Hacienda Zuleta & Otavalo Extension

You will be met upon arrival at the Quito airport and transferred to the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel for overnight...Meals on your own

Morning pickup from your Quito hotel and drive north along the Pan-American Highway into the lush Ecuadorian highlands. Arrive in time for lunch and optional afternoon activities at beautiful Hacienda Zuleta, owned by the Galo Plaza-Lasso family, whose members have included two former presidents of Ecuador. Nearly everything served at Zuleta is drawn from its fertile land and thoughtfully prepared by hand...BLD

Today you may wish to explore some of the hacienda’s scenic trails, or join your guide for one of the many tours available on the property. Excursions include a visit to the organic gardens, condor rehabilitation project, chapel, cheese museum, milking sheds, calf stables, embroidery shop, and Cananqui pyramids. Other activities, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and embroidery classes are available at additional cost...BLD

In the morning, visit the village of Otavalo at the foot of the majestic Mt. Imbabura, with its famed market offering the best selection of Ecuadorian woven tapestries, alpaca clothing, and pottery. Otavalo's daily market is a wonderful opportunity to meet the indigenous peoples of Ecuador who come from nearby Quichua mountain villages to buy and sell their wares. After your market visit, enjoy lunch at a local hacienda and a visit the workshop of Master weaver Miguel Andrango in the village of Agato. His workshop walls are lined with weavings; designs are based on Inca patterns and the traditions of Miguel and his family. The workshop uses only pure wool and Alpaca; the weavers card and spin it themselves and then dye it with natural inks made from mosses and seeds.

If time permits, your afternoon concludes with a visit to the picturesque colonial town of Cotacachi, famous for its leatherwork and views of sacred Cuicocha lagoon, a deep-blue crater lake on the lower southern flanks of Mount Cotacachi, before returning to Quito in the late afternoon...BL

For Pre-Trip Extensions

Galápagos Adventure and Ultimate Galápagos: On the final day of your extension (Day 4), you will arrive in Quito and be transferred to our Quito hotel for overnight. Day 4 of the extension is Day 1 of your Galápagos group trip.

Galápagos Private Journey: On the final day of your extension (Day 4), you will arrive in Quito and be transferred to our Quito hotel for overnight. This is an additional overnight in Quito (an "on your own" expense) before your flight to the Galápagos the following day, which is Day 1 of your Private Journey.

For Post-Trip Extensions
Galápagos Adventure, Ultimate Galápagos and Galápagos Private Journey: On the final day of your extension (Day 4), you can connect out to a homeward-bound flight departing Quito, or if needed, add an extra night(s) in Quito.