GALAPAGOS - reawaken your sense of wonder

Just like Galapagos, Machu Picchu in neighbouring Peru is one of those globally recognized iconic places.  Also a World Heritage site, it is located on the crest of an Andean mountain and accessible either via the famed Inca Trail, or by train. 

Machu Picchu lies within the Sacred Valley of the Incas which in itself provides many opportunities to discover other fascinating archaeological sites and living local culture.   

The usual hub for exploring this part of the world is the beautiful city of Cuzco (again, a World Heritage site), rich in colonial heritage, and reflective of the hybridized culture of the indigenous groups of the area and the descendants of the Spanish settlers.   The city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, and by merely walking the streets one sees the layers of history. Spanish colonial buildings erected directly atop Inca walls line the square, while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst.  At 3,400 m above sea level, Cuzco is a full 1,000 m higher than Machu Picchu.

We have identified a unique boutique hotel in Cuzco which can serve as your cozy base from which you can explore the region.   You might want to consider taking 5 days to zip over the Cuzco and Machu Picchu from Ecuador.

Just a 2.5 hour drive from Quito, Otavalo is the ancestral trading ground of the business savvy Otavalo Indians.  These handsome locals are easily recognized by their traditional dress: white pants and a dark poncho for men; a dark skirt and a white blouse with colourful embroidery and colourful waisteband for women. Both men and women wear their hair long (the men usually platted).

Otavalo hosts the biggest traditional crafts and food market in the country.  You will find a wide range of weavings, jewelry, clothes, wood and stone carvings, paintings, Panama hats, and and some products from neighbouring Peru and Colombia.

Otavalo Indians are well known for their troubadour lifestyle - you can spot them playing the pan pipes in tourist areas around the world. 

Visit the market in the morning, taking your time and stopping for a coffee in one of the many nearby cafes.  Wander the side streets, and have a tasty lunch and at simple but most stylish local restaurant.  Take a short walk to a nearby waterfall, and return to your  internationally renowned colonial era boutique hotel for a full spa experience in the afternoon followed by an intimate but memorable meal at its highly rated restaurant.

Another World Heritage site – Cuenca was founded in 1557 by the Conquistadores.  They had usurped the area from the Inca's who themselves had only recently taken it over from the previous indigenous masters.   

Cuenca is the Ecuadorian capital of class – known for its artistic and intellectual heritage.  The “Cuencanos” are said to speak with the loveliest Spanish accent anywhere.  The people value their heritage and it shows – so much so that expats are increasingly choosing to retire in this tranquil yet vibrant city.   

Wander the town serendipitously - cafes and galleries are tucked among the narrow cobblestone streets. Watch the Cuencanos go about their daily lives.   Take some time to shop around for a high quality “superfino” Panama hat – ironically, these originate from Ecuador, not Panama.  If you're up to it, arrange to go on a day hike at nearby Cajas National Park - famous for its rich plant diversity and 275 lakes. 

Who knows - perhaps you'll want to explore the local real estate after being charmed by this town and plan for your return.

Many of the Amazon headwaters are found just  a short distance form Quito, over the Andean mountain divide.   Take the opportunity to immerse yourself into a completely different world by taking a short, 45 minute flight to a riverside airstrip, from which you'll be whisked to a jungle lodge by motorized canoe.

Over the past 10-15 years, the jungle lodge experience has improved in the Amazon. A few comfortable, safe establishments provide an ideal base from which to get a taste for what the world's largest river system is about.  

Unique birds, giant river otters, boas, massive trees and insects... your guide will introduce you to the diversity of this ecosystem.  Local Huaorani Indians may be called upon to teach you how to use a blow gun.   If you dare, you might even want to taste the local, lemon flavoured ants.   Why not?

You can experience the Andean páramo ecosystem just a few kilometres beyond the Quito city limits. 

Above the timberline, high altitude grasslands with unique plant species drape over a rugged landscape of plains, cliffs and volcanoes -  ideal habitat for Vultur gryphus -  the "bone breaking" Andean condor.  The condor is highly respected in Ecuador - gracing its flag.  Take a guided 4x4 safari to this desolate, windswept big sky landscape - and stop at a cliffside refuge with a cup of hot coffee, scanning the horizon for this master of the skies.  If you're inclined, continue on horseback to get a sense for the wide open spaces, and hear the swish of the wind over the hardy Andean grasses. 

With a little luck, you'll spot condors, wings spread wide, riding thermals, or roosting on cliff sides.  Follow-it up with a late lunch and R&R at nearby thermal hot springs lodge.   If your flight out of Quito is in the evening, you can organize a páramo visit before your departure.  You can make this an easy day trip out of Quito, or if you have time, spend a night at a hot springs lodge.  

Ecuador is a small country (the size of the U.S. state of Minnesota) but because it includes coastal tropical, Andean and amazon regions, it is among the 17 "mega biodiverse" countries in the world.  For example, 1,659 bird species have been recorded in Ecuador (16% of the the world total), even though the country contains less than 0.2% of the world's land area. 

The country is also culturally rich, with a very vibrant mix of pre-Colombian indigenous groups taking their rightful place in modern society, and the various waves of immigrants who began arriving in the 16th century.  From authentic indigenous culture, to locally adapted cultural imports (Spanish, Italian, Lebanese and more), you can be dazzled by how influences from different parts of the world have come together to produce marvels of folkloric art, crafts, textiles, paintings, and of course culinary delights.

We propose some ideas for your consideration.  If any of these pique your fancy, feel free to let us know and we can discuss how we can integrate them into your visit. 

• Dry coastal forests of Ecuador (sloths, butterflies and birds)
• Exclusive “behind the scenes” visit of the Charles Darwin Research Station. The director is a friend - and he should accommodate a special "look-see".
• Discover chocolate - from the amazon plantations to the roasting ovens, to tasting the final product in a delightful Quito chocolate café.
• Accompanied tour of the highest quality textiles, arts, crafts jewelry boutiques in Quito.
• Stay behind in Galapagos for a few days, and "zen out" on the best beaches of Ecuador.
• Rose plantations - where many of the roses sold in North America are produced - an old school friend or ours married a rose plantation owner.
• Climb Mount Chimborazo (not for beginners...)
• Bird watching with a lifelong, passionate birder as your private guide.
• Play some high altitude golf, and see how far you can hit the ball.
• ...