Program Overview / A Cultural Journey In The Ecuadorian Andes
A Cultural Journey In The Ecuadorian Andes
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
Enjoy a cultural journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Discover the stunning landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes; visit colorful indigenous markets and learn about ancient indigenous cultures. Be marveled by the beauty and excellent quality of the Ecuadorian roses. Learn about the country’s history during the Colonial and Republican period, while staying at Historical Haciendas. Enjoy a zigzag gradient train ride at the Devil’s nose route and visit one the most important archeological complex in Ecuador. Explore Cuenca, a beautiful colonial city, named Cultural Heritage of the Humanity by the Unesco.
Educational Features
Introduction to Ecuadorian Gastronomy.
Visit the highest active volcano in Ecuador.
Learn about local indigenous groups and their ancient traditions.
Introduction to one of the main economic activities in Ecuador, the Roses production.
Enjoy a train ride adventure at the Devil´s nose route.
Learn about pre-Hispanic cultures and visit archaeological vestiges.
Discover the history and traditions of two patrimonial cities, Quito & Cuenca.
Include
- Private transportation.
- Bilingual guide.
- Mentioned accommodation (shared basis / double room).
- Meals according to itinerary detail (Menu meals & 1 soft beverage included).
- Entrance to visited places.
Not Include
- Extra beverages during meals & Alcoholic drinks.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Anything not mentioned in our itineraries.
Additional Notes:
- Program starts in Quito and ends in Quito or Guayaquil.
- Indigenous Markets do not operate on Fridays.
- Devil’s nose train ride does not operate on Mondays.
- Roses Farm visit is done from Monday to Friday.
Itinerary
Day 1
Discovering Quito’s historical and cultural legacy – Introduction to local gastronomy.
Visit Quito’s historical center, a great example of the Baroque style. Quito has the best preserved and least altered historic center in America; named by Unesco as the First World Cultural Heritage. You will visit La Compañía church and its marvelous gold covered interior, the San Francisco church and convent; one of the oldest churches in the city and a trade center during pre-Hispanic times.
Day 2
Crossing the Avenue of the volcanoes: Cotopaxi National Park & Inca Hacienda visit.
Trail Conditions: Easy
Drive through wonderful Andean landscapes along the Inter-Andean valley named by the German scientist Alexander Von Humboldt as the Avenue of the Volcanoes back in 1802. Visit the Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most important natural reserves in the country, home to the Andean wolf, deer, rabbits and llamas.
Day 3
Indigenous Market & Rose farm visit.
Trail Conditions: Easy
Indigenous markets are a very picturesque scene of people commercializing typical products, animals and handcrafts, a great mix of colors, textures and smells! Learn about one of the most important economic activities in Ecuador while visiting a Rose’s ecological farm that produces world class quality roses.
Day 4
Train adventure in the Ecuadorian Highlands – Ingapirca Archeological Complex-Cuenca.
Trail Conditions: Easy
Early departure to enjoy a road ride through beautiful countryside sceneries and observe the common daily life of people in the Ecuadorian Central Andes. Arrive to the village of Alausi where you will board the train that will take you through the famous Devil´s nose adventure which is a train ride on a zigzag gradient route where the train goes backwards and forward. Learn about the multiple difficulties and unfortunate events constructors faced back in the 1900s in order to create one of the most challenging routes in the world.
Day 5
History and traditions of the colonial city of Cuenca.
Trail Conditions: Easy
Cuenca is a beautiful city with a traditional ambiance combined with the natural environment of the 4 crossing rivers. It is a big example of cultural awareness due to its efforts to preserve the historical patrimony. The old colonial buildings and churches, strong traditions, as well as the art and crafts of its artisans, make Cuenca a World Cultural Heritage as named by UNESCO.
Day 6
Artisan villages: Basket weaving and Jewerly.
Trail Conditions: Easy
In the morning, depart from Cuenca to follow a picturesque road that will take you on a route of artisan villages. Admire the wonderful craft work of local artisans including ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, wool weaving, wood carving, basket weaving and work with straws, including the manufacturing of the erroneously named “Panama hats” which is locally produced.
Meals: B, L
END OF PROGRAM
Meal Codes
B/breakfast, /L/lunch, /D/dinner.
Travel info
Travel documents
Your first step in preparing for your trip is to make sure you have all your travel documents in order. You will be required to present a valid passport when entering Ecuador. If you don’t have a passport, please apply for one immediately as it can take some time to obtain one. If you already have a valid passport, be sure to check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter Ecuador, as you will not be allowed to enter the country if this is not the case. Citizens of most countries including USA and Canada can stay a maximum of 90 days without needing a visa. Please check below the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter to Ecuador:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Democratic and Popular Republic of Corea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistán, Somalia and Senegal
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage, medical coverage including coverage for emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss protection. Please contact us if you require more information or assistance purchasing a travel insurance.
ARRIVING & DEPARTING
Flight arrangements: Please be sure to have your flight reservations in order. Do not forget to confirm and check in your flight up to 24 hours before your flight.
Luggage Allowances: Generally speaking, baggage allowance per passenger is the following:
- International flights: two bags, total 31 kg /68 lb plus one carry on (Please check with your airline the luggage allowance as each airline handles their own policies)
- Galapagos Islands: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 lb plus one carry on bag.
- The Jungle: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 lb plus one carry-on bag (This information can change depending on the destination, please verify with your sales agent.)
- Other domestic flights: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 pounds plus one carry on bag
This information may be subject to change due to International Aviation regulations. Please contact the airline company for exact information.
If You Are Delayed: If you are delayed en route or if you miss a flight connection, please contact us immediately.
During business hours 9am to 5pm EST: (593-2) 380 11 25
After hours: (593-9) 95050 537
Arriving In Ecuador
Upon arrival you will have to go through immigrations first and then customs. Your passport will be requested and an arrival form (usually handed out on board your flight prior to landing). Be sure your entrance papers are officially stamped showing the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country. A copy of the arrival form will be given to you. Keep it in a safe place with your passport, as you will need it to leave the country. If it is lost you will need to fill out a new one at the airline counter when you check in for your departing flight. Next you will proceed to pick up your luggage. If you require assistance there are porters who can help you. The standard gratuity is US $1 per bag. If you have arranged transfer services with Latin Roots Travel you will meet our transfer agent just outside customs, he or she will be carrying a Latin Roots Travel sign with your name or the name of your group on it. Normally, if you are arriving on a flight late at night and do not feel comfortable in a foreign country by yourself, we suggest a private transfer, which we can arrange for you.
Customs
Any person that enters Ecuador temporarily is exempt from the payment of any customs duty. You will not be required to pay taxes or duties for your luggage, new or used articles that you will use during your trip, and portable items such as photo cameras, video cameras, laptops, radios or any other electronic equipment or devices.
Altitude
Quito is located 9200 feet above sea level, for this reason some passengers traveling from lower elevations may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. This typically results in shortness of breath, nausea and headaches. In most cases the symptoms will gradually lessen and pass as one’s body adjusts to the altitude, during the first days of your stay take it easy and drink lots of water. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or tea seems to lessen symptoms. If you have high blood pressure, heart trouble or had issues with altitude sickness in the past please consult your physician before traveling to Quito.
Immunizations
No inoculations are required for entry into Ecuador, except a yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are going deep into the Provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos (The Amazon Basin). Although no cases of yellow fever have been reported in Ecuador in the last 20 years, the Ministry of Health issued a yellow fever vaccination requirement to all travellers going to certain zones in the Orellana and Sucumbíos Provinces.
All tourists visiting mentioned zones must have the “Yellow fever” vaccination 10 days before entering into the Amazon Region and posses the certificate of vaccination.
This vaccination provides protection for 10 years after which it is required a reinforcement dose.
IMPORTANT: passengers who visit Ecuador and then go to Brazil, Panama or Costa Rica must have a yellow fever Vaccination certificate or will not be allowed to board the international flight (International regulations).
Special Health or Dietary requirements.
Please advise us of any medical or special dietary needs you may have. Please provide this information to our agents at least 60 days prior to your trip.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory; it is a personal matter based on your discretion. However guides, drivers, restaurant and hotel staff will expect a tip from you after receiving a good service. Of course the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity. The following guidelines could be very helpful if you want to reward an excellent service:
- 10% of bill at restaurants
- $0.50 per bag for porters at the airport and bell boys at the hotels.
- $ 5 to $10 per person for the guide in mainland Ecuador (for a full day tour).
- $ 3 to $5 per person for the driver in mainland Ecuador (for a full day tour)
- Galapagos guides and crew members have their own guidelines depending of the boat or hotel you are going to. In this case you will receive the guidelines on site.
Packing list (Aquí incluiríamos un documento PDF para descarga donde se encuentra información general)
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Ecuador Phone: (593) 2-3801125 / 2-3801149 Email: info@latinrootstravel.com Skype: latinrootstravel.ecuador Latin Roots Travel Av del Establo y Calle E, Centro Corporativo Financiero Site Center, Torre 3, Oficina 107, Quito – Ecuador
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