The very cultural and landscape highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes, named by Humbolt as the Avenue of Volcanoes.

In this program specially designed for the participants on the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference, Quito 2015,

 we will visit the two of the most important indigenous markets in Ecuador: Saquisilí (only on thursdays), where seven plazas and the whole city become a market for fruit, potatoes, animals, dress, etc in a frantic activity that reunites products, people and culture from all the regions in Ecuador and abroad. And Zumbahua market (only Saturdays) one of the most pristine and traditional, the most important weekly event for the many communities in the area where they will show off their beautiful and colorful costumes. Being attentive one can still spot people doing some “trueque” -products exchange- and not minding “modern” money.

The other highlights will be the extremely beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lake with its changing emerald or turquoise waters (they say its related to a princess, so she might as well change the colors of her jewerly depending on her mood, right?); the route of the waterfalls and orchids in the area of Baños de Agua Santa at the feet of an calmly erupting Mama Tungurahua, the area known as the gateway to the Amazon and the mighty Taita Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador with 6310 meters of altitude and the closets point on earth to the sun. Click here to ask for more information.

When:  Departures every Thursday (Due to Indigenous Markets fair days)
Length of Tour: 3 days/ 2 nights
Cost: $394
How to Book: Contact us or call 593993933087

Itinerary:

DAY 1: QUITO-SAQUISILÍ MARKET-BAÑOS

Leave Quito early in the morning to the famous indigenous market of Saquisilí, a magnificent muster of the abundance of agricultural products and ethnic richness of Ecuador. Continue to the town of Baños de Agua Santa for lunch. In the afternoon visit the Route of Waterfalls and do an optional hike to the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall. Return to Baños for accommodation. Take a chance to walk in the colorful town or enjoy the benefits of the thermal springs that have made this town world famous.

DAY 2: BAÑOS-CHIMBORAZO-SALCEDO

Departure from Baños towards the Faunistic Reproduction Reserve of Chimborazo; the highest volcano in Ecuador. Arrive to the first refuge while observing the magnificent paramo landscape and vicuña herds. Lunch at the feet of the volcano. Visit the “Llama Museum” at the community of Palacio Real and continue to the area of Salcedo for overnight.

DAY 3: SALCEDO-QUILOTOA-QUITO
Start ascending to the paramos of Zumbahua through impressive landscapes. Here you’ll visit the indigenous market, a festive day where the people from different native communities from the region meet every Saturday. Continue to the Quilotoa Crater to enjoy the views of the turquoise Crater Lake. Lunch isserved at a community restaurant.

Includes: All meals, local guides, entrance fees, private transportation

 Excludes: Personal expenses, tips

Ready to book? click here

Want other alternatives in the Andes? Choose northern, central or southern regions check here

Learn more about the International Ecotourism Society.