Day 1 Quito – Otavalo (L,D)

Departing from Quito with private guide and vehicle, we travel north to the ‘lake district’ of Ecuador. Our first stop of the day is at the Quitsato Museum, a giant sun dial which is located exactly on the Equator line. Here our traditional thinking about the Earth is challenged through revolutionary theories proposed by the museum. Great photo opportunity.

We then continue on to the town of Cayambe to see the local bakers at work and sample their bizcochos, a delicate savoury biscuit, served with coffee and fresh cheese or dulce de leche.

After enjoying the wonderful views of the San Pablo Lake at the base of the Imbabaura Volcano we continue on to Peguche. Here we can visit a master weaver’s home and learn more about the traditional art of back-strap weaving, and also visit a family of Andean musicians who elaborate their musical instruments by hand and happily share their music with us.

Lunch in a local restaurant

We end up at the colourful handicraft market in Otavalo, where many different indigenous people, with their unique traditional dress and customs, from all across Ecuador, sell their artisan products and wares.

At the end of the day your private guide will drop you off at Hacienda Zuleta

Dinner and overnight in Hacienda Zuleta in a deluxe room.

Day 2 Hacienda Zuleta (B,L,D)

Enjoy a full day of activities at the wonderful Hacienda Zuleta. This morning we have an easy horse ride to the Condor Project.

This is the hacienda’s most popular horse-riding route, it takes us along the Rinconada de San Pedro Valley to the Condor Huasi project. Here we can learn more about Zuleta’s wildlife as well as their efforts to protect and nurture the endangered Andean Condor and Andean Spectacled Bear.

We ride past the Hacienda’s pastures, milking sheds and trout farm via pretty cobblestone roads. You will see many ancient Caranqui tolas – pyramids dating from before the Inca conquest. On the way back, you may choose to climb the highest ceremonial pyramid, which offers great views of the area. You may also see wild condors taking advantage of the high winds on the mountainside.
The ride includes an hour-long talk, approximately, at the Condor Huasi facilities. The morning activities take around 4 hours in total

Lunch included at the hacienda

This afternoon we can explore more of the hacienda on foot along one of the many self-guided trails. The hacienda will be happy to provide you with more information. Along the way enjoy the flower gardens, organic vegetable gardens and milking stations. There is also a chapel and embroidery store to visit.

Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Zuleta in a deluxe room.

Day 3 Hacienda Zuleta (B,L)

Another full morning to enjoy the beauty of Hacienda Zuleta and activities on offer. You can venture out once again to enjoy another of the hacienda self-guided trails. Or choose an additional activity such as another horse-ride, a cooking class or an embroidery class (additional activities avaialbel for an extra fee which can be paid directly at the hacienda.

Lunch included at the hacienda

In the afternoon your private driver will pick you up for your transfer back to Quito, where on arrival your tour ends.