The Northern Experience 6 Days Tour

On the first morning of your tour, we will visit the historical center of Quito, which includes highlights such as Panecillo Hill and the cable car located at 15,600 feet above sea level.  We will enjoy a typical Ecuadorian lunch, and in the afternoon we will visit the Inti Nan Museum located in the Middle of the World, where you can witness various experiments concerning the equator, and you can step on the actual line that marks the Center of the Earth.  Near the end of the day, we will return to our hotel accommodations.

Meals included: N/A

Accommodation included: Overnight at Ibis Hotel ***

Today, we will visit the Otavalo Indian Market, where you will have time to browse local crafts such as blankets, sweaters, shirts, and wall hangings made from llama and alpaca wool.  You will also have time to explore the fruit & vegetable market, and to walk through the lovely, scenic town of Otavalo. You will continue your tour as you head to the town of Cotacachi, which is also known as Leather Town.  Here, you can peruse thousands of handmade leather items.

Finally, at the end of the day, you will go to your hotel for dinner and a good night's rest.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Las Palmeras Hotel ***

After breakfast, your adventure begins at Ibarra´s Train Station, where you will take the train to the town of Salinas (the salt mine).  On the way, you will pass sugar cane crops, and you will experience the change in vegetation and in temperature, as you venture from the highlands to the sub-tropical valley.

Once you arrive in Salinas, you will be welcomed by a local Afro Ecuadorian (a group of dancers who have descended from African immigrants).  In Salinas, you will enjoy a typical lunch.

Finally, you will make your way to the hacienda, Pantavi, which is located in the Andean landscape, and is perfect for resting and enjoying the marvelous views.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Pantavi Hotel ***

On this day, we will drive through the Northern Andes to the entrance of El Angel Ecological Reserve.  From the Reserve´s entrance, we will travel 15 more miles to Polylepis Ecolodge, where the lodge´s staff will be waiting for us.

In the afternoon, you will have time to acclimate yourself to the new altitude.  You will also have time to do some sightseeing before a nice and filling dinner.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Polylepis  Lodge ****

After breakfast we will begin a 3-hour hike, but the time will fly by as you enjoy the beautiful scenery, as this area is covered with Frailejónes (endemic plants from the Andes).

Mid-morning finds us headed back to the hotel, where we will enjoy a much-needed lunch, and a little rest.

You may continue to rest after lunch, or enjoy a short walk in and around the Polylepis Forest.

As the day draws to an end, we will enjoy a delicious, farewell dinner.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Polylepis  Lodge ****

This morning, we will begin our way back to Quito.  Along the way, we will stop at a wonderful, timeworn hacienda (Molino San Juan) for a charming lunch.

You will spend tonight in Quito, resting for your flight tomorrow.

Meals included: B / L

Accommodation included: NOT INCLUDED