QUOTE
Ecuador – Culture, Language and Cuisine
York House School | Carmelita Carlberg-Nangle
EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH TRAVEL SINCE 2006
Activities & Attractions
- Explore Quito’s old town landmarks: Basilica, Compania, San Francisco Plaza
- Visit the Equator line at Inti Ñan museum
- Explore Pululahua crater
- Visit Peguche town and the weavers’ house
- Experience Ñanda mañachi musical house
- Visit Peguche waterfall
- Engage with the indigenous community of San Clemente
- Participate in a Pambamesa communal lunch
- Explore community projects: beekeeping, organic farming
- Learn about indigenous craftsmanship
- Enjoy dinner prepared by community members
- Participate in a guided nature walk in the Amazon rainforest
- Explore local flora, fauna, and agriculture
- Experience chocolate making from bean to bar
- Visit Yana Cocha animal rescue and rehabilitation center
- Explore Pailon del Diablo waterfall
- Swing at the end of the world for panoramic views
- Visit Cotopaxi National Park or Quilotoa Lake
Trip Details
Accommodations
- Quito (3 nights)
- Airport Hotel(1 nights)
- Hacienda San Clemente (2 nights)
- Monte Selva hotel in Baños (1 night)
- Sinchi warmi lodge (2 nights)
- Double/Triple accommodation for students
- Single/Double accommodation for chaperones
Meals
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included
- Meals while on airlines or while in airports are not included
- Participants will have opportunity to buy extra snacks or meals on their own
Transportation
- Return Intl Economy Airfare from Vancouver to Quito
- Private coach/van transportation (depends on size of group)
Additional Personnel
- 1 Evolve Tour Directors
- Local supplier & guest family support staff
Exclusives
- Creative Trip programming and leadership activities
- Videography and Photography
- Forever Green by Evolve Tours- Carbon Offset this whole trip (ask for details)
Insurance
- Add $150 per student for medical, baggage, cancellation and trip interruption coverage from Manulife Youth Deluxe Policy.
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
- This quote expires June 30th, 2024
- 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:
Arrival
Transfer to your hotel in Quito, where you’ll settle in and prepare for your adventure.
Day 2:
Morning:
Explore the charming streets of Quito’s old town, admiring architectural wonders such as the Basilica, Compania, and San Francisco Plaza.
Lunch: Local restaurant
Enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian meal in a cozy restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region.
Afternoon:
Journey to the Equator line at the Inti Ñan museum, where you’ll straddle the hemispheres and learn about indigenous culture and astronomy.
Venture to the Pululahua crater, an ancient volcanic caldera now home to lush vegetation and stunning vistas.
Evening: Welcome dinner in a local restaurant
Delight in an evening of Ecuadorian cuisine and hospitality, as you mingle with fellow travelers and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Quito.
Day 3:
Morning: San Clemente Hacienda
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Peguche town, where skilled artisans weave intricate patterns passed down through generations.
Lunch: Local restaurant
Relish in the flavors of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, tasting local specialties prepared with fresh ingredients.
Afternoon:
Experience the soul-stirring melodies of Ecuadorian music at the Nanda mañachi musical house, where rhythmic beats and melodic tunes fill the air.
Discover the sacred beauty of the Peguche waterfall, a tranquil oasis revered by indigenous communities for its spiritual significance.
Evening: Dinner at San Clemente hacienda
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner infused with local flavors, prepared with care by the gracious hosts of San Clemente hacienda.
Day 4:
Morning:
Engage with the indigenous community of San Clemente, gaining insights into their traditional way of life and deep connection to the land.
Lunch: Pambamesa
Share in the communal spirit of the Pambamesa lunch, where everyone comes together to enjoy a feast of local delicacies and foster a sense of unity.
Afternoon:
Explore community projects focused on sustainability and cultural preservation, including beekeeping and organic farming initiatives.
Learn about indigenous craftsmanship as local women showcase their skills in weaving and other traditional arts.
Evening:
Savor the flavors of an authentic dinner prepared by community members, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Ecuador.
Enjoy live music performed by talented community members, adding a festive flair to the evening’s festivities.
Day 5:
Morning: Sinchi Warmi Lodge
Venture to Cuicocha lake at Cotacachi Cayapas National Park, where a short hike by the lake offers insights into conservation efforts and the region’s natural beauty.
Lunch: Local restaurant
Enjoy a traditional meal in a local eatery, savoring the flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Afternoon:
Explore the bustling streets of Otavalo, home to one of South America’s largest indigenous markets, where vibrant textiles and handicrafts abound.
Return to Quito, reflecting on the day’s adventures and cultural encounters.
Evening: Dinner in a local restaurant
Relish in a final dinner in Quito, reminiscing about the experiences shared and the memories made during your journey through Ecuador.
Day 6:
Morning: Sinchi Warmi Lodge
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Amazon, stopping en route at Papallacta Hot Springs for a rejuvenating dip in the thermal pools.
Lunch: Local restaurant
Enjoy a delicious meal in Baeza town, fueling up for the remainder of the journey to the rainforest.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Sinchi Warmi Lodge in the heart of the Amazon, where you’ll be greeted by members of the indigenous community and introduced to their way of life.
Participate in a traditional indigenous dinner (Maito) prepared with locally sourced ingredients, sharing stories and cultural insights with your hosts.
Evening:
Engage with the women of the community as they share their experiences and aspirations through the Sinchi Warmi women entrepreneur project, fostering empowerment and community development.
Day 7:
Morning: Sinchi Warmi Lodge
Embark on a guided nature walk through the Amazon rainforest, led by knowledgeable Quechua guides who share their expertise on the region’s biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge.
Lunch: At the community
Enjoy a traditional meal prepared with ingredients sourced from the rainforest, savoring the flavors of the Amazon.
Afternoon:
Explore the local flora, fauna, and agricultural practices of the community, gaining insights into sustainable living in harmony with nature.
Experience the art of chocolate making from bean to bar, participating in every step of the process alongside community members.
Evening:
Conclude your Amazon adventure with a heartfelt farewell dinner, expressing gratitude to your hosts for their warmth and hospitality.
Day 8:
Morning: Monte Selva Hotel in Baños
Journey to Yana Cocha, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center dedicated to protecting wildlife impacted by illegal trafficking in the Amazon.
Lunch: Yanacocha project
Enjoy a meal at Yanacocha project, surrounded by pristine nature and breathtaking views.
Afternoon:
Visit the majestic Pailon del Diablo waterfall, one of Ecuador’s most famous natural attractions.
Experience the thrill of swinging over the abyss at the swing at the end of the world, offering panoramic views of the Tungurahua volcano.
Evening:
Dine at a local restaurant in Baños, followed by a fun-filled karaoke night at the hotel, celebrating the end of your journey through Ecuador.
Day 9:
Morning:
Travel from Baños to Quito, with a stop at Cotopaxi National Park or Quilotoa Lake, where stunning landscapes and volcanic wonders await.
Lunch: Local restaurant at either location
Enjoy a final meal surrounded by the natural beauty of Ecuador, reflecting on the transformative experiences of your journey.
Afternoon:
Return to Quito, bidding farewell to the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of Ecuador.
Evening:
Conclude your adventure with a final dinner at Crepes and Waffles in Cumbaya town, reminiscing about the memories shared and friendships forged.
Drive back to the hotel for your last night in Ecuador.
Day 10:
Transfer to the airport in the morning, bidding farewell to Ecuador as you embark on your journey home, carrying with you memories that will last a lifetime.
Your adventure through Ecuador with Evolve Tours comes to an end, filled with unforgettable experiences, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections with the people and landscapes of this vibrant country.