Compare Hacienda Circle Tour - Ecuador by Adventure Unbound vs Galapagos Islands Retreat by Tours of Distinction
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,200 | $ 4,000 |
| Price Per Day | $ 525 | $ 500 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
6 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 5 Dinners |
| Description |
The Ecuador hacienda tour takes guests on a journey to Ecuador experiencing their finest collection of haciendas. These exquisite haciendas have been kept in the same Ecuadorian families for centuries. We've personally been to and have inspected each one and feel we've put together a tour that authentically showcases these historical sites. Focused around the haciendas, yes, but each place has exciting activities that are all-inclusive in the tour. You'll visit ancient Indian Markets, horseback to the archaeological remains of the Caranqui culture, visit a condor colony, and even mountain bike at the Cotopaxi volcano if you'd like! Of course, the food will be locally sourced and prepared and often becomes the highlight of the trip to many guests. |
Be inspired by the serenity of yoga on this wellness tour of the Galapagos Islands where wildlife frolics unfettered and free on this wildlife and wellness vacation. The journey begins in Quito, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then visits four Galapagos Islands where you can walk in the footsteps of Darwin. Imagine the thrill of spotting penguins, flamingos, and giant tortoises, watching the dance of marine iguanas and seeing a parade of blue-footed boobies as frigate birds soar overhead. |
Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation : Hacienda Rumiloma
Custom Trip Note: Below is our most popular hacienda itinerary in Ecuador, however, we can customize this trip at every turn to fit your availability, trip preference, activities, budget, lodging preferences or any other reason. Please call us at 800-451-6034 to customize a trip.
Welcome to Quito to start your Ecuador hacienda tour! Assistance and transfer from the airport to the Hacienda Rumiloma in the new town of Quito.
Day 2: Quito and Mitad del Mundo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Hacienda Rumiloma
Today you will drive down the northern built-up area towards the great Parliament Buildings, where you can see stone murals which chronicle the history of Ecuador. Saunter downtown as you tour the St. Augustine Convent, its cloisters, imperial terrace, coffered ceilings and the immense assortment of painting which depict St. Augustine’s life. Tour the Independence Plaza which is bordered by the incredible Cathedral, the Presidential residence, the Municipal edifice and the palace of the Archbishop. One of the most sacred buildings in the New World, the Church of San Francisco, will be waiting for you down the road. This building has a striking frontage and foyer which lead one to the golden core, which is a decorative influence of the Moors, with the Virgin of Quito winged within its principal altar.
A delicious lunch awaits you at a downtown customary restaurant that serves traditional Ecuadorian delicacies and has entertaining live music. The Recoleta of San Diego is your next stop. This is where laymen and monks used to retreat to during colonialism. Recent reconstruction has saved the church building, its religious garden, its sculptures and pictures, the altar framework and caissoned ceilings. There will be time later to visit the Quito City Museum, where you will view depictions of life in Quito beginning 10,000 BC to the 20th Century’s culmination. Originally, this magnificent building was a hospital. It is now a mandatory site for people who visit Quito. Take time to tour the House of Urrutita which was occupied by descendants of the original family. This imperial mansion is still intact.
Day 3: Otavalo Market
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Hacienda Zuleta
You will wake up early on the third day of your Ecuador hacienda tour and embark on the journey north through the Pan-American Highway along which you will see amazing mountain landscapes. On reaching Cayambe, breakfast will be ready at the welcoming Hacienda “La Compañia”. Travel north to Otavalo and tour the Indian Market at Otavalo. Regional Indian markets have been at the core of the life of Indians for centuries. This way, they have afforded customary places for gathering, commerce and socializing. Andean Valley local markets are colorful and also famed for excellent handicrafts.
You will have to go back to pre-Inca era to know the origin of the Indian Market at Otavalo which is renowned for its cloth, which is woven using shuttle looms and back straps. No Indian fair in South America is more famous than Otavalo. Silent barter trade still takes place among the Otavaleños as compared to other noisy markets. Amble on the narrow paved streets on your way to the market and rub shoulders with local Indians dressed in white trousers, blue honchos and elongated braided hair. A Hacienda or appealing country inn will host you for lunch. The Cotacachi leather shop awaits you after lunch after which you will visit the Hacienda Zuleta, where a private room and beautiful garden scenes will greet you. A classic hors-d’oeuvres and homely beverage in the living room of the Hacienda will form part of your evening. Your host will be the Hacienda’s owner who will also chat with you and explain the history of the Hacienda. Your traditional dinner will be made from the Hacienda’s organic produce. You will feast on soup, vegetables, salads, chicken, trout and beef.
Day 4: Zuleta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Hacienda Zuleta
If you wake up early enough you will watch birds and take part in the milking process in the Hacienda. Breakfast over, you will embark on the “Condor’s Trail”, to view Caranqui archeological remains, see condors and tour trout farms. You can also ride a horse on the trail. If the weather permits you will take a picnic lunch. Alternatively, you could eat at the Hacienda.
After lunch, you will tour the embroidery center which is a joint venture between the cheese factory and the Hacienda Foundation. This evening, you will tour the Hacienda’s Galo Plazo library which belonged to the Secretary of OAS (Organization of American States) and former Ecuadorian President. As soon as dinner is finished, you will relax around a fireplace and gaze at the stars from the patio at the center of the Hacienda.
Day 5: 4San Agustín de Callo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda San Agustín de Callo
Stroll around the Hacienda Zuleta early in the morning or take a short horse ride. Travel southwards after breakfast, be at Hacienda Shungu Huasi by lunchtime and eat at its amiable dining room. Resume the journey towards the south through the Volcanoes Avenue and on to Hacienda San Agustín de Callo. You will be walking in the footsteps of Alexander von Humboldt, a German scientist, as you pass through what, in 1802 ,he named the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. It's a delightful path encumbered by snow-capped peaks. Early societies developed new mythologies from this beautiful area. Spanish conquerors were also enchanted by this area and settled here.
There are rivers and brooks which meander down the mountains through hamlets, adobe abodes and furrowed farmlands. Below the striking Cotopaxi Volcano is the beautiful Hacienda San Agustín de Callo. If the weather allows, you will tour the Cotopaxi National Park, riding on horseback or a bike. When you return to the Hacienda, your host (the owner) will eat with you in the living room while narrating the Hacienda's history. For dinner, you will eat shrimp, lamb and vegetables from the garden in the Hacienda.
Day 6: Indian Market & Hacienda Chillo Jijón
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda Chillo Jijón
You will tour an indigenous Indian market in the vicinity after a buffet morning meal. These markets in the Ecuadorian mountainous areas are characterized by color, local dresses for both male and female Indians, neat rows of fresh produce, blue skies and brilliantly-colored woolen sweaters woven by hand. You will also see Tiugua’s naïf paintings; displays of handicrafts, products and wares in the plazas and various farm produce all of which create an attractive chance for one to take photos. Lunch will be served at the San Agustín de Callo before you leave for Hacienda Chillo Jijón. Mid afternoon will find you the Hacienda where you will be accommodated and later join others for cocktails presided over by the Hacienda’s owner. Dinner will be served at the gorgeous dining room which was built in colonial times.
Day 7: Chillo Jijón & Art Galleries
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena
After breakfast, you can sample the hacienda’s amenities, like the tennis court, ride a bike, ride a horse or take a brief walk in the adjacent gardens. Lunch at the hacienda will be followed by the journey back to Quito where attractive Art Galleries await you.
Dinner at Restaurant Mare Nostrum. Accommodations at the #1 Hotel in South America, #6 in the World: Casa Gangotena Hotel
Day 8: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Sadly we say goodby today to the Ecuador hacienda tour. However, you do not need to say good-bye to Ecuador as you can extend your vacation to the Galapagos Islands or to the Amazon Rainforest.
Transfer from the hotel to airport for departure flight.
Day 1 - Home - Quito, Ecuador
Today, transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, we transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - Quito, Ecuador
Following breakfast, we head out to explore Quito. Our city tour of Quito includes: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo which is a statue of the virgin of Quito that overlooks and protects the city.
Then, we travel to the middle-of-the-world, Mitad-del-Mundo. At 0 degrees latitude, you can stand with both feet in each hemisphere and learn the gravitational forces at work along this imaginary line. We have some free time this afternoon before our included dinner this evening at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 3 - Quito - Galapagos Islands
This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the Quito airport for our flight to the Galápagos Islands. We arrive on the island of Baltra and transfer to our hotel in Santa Cruz. After check-in, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to the Island’s unique wildlife and history. The Charles Darwin Research Station works to preserve the unique and balanced ecosystem. Here, we have a thorough introduction to the flora and fauna that make these islands so special.
Later, we travel to Rancho Chato, in the highlands of Santa Cruz, and get up-close and personal with the giant Galápagos tortoise. The area also has volcanic lava tubes we can explore underground. We top off our time in these spectacular natural surroundings with a local, traditional lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we hop-over by speed boat and visit South Plazas, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. Though one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, it has the island chain’s largest population of land iguanas. Birdlife is also abundant. Look out for red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions frolicking the water as we tour the area. Our time on South Plaza includes lunch before we return to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Galapagos Islands
We begin our day with a yoga lesson in Tortuga Bay. Tortuga bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of white sandy beach and turquoise waters in the Galapagos Islands.
This morning, we depart for San Cristobal to witness amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations. Each island in the Galapagos is truly a different experience and San Cristobal is one of the most unique. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon, we head into the highlands of San Cristobal and have a yoga lesson in the typical highlands of the San Cristobal.
San Cristobal is the fifth largest and easternmost island in the Galapagos. It consists of a few fused volcanoes and is the island where Darwin first went ashore in 1835. (B,D)
Day 6 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we take a small boat to Isla Lobos. We have a guided tour and will learn about frigate birds, blue footed boobies and sea lions that inhabit the island from our Naturalist Guide. Afterwards, we have time to snorkel and swim with playful sea lions and observe rays and turtles. We continue to a local restaurant for lunch before ending our Lobos excursion on Playa Ochoa ~ a white coral beach. Here, we have a yoga lesson surrounded by views of the Pacific Ocean.
After, we transfer back to our hotel and have dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Galapagos Islands - Quito
Today, after our last yoga session, we have some free time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing around San Cristobal. Some great sites to explore include:
Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center
A giant tortoise breeding center where you can view various species of these incredible creatures that can to be over 100 years old!
Early this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, we will check-in for our overnight flight home to Bradley International Airport. (B)
Day 8 - Arrive USA
Arrive back in the USA this morning and transfer home rested and relaxed with incredible memories.
*Yoga lessons and snorkeling are included activities. They are not mandatory to participate in.
