QUOTE
Ecuador – Quito
St. Marks School | Neil Cifuentes
A capital city high in the Andes, Quito is dramatically situated, squeezed between mountain peaks whose greenery is concealed by the afternoon mist. Modern apartment buildings and modest concrete homes creep partway up the slopes, and busy commercial thoroughfares lined with shops and choked with traffic turn into peaceful neighborhoods on Sundays. Warm and relaxed, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture – overflowing market stands, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hatmakers – mixes with a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene. We look forward to exploring with St. Marks.
Activities & Attractions
Musical workshop with indigenous community
Live musical performance (schedule pending)
Mind Cloud forest
Trip Details
Accommodations
- 5 nights’ hotel accommodations included in cost
- Single accommodation for teachers
- Student rooms will be doubles with personal beds
Meals
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be provided
Transportation
- All local transportation is included as needed.
Additional Personnel
- Local Evolve Tours guide for duration of trip.
Exclusives
- Creative Trip programming and leadership activities
- Videography and Photography
- Forever Green by Evolve Tours- Carbon Offset this whole trip (ask for details)
Insurance
Mandatory insurance is needed.
Package Price is based on
- Prices subject to availability and change until contract signed
- Total Package price may vary if number of paying customers changes
- Does not include airline baggage fees if applicable
- Tips for drivers and guides are appreciated
- Happy with what you see? Sign a 2-year contract with Evolve and pay the same rate for two years. Ask us for more information. *Based on same group size
Itinerary
Day 1: May 19, 2024
DEPART
Evening
Arrival to Quito. (10:45 pm) Transfer to the hotel in Quito.
Day 2: May 20, 2024
Quito
Morning
Welcome to Quito, today we will tour the beautiful capital, which will give us a perfect blend of culture, heritage, and contemporary life.
Our morning begins at the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will wander through the cobbled streets and colonial plazas, marveling at the architectural wonders of churches like La Compañía and San Francisco. Get a taste of local life at the fast paced Independence Square, where modern politics intersect with centuries-old traditions.
We will visit Panecillo, La Mariscal, a lively district known for its vibrant street art, trendy cafes, and bustling marketplaces. Dive into the local arts scene and perhaps pick up some handmade souvenirs.
No visit to Quito is complete without a stop at the Middle of the World Monument. Stand on the Equator line, where you can straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously.
Throughout the tour, students will have the opportunity to interact with locals, sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, and gain insights into the city’s rich cultural history.
In the late afternoon we will visit the teleferico before heading for dinner and returning back to hotel.
Day 3: May 21, 2024
Quito
Morning
Today we will travel to the San Clemente community, where a day of cultural immersion awaits. We will start our day by exploring the captivating Nanda Mañachi musical workshop in Peguche town, where traditional tunes will set the tone for the rest of the day
Lunch will be right in the community. After we refuel will be join a group of local women who will guide us into the secrets of Andean medicinal plants.
Evening
Tonight dinner will be prepared by us in a community setting. Our hands-on cooking class will be hosted by a welcoming indigenous family. Our day will finish with a cultural workshop led by members of the Quichua community, offering insights into indigenous cosmology, daily life, and the symbolism of the Chacana, the revered Andean cross.
Overnight in the San Clemente community.
Day 4: May 22, 2024
Explore
Morning
Today we will explore an indigenous community by visiting their local school. We will connect with students, sharing stories and engaging in educational activities. This unique experience offers a glimpse into their lives, fostering meaningful connections and enriching your trip with cultural insights.
After our exchange we will visit the weavers’ workshops in Peguche, Ecuador. We will dive right into the artistry of local craftsmen as they skillfully create intricate textiles. Witness the vibrant colors and patterns come to life, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. This hands-on experience allows us to appreciate the traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations, providing a unique insight into the craftsmanship that defines Peguche’s identity.
After our workshop we will explore the lively Otavalo Indigenous market, where vibrant colors, scents, energy and unique crafts await. Lunch in Otavalo. Late afternoon travel back to Quito.
Evening
Dinner in a local restaurant Accommodation at the Embassy hotel in Quito
Day 5: May 23, 2024
Mindo>Quito
Morning
Drive to Mindo Cloud Forest to discover the a biodiverse haven of lush greenery, misty canopies, and stunning waterfalls. We will also visit the Nambillo waterfall
Afternoon
Artisanal chocolate tour Lunch in Mindo.
Tubing at the Mindo River
Everning
Drive back to Quito Farewell dinner in a local restaurant in Quito Accommodation at the Embassy hotel in Quito (or in a hotel close to the airport depending the Galapagos flight the next day)
Day 6: May 24, 2024
Cotopaxi National Park
Morning
After breakfast drive towards Cotopaxi National park, visit the Limpiopungo lake and then get ready for the hike up to the refuge of the Cotopaxi volcano (4810 mts)
Lunch in a mountain hacienda by the National park
Afternoon
Drive back to Quito
Evening
Farewell dinner in a local restaurant in Quito
Accommodation at the Embassy hotel in Quito (or in a hotel close to the airport depending the Galapagos flight the next day)
Day 6: May 25, 2024
Quito>Galapagos
Transfer to airport and travel to Galapagos
