MAGICAL NEW YEAR IN ECUADOR 8D/7N (LUXURY)

Transfer from airport to hotel (1 hour). Accommodation.

In the evening, enjoy a Chiva Rumbera tour through the main streets of Quito.

Includes: Canelazo (typical Quito hot drink) and live town band music.

08:00 Departure from your hotel heading north to visit the “Plaza de Ponchos” at the Otavalo market, famous for its handicrafts and textiles. Continue to Cotacachi, known for its leather goods stores. Along the way, enjoy the Andean landscapes, including San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura and Cayambe volcanoes. This is essentially a shopping tour rich in local folklore. Next, arrive at the charming town of Atuntaqui, a textile village where you will experience the Bando-Bando. On December 28 in Atuntaqui, Ecuador, the Fiesta de los Inocentes and New Year celebrations begin, a tradition featuring parades, Bando-Bando (a rhymed testament about recent events), and other festive activities. This festival, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ecuador, showcases community participation with parades, floats, music, and dance. Visit the home of Mrs. Piedad Jacome, renowned for preparing traditional local tamales, both savory and sweet, which you will have the opportunity to taste. Finally, transfer to your hotel in Quito.

Approx. 09:30 departure to explore the Historic Center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit: La Basílica (entrance included to see its towers and giant stained-glass windows), Plaza Grande, Presidential Palace, La Compañía de Jesús (entrance and guided tour included) Plaza and Church of San Francisco, Panecillo Hill viewpoint with the Virgin of Quito, Then transfer to Mitad del Mundo, with time for lunch and visits to: Monument to the Equator Line (entrance included), Intiñan Museum (entrance included). Optional: stop at the Quito Teleferico (cable car) if time allows, at your own expense. Otherwise, return to each hotel. Accommodation.

07:30 Departure from your hotel in Quito. Visit Cotopaxi National Park, located 70 km southeast of Quito. Walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, with opportunities to observe birds, wild horses, and the Chuquirahua (Andean flower), surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Continue to the Western Andes to visit the enigmatic Quilotoa Lagoon, where you can admire its crater and unique scenery. In the afternoon, arrive in Baños, the city of hot springs and waterfalls, located at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano. Free time to explore this picturesque town or relax in the thermal pools. 19:30 Evening Chiva tour to visit viewpoints and attractions (included). Accommodation.

Adventure Day: 07:00 departure and return at 14:00. Transfers to the Amazonian town of Puyo, visiting Balsa handicrafts and a forest walk to learn about local plants and the Quichua community. At 15:00, group meeting at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Casa del Árbol, where you can swing, then Pailón del Diablo Waterfall and the Agoyán Waterfall Cable Car. In the evening, celebrate New Year’s Eve with live music, DJ, dinner, fireworks display, burning of effigies, and typical New Year’s customs and rituals. Accommodation.

In the morning, after breakfast, we continue our journey to the Píllaro canton to celebrate the famous Diablada de Píllaro. The Diablada de Píllaro is a very important cultural festival in Ecuador, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Its main purpose is to keep alive an ancestral tradition passed down through generations. During the Diablada, the streets of Píllaro are filled with color, music, and joy, with participants wearing elaborate costumes and masks. The Diablada is an unforgettable experience, offering the opportunity to witness a unique and vibrant tradition. At the agreed time, transfer to Quito. Accommodation.

This cooking class and market tour in Quito with a professional chef allows you to take home more than just photos, as you will learn to prepare traditional recipes with a gourmet touch in the historic center of Quito. In the evening, at the scheduled time, our expert beer sommeliers will guide you on a flavorful journey of local Ecuadorian craft beer, featuring various local ingredients that create delicious experiences. You will enjoy 3 samples of local beers, and at the end, a pint of your choice from our house beers will be available. Our taps change daily, so be ready to try something new!

Transfer to the airport and return flight. End of services.