Quito is a modern city with a living history. One of Latin America 's most historically important cities.

90 kilometers to the north of Quito is found the most interesting and the largest Indian market in South America, the Otavalo Indian Market. . En route, your tour takes you through Calderon, well known for the manufacture of bread-dough figurines; then continue northwards through dry Andean valleys until reaching Otavalo. Here you will see the Ecuadorian Indians trading and selling their handicrafts and have an opportunity to barter for goods.

Also included in this tour in Ecuador is a visit to Peguche, an Indian village, where you will have the opportunity to learn about native lifestyles. Here you can see the locals working in their fields or weaving in their homes. First, is a visit to the NANDA MANACHI, a musical workshop, where Jose Pichamba, Master of the Band, makes Andean instruments, and then demonstrates these instruments for you; Afterwards, there will be a short musical performance. Then it is on to the home of Jose Cotacachi. Jose is considered the best weaver in the north of Ecuador and you will see him working in his loom, creating beautiful wall hangings, and weaving with his unique designs. Lunch will be served at the Spanish style, Hacienda Cusin or Hacienda Pinsaqui. These haciendas, beautifully located, date back to colonial times and are renowned in the area for fine cuisine.
Return to your hotel with our guide late in the late afternoon.
Private Tour - prices start at $130 per person double occupancy

Ecuador is located on the west coast of South America on the Pacific Ocean and has three distinct areas including the coast, the highlands, located in the Amdes Mountain range and also to the east, the Amazon Region of the country. The population of the country is 9 million and the capital of the country is Quito. Besides Quito, the largest cities are Guayaquil on the coast and also Cuenca in the south. Flights to the Galapagos Islands, normally originate in Quito and stop briefly in Guayaquil Mainland time is exactly one hour later than time in the Galapagos Islands.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador is located in the Andes Mountain range at 9,200 feet above sea level, in a valley surrounded by mountain peaks including the volcano, Pinchincha. The city was once the colonial capital of the Spanish empire in the west, and is adorned in the colonial section of the city by some of the most beautiful cathedrals in South America, or the world. The entire interio of the cathedral, La Compania, is gilded in gold. The colonial center of Quito has been recently renovated and was founded by the Spanish in the 1530's. Many of the original buildings are still standing. The new town section of the city, called the Mariscal, is filled with trendy restaurants and shops and galleries featuring the crafts and artwork of local artists and artisans.