ECUADOR
IN THE STEPS OF FREDERIC CHURCH
JANUARY 19 to 25, 2020
$2600 per person, double occupancy, includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, 6-nights accommodations, all trip-related transfers and transportation, admissions, guides and gratuities. Excluded airfare, alcoholic beverages unless as specified in the itinerary. Single supplement is $600.
A link to additional information on additional multi-day excursions appears at the bottom of the main itinerary.
Accommodations: HACIENDA CUSIN (San Pablo del Lago, Imbabura) CASA SAN MARCOS (Quito)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
Our trip begins at Quito’s Sucre International Airport where participants will be met for the approximately 70 minute, scenic Andean drive, via the Equatorial Line and snow-capped Cayambe to Hacienda Cusin, a restored, 17th century property; a light supper before bed and the comforts of log-fires hot-water bottles.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
After a waiter-served, fireside breakfast, a welcome in antiques-furnished Sala Bolivar, followed by a tour of Cusin’s extensive landscaped gardens, monastery, and stables.
Lunch :: Las Palmeras Inn, Hacienda Cusin’s sister hotel, on Mojanda mountain.
Dessert in a private house, Huasi Olana, overlooking often snowcapped Cotacachi mountain.
In the afternoon the group will visit the Parque Condor over 125 birds of prey, including the American Eagle and, of course, the Andean Condor.
Dinner by candlelight and log-fire at Hacienda Cusin.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21
This morning we visit nearby village markets to meet with and learn about the work of regional artisans, including San Antonio de Ibarra for wood-carving; Cotacachi for leather and suede; Peguche for weaving and Iluman for hat-making and Andean musical instruments.
Lunch :: La Mirage, famous for its fine food and many peacocks strutting manicured gardens.
After lunch we head to the great market town of Otavalo, the last of a pre-Incan culture.
Dinner at Hacienda Cusin accompanied by balladeer Ramiro Morales.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
This is a morning to choose your own adventure whether it be horseback riding, mountain-biking, valley-walking or squash.
We lunch today in Cusin’s main gardens, along with a performance by flamboyant folklorica dancers.
After lunch we tour Montes Rose Plantation, adjacent to the Hacienda, exporter of several million roses annually.
We enjoy a festive farewell dinner at Hacienda Cusin.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
After breakfast we depart, via snow-capped Cayambe, for Quito’s Spanish-colonial quarter and the restored, 19th century Casa San Marcos, near cathedrals, monasteries and cobble-stone plazas.
Lunch in the 16th century Plaza San Francisco.
After lunch we tour the triumphant 16th century Moorish-Baroque San Francisco Cathedral and
Alabado Pre-Columbian Museum, housed in a 18th century colonial residence.
We enjoy a private reception in a colonial home.
Dinner :: Open
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Today we continue to our exploration of Quito with a walking tour that includes Cathedral of Quito, the unique Mudéjar Moorish-Baroque La Compania Cathedral, Quito City Museum and San Agustin Monastery.
Today we lunch in Plaza Independencia, adjacent to the Presidential Palace.
This afternoon our city tour continues.
We end our time together with an n elegant dinner at Zazu Restaurant.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
Main portion of our trip ends with an early breakfast and transfer to Sucre International Airport.