fats are used. The delicious dish is accompanied by chicha, a non-alcoholic version of corn beer made from different types of maize. Overall, it is an amazing celebration and who cooks better than Mother Earth with family gathered around?

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