Tread the narrow, cobblestone streets of colonial Quito. Wander through the sprawling, colorful marketplace at Otavalo. Explore the charming, rural countryside of the Valley of the Volcanoes, and take a thrilling train ride through the Andes Mountains via the Devil's Nose to Cuenca in the southern highlands. Roam the market stalls in colonial Cuenca, and all along the way, stay in quaint, historic hostelries. Now you will have an understanding ofEcuador's rich colonial past and vibrant present. EcoAdventures' innovative routing in Ecuador combines these unique elements into ten fabulous days of history, handicrafts, country inns and memories! This is a very special tour for the discerning traveler, locally hosted throughout with our own private driver and guide.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Quito, capital of Ecuador. Meeting service at the airport and transfer to your selected hotel.

Day 2: Quito City Tour - Today a motorcoach tour will take you around the colonial center of Quito to see the carved stone facade of the House of Congress, which depicts scenes from Ecuadorian history. Facing the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral, Independence Square precedes a stop at the Church of La Compania (dating from 1605) with its breathtaking gilded altars. Finally stop at the arts and crafts gallery of Tianquez. (B)

Day 3: Quito to Otavalo - Drive north through the Awakening Valley to Ibarra, noted for wood carvers and artisans. Stops will be made en route at the bread-doll factories of Calderon and San Pablo Lake. Take time to explore and shop, and by all means, bargain! Retrace part of the route to Otavalo and overnight in the 16th century Pinsaqui Hacienda. This colonial gem is complete with its own quiet chapel, library with fireplace and more than a dozen comfortable, antique colonial rooms. Lunch is included. (B, L)

Day 4: Otavalo Market/Quito - Breakfast at your hotel, and depart early this morning for nearby Otavalo (the Persia of South America), and be among the first to arrive at its famous market. Walk among the Otavalo Indians, an aristocratic people and highly skilled weavers. Visit also the village's large square, a shopper's paradise of woolen rugs, wall hangings, and embroidered and knit clothing. Otavaleños sell their goods throughout Ecuador, but here you will find the best selection and prices. Lunch at a charming hacienda before your return to Quito. A repesentative of the Inca hacienda will meet you in Quito and transfer you south to their beautiful Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, nestled in the rolling hills at the base of Cotopaxi Volcano. All meals are included. (B, L, D)

Day 5: At San Agustin de Callo – Today you will have a full-day excursion to Cotopaxi National Park, nestled in the shadow of Cotopaxi (left), the world's highest active volcano (19,000 feet). You will see many and varied species of flora and fauna as you traverse the different ecosystems from valley floor to cloud forest to high altitude desert. Lunch is provided by the hacienda. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Cotopaxi to Quito - Morning at leisure to enjoy the activities at the hacienda before your afternoon transfer back to Quito to your selected hotel. Activities available include horseback riding, hiking in the 'paramo' and long walks along country roads, fishing at nearby streams and visits to an artisan village in Tigua,or the market towns of Saquisili (market on Thursdays), Pujili (market on Sundays) and Latacunga (market Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) and to a nearby rose plantation. (B, L)

Day 7: Quito to Cuenca - Morning transfer to the airport for your short flight to Cuenca, Ecuador, scenically located in the Southern Highlands of Ecuador. Meeting service and transfer to the Hotel Santa Lucia, a colonial treasure and richly restored to its former splendor. This afternoon you will enjoy a tour of Cuenca with its popular market renowned for arts and crafts. Ikat textiles, colorful pottery and the famous 'Panama' hats are all produced in this region and would be interesting additions to any Ecuadorian souvenirs. The day will give you a view of life as it once was in all of Ecuador forty years ago. (B)

Day 8: In Cuenca – A day at leisure for optional sightseeing and shopping on your own. (B)

Day 9: Cuenca to Quito - You will have free time in Cuenca until the short flight back to Quito for overnight at your selected hotel. (B)

Day 10: Homeward Bound - Transfer to the airport, or extend your stay in Ecuador with additional optional destinations to the Galapagos Islands and/or rainforest expeditions into the Napo River. (B)