ECUADOR
REYNOLDA ON THE ROAD
IN THE STEPS OF FREDERIC CHURCH
JANUARY 12 to 18, 2020
$3350 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 $950. Trip price includes a $250 fully tax-deductible contribution to Reynolda House of American Art.
PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ITINERARY FOR INFORMATION ON OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
ACCOMMODATIONS :: HACIENDA CUSIN (SAN PABLO DEL LAGO OTAVALO), CASA GANGOTENA (QUITO)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
Our trip begins at Quito’s International Airport, Sucre, where participants will be met for the approximately 70 minute drive, past the Equatorial Line and snow-capped *Cayambe, to Hacienda Cusin, a restored, 17th century Andean estate; a light supper before it’s off to bed and the comforts of log fires, hot water bottles, and a sound sleep.
MONDAY, JANUARY 13
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.
Enjoy a lively discussion of Frederic Church’s adventures led by Allison Perkins.
Dessert in a private house, Huasi Olana, overlooking 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 14
This morning we visit nearby village markets to meet with and learn about the work of artisans from various regions of Ecuador, including: San Antonio, wood-carving; Cotacachi, leather and suede; Peguche, weaving, and Iluman, 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 15
This is a morning to choose your own adventure whether it be horseback riding, mountain-biking, valley-walking or squash.
Lunch in Cusin’s 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 16
After breakfast we depart for Quito’s Spanish-colonial quarter and the restored, 19th century Casa Gangotena, near cathedrals, monasteries and cobblestone 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 17
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 18
Main portion of our trip ends with an early breakfast and transfer to Sucre International Airport.