¡Delicioso!
Taste of Ecuador: Slow Food Experience
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5
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"Comida typica" in Quito and Otavalo
Experience the typical foods (comida typica) and culture of Ecuador in 5 nights! In Quito and Otavalo, enjoy cooking classes, market visits, chocolate tastings and more!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Quito (UIO)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Casa Aliso, or similar
- Quito City Tour
- Visit to La Ronda with chocolate tasting
- Market visit and cooking class, with lunch
- Visit to the Equatorial Line Monument ("Middle of the World")
- 1 night in Otavalo at the Las Palmeras Inn, or similar
- Visit to the Mishky Huarmy slow food organization, with lunch
- Visit to the Otavalo Indian handcrafts market
- 1 night in Quito at the Hotel Casa Aliso, or similar
- Lunch and cooking classes at Kawsaymi food experience
- Dinner in a local Quito restaurant
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Begin and end your trip in the capital of Quito, a city high in the Andes with incredible culture and food.
- Head to one of Quito's oldest streets, Calle La Ronda, and explore this historic area. Later, enjoy a chocolate tasting!
-
Experience traditional Ecuadorian culture of the Andes in Otavalo and visit its famous handcrafts market.
-
Visit the home of a Kichwa family and enjoy a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn the secrets of Andean cuisine.
-
End a delicious vacation in Ecuador with dinner at a local restaurant in Quito.
Take it slow on this 5-night culinary journey in Ecuador. Slow Food is a global organization helping to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, and the grassroots movement reached Ecuador in 2007.
Ever since, Ecuadorians try to protect their unique culinary heritage and preserve the environment according to the three basics of the Slow Food concept: good, clean and fair. Today, many Slow Food association members in Ecuador export their homegrown goods to the USA and Europe.
Begin and end in the capital of Quito. In the high-altitude Andean city, experience centuries-old history from the Incas to the Spanish colonial rule. Take photos in San Francisco Square, taste some of the best chocolate in the world and visit a market where you'll pick up ingredients for a cooking class.
In Otavalo, located about 56 miles north of Quito, you'll experience this unique town that holds one of the most famous markets in Latin America. Dating back to pre-Incan times, Otavalo market is a vibrant daily affair where you can pick up fragrant spices, woven textiles and even a live goat or two!
Helpful links for travel to Ecuador:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Quito (UIO)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Casa Aliso, or similar
- Quito City Tour
- Visit to La Ronda with chocolate tasting
- Market visit and cooking class, with lunch
- Visit to the Equatorial Line Monument ("Middle of the World")
- 1 night in Otavalo at the Las Palmeras Inn, or similar
- Visit to the Mishky Huarmy slow food organization, with lunch
- Visit to the Otavalo Indian handcrafts market
- 1 night in Quito at the Hotel Casa Aliso, or similar
- Lunch and cooking classes at Kawsaymi food experience
- Dinner in a local Quito restaurant
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Begin and end your trip in the capital of Quito, a city high in the Andes with incredible culture and food.
- Head to one of Quito's oldest streets, Calle La Ronda, and explore this historic area. Later, enjoy a chocolate tasting!
-
Experience traditional Ecuadorian culture of the Andes in Otavalo and visit its famous handcrafts market.
-
Visit the home of a Kichwa family and enjoy a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn the secrets of Andean cuisine.
-
End a delicious vacation in Ecuador with dinner at a local restaurant in Quito.
Package Overview
Take it slow on this 5-night culinary journey in Ecuador. Slow Food is a global organization helping to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, and the grassroots movement reached Ecuador in 2007.
Ever since, Ecuadorians try to protect their unique culinary heritage and preserve the environment according to the three basics of the Slow Food concept: good, clean and fair. Today, many Slow Food association members in Ecuador export their homegrown goods to the USA and Europe.
Begin and end in the capital of Quito. In the high-altitude Andean city, experience centuries-old history from the Incas to the Spanish colonial rule. Take photos in San Francisco Square, taste some of the best chocolate in the world and visit a market where you'll pick up ingredients for a cooking class.
In Otavalo, located about 56 miles north of Quito, you'll experience this unique town that holds one of the most famous markets in Latin America. Dating back to pre-Incan times, Otavalo market is a vibrant daily affair where you can pick up fragrant spices, woven textiles and even a live goat or two!
Helpful links for travel to Ecuador:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
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Day 1. Welcome to Quito!
Arrive in Quito and enjoy a transfer to your first accommodation. Set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Quito is easy on the eyes. The city is known for its colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. Quito has 86 churches and monasteries, giving it the name of the “Convent of America.
>Spend your first night in Quito trying the local cuisine like hornado (roasted pork) or for the more adventurous eaters, cuy (guinea pig)!
Transfer to Quito hotel
Check-in - Hotel Casa Aliso, Quito
Quito,
Ecuador
The Hotel Casa Aliso, Quito is a comfortable and hospitable hotel located in the city's La Floresta district. The hotel provides a relaxing home-like feel for visitors who prefer a more laidback experience. Public spaces are well-furnished, air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi. As the hotel states, the mission of this accommodation is to provide guests with the feeling of returning home to a good friend. With that, guest rooms are simple yet cozy. Each comes with a large window, private bathroom, telephone, and comfortable bedding. Daily housekeeping and breakfast are also included with each room stay.
Guests can mingle and relax at the hotel's comfortable spaces, like a charming backyard and beautiful garden. There's also an on-site massage parlor which offers a range of therapeutic treatments. The hotel provides area shuttle services as well.
Notable nearby attractions include the Ecuador Natural Science Museum, Parque Latinoamerica, Colonial Art Museum, Foch Square, and more. When you stay at the Hotel Casa Aliso, you're also just 2.5 miles away from Quito's historic city center.
Day 2. Quito
Wake up and enjoy a tour of Quito's cultural and religious highlights including San Francisco Square and the cathedral. Later, head to Calle La Ronda - one of Quito's oldest streets - for a walk and a chocolate tasting!
In the evening, head to Plaza Santo Domingo to watch the street performers along with quitenos (as Quito's residents are known). This plaza is absolutely breathtaking in the evening!
Quito City Tour
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito's religious and cultural sights! Breathe in the colonial history of Ecuador as you walk the streets of Quito, where the local culture welcomes you with beauty and intrigue. On your walk, let your guide explain the city's culturally diverse history.
Take a closer look at the heart of Quito: Independence Square with the Government and Bishops Palace, the Museum of the Cathedral and the Cathedral. On the way to San Francisco Square, visit the church of La Compañia, which has an ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior. Afterwards, get to know the church of San Francisco.
*On Sundays, the visits of the churches might be restricted due to religious services.
Visit to La Ronda with chocolate tasting
Visit one of Quito’s oldest streets, “La Ronda.” An ancient path following the small Ullaguanga-Huayaco creek was the beginning of what is now called Calle La Ronda. The path was slowly lined with houses until the late 18th-century, when it is said to appear similar to today.
During the early 20th-century, La Ronda was the home of poets, musicians and politicians who left their mark on Ecuadorian history. The renovated street now has informational signs which detail some of these people and the houses they lived in. You will have the chance to meet some of the artists and talk to them about their work.
You will also enjoy a chocolate tasting and learn about the process of making great chocolate. See why Ecuador is one of the best countries in the world for growing fine cacao and learn more about cacao's history.
Day 3. Quito
Ever wanted to stand right on the equator? Now's your chance, because today you will visit "La Mitad del Mundo" (Middle of the World), just outside Quito. You'll also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum focusing on the native tribes and interactive activities like balancing an egg on a nail!
Later, visit a food market and use the bounty you've bought in a cooking class. Sit down to your homemade lunch and taste Ecuador on a plate.
For spectacular views over Quito's mountainous landscape, hop aboard the sky tram known as TelefériQo, which takes you on a 10-minute ride to the top of Cruz Loma.
Visit to the Equatorial Line Monument ("Middle of the World")
Visit the Equatorial Line Monument, also known as the “Middle of the World.” Have the rare opportunity to stand in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously! The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th-century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area surrounding the monument has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and a post office with philatelic sales.
Visit Intiñan Solar Museum and learn about the customs of Ecuador's ancient indigenous cultures in their traditional straw huts. The effects of the earth's rotation are illustrated by experiments in which you can participate actively. Will you succeed in balancing an egg on a nail?
Market visit and cooking class, with lunch
Experience the flavors of Ecuador during a market visit and cooking course. Get an insight into the typical Ecuadorian cuisine by slow food principals. You will have the chance to get to know the secrets of a chef and then try your homemade dishes.
Day 4. Quito - Otavalo
Leave Quito today and take an approximately 2-hour bus ride to Otavalo, a town in the Andes which hosts a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times. Before arriving in town, stop at Mishky Huarmy organization to learn about their mission of empowering local women through the making of a dietary supplement from the agave plant.
Once in Otavalo, visit the traditional Indian market and be amazed at the colorful textiles, clothing and more on display!
Transfer to Otavalo!
Check-in - Las Palmeras Inn
Otavalo,
Ecuador
A stay at Las Palmeras Inn is a stay in the 150-year heritage of this beautiful hacienda. Nestled in the Quichinche Valley and cradled between the lush mountains, the hotel is only two hours from Quito. Relax beside the crackling log fire while you take in the adobe walls, tiled roof, and towering palm trees. Take in the gorgeous sunrise over the Imbabura Volcano before heading to town to peruse the indigenous markets or exploring the lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and parks surrounding the hotel.
Visit to the Mishky Huarmy slow food organization, with lunch
Meet the slow food organization Mishky Huarmy, meaning "sweet woman." The organization employs local indigenous women to make a dietary supplement from the agave plant, one of the ancestral plants of Ecuador. "Chaguar" or the pressing of "Chaguarmishky" is an ancient tradition of the indigenous communities, but as this activity is valued less and less, but Mishky Huarmy aims to preserve this tradition.
During your visit, get to know the organization and learn more about the elements and nutrition of Chaguarmishky. This drink is extracted from the agave plant and is used as a dietary supplement because it is rich in iron, phosphorus and calcium. Here, you'll also enjoy lunch.
Visit to the Otavalo handicraft market
Discover the world-famous Indian handcrafts market in Otavalo with its central square Plaza de los Ponchos. The market sells unique and colorful bags, ponchos, tapestries and more made by the local indigenous people who have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their weaving skill. Enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts at the giant market and take some new souvenirs with you. Otavalo is a typical indigenous city where tourists can see families wearing their colorful garments and speaking Quichua as their first tongue and Spanish as their second.
Day 5. Otavalo - Quito
Spend the morning continuing to explore Otavalo, then head to the town of Kawsaymi for another cooking class! Feel immediately at ease as you're greeted by a family, then help prepare a three course meal.
After this culinary adventure, you will return to Quito. Cap off an unforgettable journey with an included farewell dinner in a typical Ecuadorian restaurant.
Transfer to Quito!
Check-in - Hotel Casa Aliso, Quito
Quito,
Ecuador
The Hotel Casa Aliso, Quito is a comfortable and hospitable hotel located in the city's La Floresta district. The hotel provides a relaxing home-like feel for visitors who prefer a more laidback experience. Public spaces are well-furnished, air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi. As the hotel states, the mission of this accommodation is to provide guests with the feeling of returning home to a good friend. With that, guest rooms are simple yet cozy. Each comes with a large window, private bathroom, telephone, and comfortable bedding. Daily housekeeping and breakfast are also included with each room stay.
Guests can mingle and relax at the hotel's comfortable spaces, like a charming backyard and beautiful garden. There's also an on-site massage parlor which offers a range of therapeutic treatments. The hotel provides area shuttle services as well.
Notable nearby attractions include the Ecuador Natural Science Museum, Parque Latinoamerica, Colonial Art Museum, Foch Square, and more. When you stay at the Hotel Casa Aliso, you're also just 2.5 miles away from Quito's historic city center.
Day 6. Depart Ecuador
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your bag and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport. Board your plane and spend your relaxing flight home dreaming about your next adventure.
Transfer to Quito airport (UIO)
Fly home!
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Quito, Ecuador
Hotel Casa Aliso, Quito
Boutique hotel in upscale La Floresta district
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