The cultures of the highlands are by no means the oldest, but they are the most visited and known, probably because of their geographical location of easy access by roads and highways. Many communities that live in the highlands still maintain their cultural manifestations through dress, language (Quichua), and festivities. Just 100 km. north of Quito you can visit the Otavalo Indian Market, a must see for anyone that comes to Ecuador.
This market offers a wonderful array of weavings, tapestry, rugs, bags, artwork, and other products made by the community of Otavalo. These people are hardworking, skillful, and artistic. Families work together and sell their products at the fair. These are very proud people who have not lost their cultural identity. Join us during this amazing visit to Otavalo, and the Northern Andes, where we will have three days of extensive photography amidst the artists of this region, landscape and natural scenery, with a specially arranged Shaman visit.
May 31 Quito – Otavalo
We will depart for the famous Otavalo Market today, with wonderful photo opportunities in the artist villages of Inca’s Mitad del Mundo, Cayambe, and San Pablo. Our accommodations for this extension are a unique experience and delight. Pinsaquí’s history stretches back over three centuries. The building originally housed a textile workshop, employing nearly one thousand local weavers and spinners. In the late 1800’s, the unique creations of these workers became internationally renowned, when the "bayetas", a special fabric typical of Pinsaquí, arrived at the World’s Fair in Chicago. During the 1800’s, the hacienda hosted many important guests. Among these was Simón Bolívar, the brilliant Venezuelan general who became known simply as ‘El Libertador’ following his successful struggle to liberate Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru from the Spanish yoke. General Bolívar used to stay here when campaigning, where he found a special peace and tranquility at the hacienda.
Since then, the last five generations of the Freile-Larrea family have maintained ownership and care of this historic hacienda. Throughout the hacienda, you will find impressive chandeliers, acres of marble floors, framed newspaper clippings from the early 1800’s, wonderful aromas of fresh flowers and plants. Tradition in the hacienda remains strong; local Indian musicians from Otavalo entertain listeners with their traditional music and warm characters.
Despite its imposing size and historical associations, Pinsaquí will fill you with warmth and wonder, charm and character, and irreplaceable memories. Overnight Hacienda Pinsaqui. (b, l, d)
June 1 Zuleta - Cotacachi
After breakfast is served, we will receive a tour of the Zuleta Village where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean region and visit the hand-embroidery workshops. In the Andean community of Zuleta, hand embroidery has been an important form of artistic expression and adornment for centuries. Pre-Colombian Andean cultures boast a long tradition of weaving abilities, far surpassing those of Europe in the same era. The Zuleteña women are now renowned for their hand embroidery expertise, unique designs and colors. The style is so distinctive that it has become a form of cultural identification that has persisted to the present day, when so many folk arts are being lost.
On the way back to the hacienda we will stop at the wood carving town of San Antonio de Ibarra and the leatherwork village of Cotacachi, one of the best examples of a typical Ecuadorian small town. The town takes the name of the majestic volcano. Overnight Hacienda Pinsaqui. (b, l, d)
June 2 Illuman – Peguche - Quito
Our last day will be a special one as we visit Illuman, Peguche and Agato. Peguche (translated from the Quichua as "sacred water that comes from above") is an Indian village of high importance for the Otavaleños. Since Pre-Inca times Peguche was a sacred center, and its waterfall is still used by the Shamans of the area each June to give energetic baths to the people and during sacred ceremonies to bless each year's crops. In this village we will visit an indigenous workshop and Shaman. After lunch we return to Quito, where we will have the evening free to relax. Overnight Dann Carlton, Quito (b, l)
June 3 Quito-Home
We will be taken to the airport this morning for flights home. (b)
This market offers a wonderful array of weavings, tapestry, rugs, bags, artwork, and other products made by the community of Otavalo. These people are hardworking, skillful, and artistic. Families work together and sell their products at the fair. These are very proud people who have not lost their cultural identity. Join us during this amazing visit to Otavalo, and the Northern Andes, where we will have three days of extensive photography amidst the artists of this region, landscape and natural scenery, with a specially arranged Shaman visit.
May 31 Quito – Otavalo
We will depart for the famous Otavalo Market today, with wonderful photo opportunities in the artist villages of Inca’s Mitad del Mundo, Cayambe, and San Pablo. Our accommodations for this extension are a unique experience and delight. Pinsaquí’s history stretches back over three centuries. The building originally housed a textile workshop, employing nearly one thousand local weavers and spinners. In the late 1800’s, the unique creations of these workers became internationally renowned, when the "bayetas", a special fabric typical of Pinsaquí, arrived at the World’s Fair in Chicago. During the 1800’s, the hacienda hosted many important guests. Among these was Simón Bolívar, the brilliant Venezuelan general who became known simply as ‘El Libertador’ following his successful struggle to liberate Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru from the Spanish yoke. General Bolívar used to stay here when campaigning, where he found a special peace and tranquility at the hacienda.
Since then, the last five generations of the Freile-Larrea family have maintained ownership and care of this historic hacienda. Throughout the hacienda, you will find impressive chandeliers, acres of marble floors, framed newspaper clippings from the early 1800’s, wonderful aromas of fresh flowers and plants. Tradition in the hacienda remains strong; local Indian musicians from Otavalo entertain listeners with their traditional music and warm characters.
Despite its imposing size and historical associations, Pinsaquí will fill you with warmth and wonder, charm and character, and irreplaceable memories. Overnight Hacienda Pinsaqui. (b, l, d)
June 1 Zuleta - Cotacachi
After breakfast is served, we will receive a tour of the Zuleta Village where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean region and visit the hand-embroidery workshops. In the Andean community of Zuleta, hand embroidery has been an important form of artistic expression and adornment for centuries. Pre-Colombian Andean cultures boast a long tradition of weaving abilities, far surpassing those of Europe in the same era. The Zuleteña women are now renowned for their hand embroidery expertise, unique designs and colors. The style is so distinctive that it has become a form of cultural identification that has persisted to the present day, when so many folk arts are being lost.
On the way back to the hacienda we will stop at the wood carving town of San Antonio de Ibarra and the leatherwork village of Cotacachi, one of the best examples of a typical Ecuadorian small town. The town takes the name of the majestic volcano. Overnight Hacienda Pinsaqui. (b, l, d)
June 2 Illuman – Peguche - Quito
Our last day will be a special one as we visit Illuman, Peguche and Agato. Peguche (translated from the Quichua as "sacred water that comes from above") is an Indian village of high importance for the Otavaleños. Since Pre-Inca times Peguche was a sacred center, and its waterfall is still used by the Shamans of the area each June to give energetic baths to the people and during sacred ceremonies to bless each year's crops. In this village we will visit an indigenous workshop and Shaman. After lunch we return to Quito, where we will have the evening free to relax. Overnight Dann Carlton, Quito (b, l)
June 3 Quito-Home
We will be taken to the airport this morning for flights home. (b)