Short Trip to Ecuador - Hidden Gems of Imbabura

We extend a warm welcome to Ecuador, and we couldn't be more excited to have you here! Your journey begins with a sense of relaxation and anticipation as you embark on a 15-minute drive toward the Puembo neighborhood in the surrounding area of Quito Airport. As you depart from the airport, you might initially traverse through the airport cargo area, the landscape gradually transforms. You might encounter stretches of the Andean highlands characterized by rolling hills, lush valleys, and farmlands. The road to Puembo might wind through charming rural roads, offering glimpses of local life and traditional adobe houses adorned with colorful decorations. The vegetation changes as you approach Puembo, featuring a mix of lush greenery, including various flowering plants. Depending on the route taken, time of the day, and weather, you might catch breathtaking glimpses of snow-capped peaks such as Cotopaxi or Cayambe in the distance, especially on a clear day. These stunning volcanoes are part of Ecuador's impressive volcanic landscape, adding a dramatic touch to the scenery. We sincerely hope that your first day in Ecuador is filled with wonder and discovery, and we eagerly anticipate sharing many more unforgettable adventures with you as you delve deeper into the treasures this captivating country has to offer.

Today, after a fantastic breakfast, you will be part of one of these incredible activities provided at your hotel. You can choose between a tour of a rose plantation where you can experience the process that Ecuadorian flowers face before to are exported. Ecuadorian flowers are known for being beautiful and colorful, in this experience you will receive a surprise gift. or The other option to be chosen it's to be part of a cooking class, immerse in the flavors of Ecuadorian local dishes in this class, you will have the assistance of an expert who will guide you in the activity and of course, you will try your delicious creation. Your guide will pick you up at Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets in South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits. ­ Take a stroll through the streets and maybe try some of the local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, and fried pork with cooked corn.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for the activities. On this day, you will visit Indigenous communities and you will be able to observe the manufacture of different handicrafts, among which stand out the manufacture of totora reed mats, along the Imbakucha Lake (San Pablo), Andean musical instruments and the processing of wool with which they make their scarves and clothing. ­ Finally, you will visit the spectacular Cuicocha Lagoon, and you will discover the amazing legends that surround this ancestral place.

Your morning will begin with a visit to an Indigenous community where you will begin the horseback ride (3 hours) through a native forest to visit Indigenous communities and where you will be able to observe the daily life of the Indigenous families. Finishing with this activity, you will continue to perform a purification rite. The communities have the tradition of performing this rite once a year, on the summer solstice on June 22nd at midnight. However, the Yachak "shaman" will give an explanation and demonstration of the ritual that consists of changing the negative energy to positive to improve the quality of life of the person who performs it.

According to your departure time, you will have time to have breakfast and relax until your private transportation takes you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, you will take your international flight and return home with some everlasting memories. See you next time!