sobre Quito
 

An itinerary done in December, 2007 by the Martinez & Jackson Families

Number of Days:
18
Number of People.:
4 adults, 5 children
Experiences:

Middle of the World: “The Inti Experience”, Quito, Andean Highlands, Indigenous Markets, Hacienda Experience, Southern Highlands, Gálapagos Islands, Arashá Resort & Spa

 
warmth surrounded by reflections
 
 

The Martinez and Jackson families arrived to Quito in the evening, where they were greeted by their private guide and transferred to their hotel in their exclusive transport.

The next day, our guests participated in our unique “Inti Experience” by visiting the Authentic Middle of the World, including the Museum of Solar Culture and Mt. Catequilla where they were treated to captivating legends and facts about the equator, and the sun, god of indigenous cultures. They later enjoyed a magical evening with a nocturnal city tour of Quito's Historical Center finalized by a delicious meal also in Quito's Old Town.

On Day 3, the group took a scenic ride to the famous indigenous markets of Otavalo and Cotacachi where they had the opportunity to interact with the locals, shop for unique handicrafts, enjoy local delicacies, and where they were also enchanted by awe-inspiring natural scenery. The families then spent the night in one of Ecuador's most distinguished working haciendas, Zuleta. Hacienda Zuleta is mostly known for its production of delicious types of diary products, especially varied kinds of famous cheeses that are enjoyed throughout Ecuador!

On the morning of Day 4, our group of adventurers got an early start so as to enjoy many activities such as horseback rides through stunning Andean scenery, a visit to a working sun dial on the equator, and a stroll through the attractive town of Cayambe, home of some of Ecuador's most delightful gastronomic delicacies and some of the world's most sought after roses. In the evening, they then returned to Quito for a good night's rest.

On Day 5, the Martinez and Jackson families took a quick 30-minute flight over the Andes Mountains to one of Ecuador's major cultural cities, Cuenca. They were met by their native specialist guide and private transport and taken to their Boutique hotel located right in Cuenca's Historical Center, a World Heritage Site. After a wonderful city tour, as well as a visit to some of the Southern Highlands' Time-Honored Treasures, they spent the evening, Christmas Eve, enjoying a very special dinner.

On Day 6, Christmas Day, the two families were up early so as to get a good spot to be able to closely observe one of Ecuador's most important seasonal events; our Uncommon Seasonal Site, “El Pase del Niño”.

On Days 7-8, the Martinez and Jackson families set off on a special journey for nature lovers to the magnificent valley of Loja. On their trip from Cuenca to Loja, their transport stopped at the small town of Saraguro, where they were specially invited to have lunch by the natives, direct descendants of the Inca Empire! Once in Loja, the families enjoyed hikes at Podocarpus Biosphere Reserve & National Park, immersing themselves in nature during the day, and sleeping in one of Ecuador's most beautiful and comfortable Boutique Hotels at night. 

On Day 9, the group returned to Quito where they had time to enjoy the hotel swimming pool and spa before hitting the town for shopping and a delicious dinner.

On Day 10 they were whisked away to one of the world's most exceptional natural spots, Arashá Resort & Spa, where they spent three incredible days filled with adventure and relaxation surrounded by mega-diverse Ecuadorian tropical rainforests.

Late afternoon, On Day 12, they were transferred back to Quito where they enjoyed a delicious dinner and a night of restful sleep before heading to one of the world's most incredible natural splendors, the one and only Gálapagos Islands.

For 5 days, the two families enjoyed Gálapagos the "Unconventional Way", mixing comfort with nature and also taking the opportunity to merge with the locals.

On Day 17, they returned to their comfy and familiar hotel in Quito where they enjoyed a very special farewell dinner before departing back home on Day 18.