37 The Mountain Path WHERE: Otavalo and Cotapaxi WHAT: Indigenous people, skilled artisans, dormant volcano Both north and south of Ecuador’s cobbled capital Quito lie incredible towns that are well worth a visit. Head one hour north for a day trip to Otavalo, a town surrounded by the peaks of volcanoes and inhabited predominantly by indigenous people who skillfully craft exquisite handwoven textiles, native silver jewelry and wooden carvings. Pause at Lake Cuicocha to experience stunning views atop a dormant volcanic crater. Head one hour south to Cotapaxi, known as Volcano Alley, with its incredible mountain scenery and indigenous markets, similarly brimming with handmade artisanal wares. WILD RAIL RIDE If you have no fear or vertigo, then why not take the Trans-Andean railroad? This famous track chugs through the Nariz del Diablo, or Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost vertical walls that forces the train to zigzag wildly with its steep ascents and descents. In Riobamba, you can witness the impressive and inactive Chimborazo volcano. The Highlands Way WHERE: Cuenca WHAT: History and culture, architecture, local artisans Ecuador’s Highlands provide a European vibe with its 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial architecture. In fact, the city of Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic Calderon Park offers a chanceto witness the city’s cathedrals – the Old Cathedral, which is a fully restored place of worship now serving as a religious museum, and the Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral, featuring gorgeous blue domes. Indulge in a floral bouquet for your nose with giant roses, lilies and orchids when you head to the delightful outdoor ower market in the Plaza de las Flores.. Delve into Cuenca’s ancient history from its time as settlement for the Cañari to when it homed the Inca people. Hidden for centuries under a Spanish flour mill, witness primordial structures. Discover the history and traditions behind the famous Panama hat with a visit to a dedicated Museo del Sombrero and store. In the nearby idyllic towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, you can observe the artisanal traditions for hand-embroidered clothing, alpaca woven shawls, high-quality leather goods and unearth gold and silver jewelry, woodcarvings and ceramics. Visit on a Sunday when the open markets hubbub with life! Conscious Cuisine Head to Hacienda La Danesa, located close to Guayaquil to meet the third generation of the Olsen family at their historical farm. Situated by teakwood trees and rivers, the farm provides an authentic, sustainable farm experience. Once a traditional dairy farm, the property has banana and cocoa plantations that are ideal for wandering through, as well as a large organic vegetable garden and restaurant that allows you to have your own delicious, healthy farm to fork experience. You can also experience an exclusive guided tour through the process of making fine artisan chocolates from cocoa beans. RECOMMENDED ROUTE 15 Days / 14 Nights Quito (2) - Yasuni (3) - Cotopaxi (1) - Riobamba (1) - Cuenca (2) - Guayaquil (1) - Galapagos (4) - Quito (0) Starting from USD 9,905 / person Are Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on your bucket list? Contact Natalie Silva on natalie@enchantingtravels for your personal tailor-made travel proposal! The Mountain Path WHERE: Otavalo and Cotapaxi WHAT: Indigenous people, skilled artisans, dormant volcano Both north and south of Ecuador’s cobbled capital Quito lie incredible towns that are well worth a visit. Head one hour north for a day trip to Otavalo, a town surrounded by the peaks of volcanoes and inhabited predominantly by indigenous people who skillfully craft exquisite handwoven textiles, native silver jewelry and wooden carvings. Pause at Lake Cuicocha to experience stunning views atop a dormant volcanic crater. Head one hour south to Cotapaxi, known as Volcano Alley, with its incredible mountain scenery and indigenous markets, similarly brimming with handmade artisanal wares. WILD RAIL RIDE If you have no fear or vertigo, then why not take the Trans-Andean railroad? This famous track chugs through the Nariz del Diablo, or Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost vertical walls that forces the train to zigzag wildly with its steep ascents and descents. In Riobamba, you can witness the impressive and inactive Chimborazo volcano. The Highlands Way WHERE: Cuenca WHAT: History and culture, architecture, local artisans Ecuador’s Highlands provide a European vibe with its 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial architecture. In fact, the city of Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic Calderon Park offers a chanceto witness the city’s cathedrals – the Old Cathedral, which is a fully restored place of worship now serving as a religious museum, and the Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral, featuring gorgeous blue domes. Indulge in a floral bouquet for your nose with giant roses, lilies and orchids when you head to the delightful outdoor ower market in the Plaza de las Flores.. Delve into Cuenca’s ancient history from its time as settlement for the Cañari to when it homed the Inca people. Hidden for centuries under a Spanish flour mill, witness primordial structures. Discover the history and traditions behind the famous Panama hat with a visit to a dedicated Museo del Sombrero and store. In the nearby idyllic towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, you can observe the artisanal traditions for hand-embroidered clothing, alpaca woven shawls, high-quality leather goods and unearth gold and silver jewelry, woodcarvings and ceramics. Visit on a Sunday when the open markets hubbub with life! Conscious Cuisine Head to Hacienda La Danesa, located close to Guayaquil to meet the third generation of the Olsen family at their historical farm. Situated by teakwood trees and rivers, the farm provides an authentic, sustainable farm experience. Once a traditional dairy farm, the property has banana and cocoa plantations that are ideal for wandering through, as well as a large organic vegetable garden and restaurant that allows you to have your own delicious, healthy farm to fork experience. You can also experience an exclusive guided tour through the process of making fine artisan chocolates from cocoa beans. RECOMMENDED ROUTE 15 Days / 14 Nights Quito (2) - Yasuni (3) - Cotopaxi (1) - Riobamba (1) - Cuenca (2) - Guayaquil (1) - Galapagos (4) - Quito (0) Starting from USD 9,905 / person Are Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on your bucket list? Contact Natalie Silva on natalie@enchantingtravels for your personal tailor-made travel proposal!