Ecuador: Highlands and Haciendas

Accommodations while on tour; elegant haciendas and city hotels, all private baths

All meals included except 1 dinner; alcoholic beverages not included

All activities as described in the itinerary

DAY 1
Arrival in Quito
Upon your evening arrival in Quito, you are met by a Country Walkers representative and transferred to a luxury hotel within easy access of the airport and the old town. Located in a high Andean valley at 9,350 feet, Quito is surrounded by 16,000-foot volcanoes. Quito was the northern capital of the Incan empire, and now, a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its Spanish colonial architecture. Resting from your travels and adjusting to the climate and altitude, no group activities or meals are planned this evening.
Swissotel, Quito

DAY 2
Transfer from Quito to Pesillo with a visit to the Chaupi Estancia. Pesillo to Zuleta; 5-6 miles, moderate, 1,312-ft elevation gain and 1,968-ft elevation loss
Soon after breakfast at your hotel, you board your private coach to drive north to the first stop at the town of Yaruqui, where you visit an Ecuadorian winery, the Chaupi Estancia. The winery’s location is unusual not only because it is on the equator, but also because it is at 8,000 feet. Notwithstanding its elevation, the Chaupi Estancia’s wine was the recipient of a "Commended" award at the 2004 "Decanter World Wine Awards" in London.
After touring the winery, you continue by coach approximately one hour to the small village of Pesillo, your lunch spot, and the starting point of the "Hacienda Trail," the route linking eight historic haciendas. Today’s section is a moderate three- to four-hour walk through high Andean grasslands at an elevation of about 9,800 feet. The final destination is the Hacienda Zuleta, your home for two nights. Situated in a wide fertile valley in the Andes, the hacienda is a 4,000-acre diversified working farm with organic vegetable and grain cultivation, a dairy and cheese-making operation, horse stable, tree nursery, and trout hatchery. The adobe hacienda is steeped in history, originally built in 1691 and furnished in Spanish colonial style, it is now owned and operated by the family of a former president of Ecuador. Upon settling in to your comfortable room warmed by an individual fireplace and decorated with antiques, you may wish to explore the extensive grounds, gardens, and stables.
In addition to producing agricultural products, the hacienda’s owners are also committed to preserving the natural and human culture of this corner of Ecuador, with a condor rehabilitation project and embroidery workshop. The condor project is dedicated to increasing the population of the endangered Andean condor, while the embroidery project preserves the local art and tradition of hand-embroidery.
You are soon ready to make your way to the hacienda’s dining room where you feast on farm-fresh bounty presented in flavorful Ecuadorian style. The menu may include a traditional Ecuadorian potato soup with avocados and "queso fresco," a soft cheese, followed by trout grilled with flavorful herbs.
Hacienda Zuleta, Zuleta

DAY 3
Zuleta to Cubilche volcano; 10 miles, moderate to challenging, 2,425-ft elevation gain and loss. Optional walk to Condor Project; 4 miles, easy to moderate
You awake overlooking the hacienda’s garden to a breakfast table laden with home-baked goods from the kitchen and milk fresh from the dairy. On the agenda is a full day of walking departing from the hacienda to the summit of Cubilche, a young volcano at an elevation of 12,585 feet. The walking time to the top is about three to four hours, where you are rewarded with stunning views of the nearby Cayambe Volcano and surrounding valleys. The Cubilche Volcano has three craters, one of which forms a small lake. A picnic lunch is unpacked overlooking the lush green mixed forest and fields of the high Andean valleys. Refueled and rested, you return to the hacienda with time to relax before gathering in the dining room for dinner, starting with a spicy vegetable soup, an Ecuadorian specialty.
Hacienda Zuleta, Zuleta

DAY 4
Zuleta to San Pablo del Lago; 11 miles, easy to moderate, 1,250-ft elevation gain and 1,575-ft elevation loss
Soon after breakfast, you depart Zuleta for the next hacienda on the itinerary, the Hacienda Cusin. The route traverses the pastoral Zuleta Valley to arrive at San Pablo Lake, following country lanes lined with eucalyptus trees and bordered by fields of potato, corn, alfalfa, and wheat where local farmers might be working with a traditional oxen-pulled plow. A picnic lunch is spread out in a picturesque spot overlooking the Imbabura Volcano.
Continuing on, by late afternoon you arrive at the Hacienda Cusin, another gracious historic property located at 8,500 feet and surrounded by seven acres of manicured gardens adorned with fountains. This restored 17th-century estate lies in a broad valley in the shadow of 15,000-foot Imbabura mountain and the Cotacachi Volcano. Your spacious room, with its antiques, traditional fabrics, and individual fireplace is a comfortable haven after the long walk. Before dinner there is time to stroll the hacienda's magnificent gardens; where thanks to its volcanic soils and avid gardeners, you will find a riot of flowers blooming at different times depending on the season—bougainvillaea, foxglove, calla lilies, and jasmine among others are a fragrant backdrop to dozens of bird species. For dinner, the hacienda’s chefs create dishes using fresh vegetables from its gardens, meat from nearby farms, or fresh fish brought in from the Pacific, a homemade fruit tart completes the meal.
Hacienda Cusin, San Pablo del Lago

DAY 5
San Pablo del Lago to Pinsaqui; 9 miles, moderate, 820-ft elevation gain and 1,475-ft elevation loss
Awakening to a breakfast including freshly squeezed juice, baked goods, and preserves, you depart Cusin and set out on the hacienda trail for your next destination. Today’s route goes through the foothills of Imbabura Mountain, which is actually an active volcano known as Imbabura Urcu, and you are accompanied throughout by magnificent views of San Pablo Lake and valley as well as Fuya Fuya Mountain and extinct Cotacachi. A gradual ascent through cultivated fields of corn, wheat, and potatoes, also traverses acres of lupines (in bloom depending on the season). After several miles of steady walking and a break for a picnic lunch, a sustained descent from the plateau goes through the small villages of Agato and Peguche eventually reaching the evening’s destination, the Hacienda Pinsaquí.
Originally constructed in 1790, this lovingly- restored colonial home once hosted General Simón Bolívar, who spent nights here on his way back and forth to Bógota. In fact, an important treaty between Colombia and Ecuador was signed under its roof. In addition, the Hacienda Pinsaquí was the site of a textile workshop, employing nearly one thousand local weavers and spinners, producing the region’s famous textiles and weavings, destined for the Otavalo market and beyond. Located north of Otavalo, the hacienda boasts spectacular views of the Imbabura Volcano, 200-year old gardens, stables, an historic chapel, a grand fireplace in the library, and beautifully—restored rooms. After exploring the grounds and sinking into your room, you proceed to dinner in the elegant dining room.
Hacienda Pinsaqui, Otavalo

DAY 6
Cuicocha Lake; 5.5 miles, easy to moderate, 460-ft elevation gain and 900-ft elevation loss. Otavalo market
A full day lies ahead, of walking and immersion in Ecuador’s natural habitats and culture. After breakfast, you drive to nearby Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve for a three-hour walk at Laguna de Cuicocha, a collapsed volcanic crater now a deep, steep-sided lake, situated at 10,200 feet on the lower southern flanks of Cotacachi Volcano. The reserve is part of a system of protected lands from the spine of the Sierra mountain range to the western edge of the coastal rain forest, encompassing many of the Ecuadorian ecosystems including high Andean and tropical forest. You follow a narrow path along the rim of the crater, which offers marvelous views of the striking blue lake, with the snowy peaks of Cayambe, Imbabura, and Cotopaxi in the distance. Among the many flowers growing by the path are several species of orchids, passion flowers, and Puya, a native plant with bright green flowers. Giant hummingbirds visit the wild lupines, and condors can often be seen flying above. At the walk’s conclusion, a stop is made at the picturesque colonial town of Cotacachi—the leather capital of Ecuador—where there is time to browse its streets and shops.
En route to the hacienda, the next stop is Otavalo and its traditional Andean market, where indigenous people come from the surrounding communities to barter or sell their handicrafts and products. Colorful collections of weavings, pottery, paintings, woolen goods, fruit, vegetables, and beans are laid out in hundreds of stalls. In addition to being skilled textile weavers, Otavaleños are also renowned for their musical talents and instruments, each uniquely crafted in a way that is characteristic of the region.
A festive dinner this evening is accompanied by tales of the hacienda trail and toasts to the journey thus far.
Hacienda Pinsaqui, Otavalo

DAY 7
Transfer from Pinsaqui to Quito. Cushnirumi Cloudforest; 8 miles, 1,540-ft elevation gain and 2,525-ft elevation loss
The day’s final destination is Quito; however, the walk en route takes place on the flanks of Cushnirumi Volcano, located on the slope of the larger Mojanda Volcano, where you spend the day in the cloudforest ecosystem. Low-level clouds rise from the coast, where, when encountering the high-altitude forest, they bring mist to enrich a rare evergreen mountain forest, unique to tropical areas nourished by the constant moisture. Incredibly rich in biodiversity, the forest is particularly known for its hummingbird population, among which is the highly endangered black-breasted puffleg flitting among ferns, orchids, and seemingly sky-high trees. The walk transitions from cultivated fields of corn and beans into the cloudforest. After reaching the highest point at 10,400 feet, the trail winds down to the Pataqui Valley where the locals have been growing tree tomatoes, avocado, and corn for generations, and concludes at the "wild-west" town of San Jose de Minas.
The drive continues about two hours south to Quito, where you check into a beautifully restored boutique hotel in the heart of Quito’s historic central district. Well situated for walking, there might be time to visit its churches, monasteries, and shops, or simply relax before dinner.
Hotel Patio Andaluz, Quito

DAY 8
Pichincha Volcano; 4 miles. Quito city tour
After breakfast in your Quito hotel, you drive approximately 6 miles west to Pichincha Volcano—overlooking the city and the "Avenue of the Volcanoes." Pichincha is made up of two cones, Guagua and Rucu Pichincha, at 15,670 feet and 15,180 feet, respectively. Guagua, meaning "baby" in the Quichua language, is higher than its neighbor and currently active; it covered the Ecuadorian capital with ash in 1999. Rucu, meaning "old," is slightly lower and closer to Quito and is inactive. This morning you climb aboard the teleferico (aerial tramway) for the eight-minute ride up the flanks of Rucu Pichincha. From the tramway terminus, a two-hour walk leads from Cruz Loma through Andean Paramo and offers panoramic views of the city and fertile valleys below. Descending by tramway, you proceed to colonial Quito for lunch.
The afternoon is devoted to exploring the city of Quito on foot—visiting its historic center packed with colonial cathedrals and monasteries, and delving into its rich history with your local guide. The first stop is the main square, Plaza de la Independencia, ringed by the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral. Next, you move on to the "Street of the Seven Crosses," appropriately named for the seven colonial churches, including the church of La Compañia de Jesus built by the Jesuits as a replica of a church in Rome. Continuing on foot to the Plaza San Francisco, which in pre-Inca days was the main Tianguez (market) in the Americas, you find a church and monastery dedicated to San Francisco, the latter being the largest colonial building on the American continents. Concluding the group exploration of the center, you have time this afternoon to linger in museums or browse in boutiques and galleries before returning to your hotel.
Tonight’s farewell dinner is in one of Quito’s finest restaurants in an historic 19th-century setting. Over creative cuisine, you toast a week of walking in some of South America's most diverse and magnificent scenery.
Hotel Patio Andaluz, Quito

DAY 9
Transfer to airport for departure
The tour concludes after breakfast at the hotel, and individual transfers are provided to the airport according to your flight schedule. If you are joining our Galapagos Extension, you will be met at the hotel and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
10/8/2010 - 10/16/2010	$3,698
11/12/2010 - 11/20/2010	$3,698
12/24/2010 - 1/1/2011	$3,698
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Hacienda-to-hacienda itinerary

Andean Highlands with young volcanoes

Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cloudforest ecosystem with hummingbirds and orchids

Colorful local markets with weavings, pottery, and paintings

Your Guides
Sebastian Jurado Sebastian has been guiding for many years. With a degree in Tourism, he has traveled through the U.S and Canada to become fluent in English. Sebastian’s passion for guiding and educating has led him outside of Ecuador to Costa Rica where he worked as a naturalist guide and as an environmental educator for a children’s program. This interest has also led him to Peru where he provided talks to teachers and students alike on environmental education and he completed an Environmental Management Mastery. Sebastian enthusiastically shares his knowledge with guests both on and off the trail.

Tomas Palma: With over 14 years in travel and a degree in Tourism from the UCT University, Tomas Palma brings his vast knowledge of Ecuador’s biodiversity and great ability for sharing his country to our tours. His interests include anything active including biking, trekking, and horses. An excellent guide and travel companion, Tomas’ energy is contagious!

Single Supplement $400

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

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