Ecuador Custom Group Travel Package – Quito, Antisana Ecological Reserve, Patate, Ingapirca and Cuenca (7 Nights)

Ecuador Custom Group Travel Package – Quito, Antisana Ecological Reserve, Patate, Ingapirca and Cuenca (7 Nights)


Ecuador Custom Group Travel Package – Quito, Antisana Ecological Reserve, Patate, Ingapirca and Cuenca (7 Nights)

Ecuador Custom Group Travel Package – Quito, Antisana Ecological Reserve, Patate, Ingapirca and Cuenca

Experience the Wonders of Ecuador with this 7 Night Travel Vacation Package and Tour that includes the capital city of Quito, Antisana, Patate, Ingapirca and Cuenca. Contact our Ecuador Travel Agents for your Custom Ecuador Group Vacation Package. We focus on Groups of 8 or more Travelers.

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, lies in a spectacular mountain setting at 2800 meters (9184 ft.) above the sea level and just 25 kms (16 miles) south of the equator. The city has a magnificent blend of colonial and modern architecture. The Antisana Ecological Reserve is privately owned and regulated, but its goal is the preservation of the native flora and fauna of the Andean paramo. Below approximately 3000 meters, the native flora is similar to what is seen at the Cotacachi reserve- shrubs, orchids and other specially adapted plants. You can also see this type of flora at a lava flow approaching the Antisana reserve. Above an altitude of 4800 meters very little vegetation exists, as this area is covered with snow year-round. Between 3600 & 4800 meters, however, you enter a habitat called the paramo, in which the plant and animal life are both highly adapted to the extreme conditions which are the norm here. Due to the high winds that regularly sweep this habitat, nothing taller than the grass and low-lying succulents are found in the open. Even hardy, high altitude shrubs are found only in crevices and stream beds hidden from the wind. Plants in this habitat are pollinated by beetles or by birds, as the winds are too strong for flying insects. Patate is characterized by its productive fruit and vegetable harvest. The Ingapirca area is a blooming parish of southern Ecuador located in Cañar province. It is 240 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 14,000 inhabitants- 2,000 live in the parish center (3,180 meters or 10,000 feet above sea level), and the other populace is spread all around the countryside. The towns name of Ingapirca was taken after the archeological complex which stands as important evidence of the Cañari and Incan presence. This area, like other areas of Ecuador (provinces of Cañar, Azuay, and Loja), is characterized by a variety of soils, dioritic and porfidic igneous rocks, and volcanic groups. Cuenca is Ecuadors third-largest city – the misnamed toppers were first made in the Cuenca area and are still produced there. The town has an Old World, Spanish colonial feel—flower boxes on windows, wrought-iron balconies, red-tile roofs, cobblestone streets and a lively market (open Thursday, with a smaller market on Saturday). Its also a center for arts and crafts—many of the things sold in Quito and Guayaquil come from this area.

Ecuador Highlights Travel Vacation Package (7N) includes

Hotels in Ecuador:

4 nights accommodations in standard room at JW Marriott hotel, 2 nights accommodations in standard rooms at Hacienda Leito and 1 night accommodations in standard rooms at Mansion de Alcazar.

Tours in Quito:

  • Visit Equatorial Monument Complex
  • Visit the Independence Square
  • Tours in Otavalo:
  • Visit Otavalo Market
  • Visit the province of Imbabura
  • Tours in Antisana:
  • Visit Antisana Ecological Reserve
  • Tours in Cuenca:
  • Visit the artisans at their workshops for Panama Hats at Sig Sig
  • Visit monuments that show centuries of pre-Columbian and colonial treasures.

Observations:

Transportation:

  • Transfers from/to airport and tours in air-conditioned vehicles with your local English speaking expert guide, according itinerary.
  • Private ground transfers include bilingual guide English/Spanish & soft drinks during transfers between destinations.

Adventure:

  • This is an easy paced trip perfect for anyone.

Group Size:

  • Minimum of 2 participants.

Day by Day Vacation Package Itinerary

This is a Sample Vacation Package that we have created for customers in the past.

Contact us for a Custom Package created just for you.

Day 1 – Quito
Assistance and transfer in Quito from airport to hotel Overnight in Quito at JW Marriott hotel, standard. Transfer from airport to hotel Check in at JW Marriott hotel Overnight

Day 2 – Quito
The Colonial district, declared Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1978, displays architecture, character and traditions combining both the Hispanic and native cultures. Walk along the streets and discover beautiful houses, wealthy colonial churches with splendid stone facades, outstanding gold leafed altars and the beauty of historic plazas and monuments. Also drive to the Equatorial Monument Complex where there is the opportunity to stand on two hemispheres at the same time. Lunch included. Good opportunities for handicraft shopping. Breakfast, Lunch included Overnight at JW Marriott hotel.

Day 3 – Quito
An early start, to travel north of Quito to the province of Imbabura, a magical land of lakes. Just before arriving to the famous Otavalo market. The Otavalo Indian market, dates back to the pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on blackstrap and shuttle looms. The market is piled high with ponchos, hand made textiles, hats, indian jewellery, and various handicrafts. Will have time to wonder around the market. Lunch will be served at one of the Hosterias of the area. Afternoon if time permits visit to Cotacachi an artisans centre known for its leather woods or San Antonio de Ibarra where the highlight are the wood-carvings. Breakfast and Lunch included Transfer to Otavalo/Quito Overnight in Quito at JW Marriott hotel.

Day 4 – Banos
Drive south of Quito to the Antisana Ecological Reserve which lies in the Central Highlands, on the foothills of the 5705 meter glacier covered peak of the volcano Antisana. This reserve is privately owned and regulated, but its goal is the preservation of the native flora and fauna of the Andean paramo. The trip to the Antisana Ecological Reserve includes a ride to approximately 4000 meters above the sea level where rolling meadows, occasional ravines with taller vegetation, and a meadow/marsh of pillow moss bordering a highland lake is found. The pillow moss is so named because it forms unbroken hump-like pillows of vegetation that may cover acres of land. Its bird life includes the Andean gull, Caracaras,ducks, several species of hummingbirds and if lucky, the Andean condor. After lunch will drive to Patate, which is characterized for its productive fruit and vegetable land. Breakfast and Lunch included Transfer to Antisana/Baños Check in Patate at Hacienda Leito Overnight

Day 5 – Cuenca
After breakfast, we will drive to the south through some of the most picturesque indigenous areas of the country, passing by Balbanera Chapel, the oldest Catholic chapel in the country, until you reach the Ruins of Ingapirca. It is the Ecuador’s main Inca archaeological site, an important political and administrative Inca Centre in the 1400´s. Visit the Fortress and then continue to Cuenca, another Unesco’s Heritage Site. Breakfast and Lunch included Transfer to Ingapirca/Cuenca Check in Cuenca at Mansion de Alcazar Overnight

Day 6 – Cuenca
The Southern highlands display very talented artisans and these villages on the surroundings of Cuenca have lots to offer. Visit the artisans at their workshops for Panama Hats at Sig Sig, jewel makers at Chordeleg and the unique Ikat cotton weavings near Gualaceo all in a very different and picturesque setting. All in all a full learning experience together with super bargains. Stroll through history on narrow streets surrounded by houses with coquettish balconies, visit monuments that show centuries of pre-Columbian and colonial treasures. Cuenca is reknown for its high quality handicrafts like: embroidery, jewellery, ceramics and the famous “Panama hats”. Breakfast and Lunch included Overnight at Mansion de Alcazar

Day 7 – Quito
Transfer to airport in Cuenca to take the flight to Quito Arrival to Quito and transfer to hotel. Breakfast included Transfer from airport to hotel Check in at JW Marriott hotel. Overnight

Day 8 – Quito
Transfer to airport to take the international flight Breakfast included Transfer from airport

  • Hacienda Leito
    Thirty kilometer from Ambato, the valley of Patate is known for its picturesque location on the Patate river, the grapes grown in the region and the production of some of the best “aguardiente” liquor in the highlands. Whether you are an adventure-seeker looking for all exciting activities the area has to offer, a couple in search of a romantic getaway, a family seeking a warm atmosphere for all ages, or just a weary traveler halfway between here and there, Hacienda Leito´s comfortable rooms, its charming social areas and its spectacular setting, offers its guests extraordinary hospitality.JW Marriott Hotel
    The JW Marriott Quito is a luxury property situated on the famous Amazonas Avenue, approximately five miles from Quito Airport. Local attractions include the Bird Sanctuary, Casa de la Cultura, Banco Central Museum, and Metropolitan Park. Hotel amenities include free coffee in the lobby, shoeshine, babysitting, ATM, concierge, daily housekeeping services, evening turndown service, onsite parking (fee), express check-in/out, guest laundry, 24-hour room service, safe deposit box, laundry/dry cleaning services, local area shuttle (fee), florist, and gift shop. Guests may also enjoy the outdoor heated pool, children’s pool, fitness center, and Jacuzzi. Onsite drink and dining is available at the Bistro Latino, La Haciena Restaurant, and The Exchange Lobby Bar & Sushi Bar.Mansion de Alcazar
    A turn of the century Mansion, completely restored, is transformed in a Luxury boutique hotel, in order to satisfy the most discriminating traveler. Enjoy the exquisite interior design, carefully chosen furniture, object of art and wonderful crystal chandeliers. Bring back the old days of colonial living in one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador Personalized service and attention to details will make your stay unforgettable