Ecuador: Avenue of the Volcanoes & the Galapagos Islands featuring the Haciendas of the Andes with Optional 4 Night Ecuador Amazon Pre Tour Extension

Transcription

1 Sheron Watkins-The Travel Group presents... Ecuador: Avenue of the Volcanoes & the Galapagos Islands featuring the Haciendas of the Andes with Optional 4 Night Ecuador Amazon Pre Tour Extension 16 Days 35 Meals: 15 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners February 10 25, 2014 $ 250

2 Highlights...Quito Middle of the World Otavalo Indigenous Market Culinary Demonstration Cuicocha Crater Lake Andes Mountain Train Folklore Shows La Magdalena & Homestay* Rose Plantation Cotopaxi National Park Baños Riobamba Ingapirca Archaeological Site Cuenca Panama Hat Factory Banana & Cacao Plantation Guayaquil 5-Day Galapagos Cruise DON T MISS OUT! BOOK NOW M/V Galapagos Legend - Superior Cabin Rates: Double $7, pp M/V Galapagos Legend - Junior Suite Cabin Rates: Double $8, pp M/V Galapagos Legend - Balcony Cabin Rates: Double $8, pp Regular rates: M/V Galapagos Legend - Superior Cabin Rates: Double $7, pp M/V Galapagos Legend - Junior Suite Cabin Rates: Double $8, pp M/V Galapagos Legend - Balcony Cabin Rates: Double $9, pp Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Sacramento Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Attraction Taxes and Fees, Hotel Transfers, Gratuities for guides and drivers are Ship gratuities are not Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $305 per person IMPORTANT CONDITIONS: Your price is subject to increase prior to the time you make full payment. Your price is not subject to increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees. Once deposited, you have 7 days to send us written consumer consent or withdraw consent and receive a full refund. (See registration form for consent.) $ 250 Immerse Yourself Stay in centuries-old Andean haciendas boasting rich Spanish colonial history these estate accommodations are unique to Ecuador. Marvel at Cotopaxi Volcano s perfectly shaped cone during a tour of the national park and lunch at a hacienda. Ride the Andes Mountain Train and enjoy a folklore show in the local community. Embark on a five-day cruise of the Galapagos Islands with a naturalist guide see blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas and more! Admire the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about conservation projects. Day 1: Monday, February 10, 2014 Quito, Ecuador - Tour Begins Begin in Quito, Ecuador s stunning capital city. Day 2: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Quito Tour Quito s colonial center, the largest and best-preserved in Latin America Visit the Equatorial Line Monument at the Middle of the World Cross from one hemisphere to another Sample Ecuadorian cuisine at the welcome dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 3: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Quito - Imbabura - Otavalo Travel to the region of Imbabura, known for towering volcanoes See local artisans create traditional Masapan bread dough figurines Experience the colorful sights and sounds of the Otavalo Market Visit the Andean Instruments Museum in Peguche village Meet local residents at lunch and enjoy indigenous music and dance See the legendary birds of the Andes at Condor Park Arrive at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda for an overnight in Old World elegance Enjoy a culinary demonstration and sample canelazo, an Ecuadorian spiced drink. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 4: Thursday, February 13, 2014 Otavalo-Cuicocha Crater Lake-Andes Mountain Train-Optional Homestay* Travel to the foot of the Cotocachi Volcano and cruise spectacular Cuicocha Crater Lake Take an unforgettable train ride through the Andes viewing fertile valleys and indigenous villages Visit Salinas, where lunch features regional specialties and Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance Sample helado de paila, a local fruit ice cream, before returning to historic Hacienda Pinsaquí Or, choose a home-cooked dinner and homestay* with the Karanki community of La Magdalena on the slopes of Cubilche Volcano The Karanki welcome visitors into charming guest houses to learn about their culture. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 5: Friday, February 14, 2014 La Magdalena - Otavalo - Cotopaxi Witness the extraordinary community tourism project at La Magdalena and learn how the Collette Foundation is helping to support its residents Dive into the shepherding and harvesting activities Continue south past Quito on the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes Settle in at your home for the next two nights, the distinguished Hosteria La Cienega. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 6: Saturday, February 15, 2014 Cotopaxi National Park Tour a rose plantation hacienda and learn about the production of one of Ecuador s most fragrant exports Journey to Cotopaxi National Park and the high Andean páramo, a neo-tropical ecosystem Marvel at the perfect snow-capped cone of one of the world s highest active volcanoes Pause at serene Limpiopungo Lagoon, home to rare high altitude birds, wild horses and llamas Enjoy a lunch featuring local cuisine Visit an indigenous highlands market in the village of Latacunga Return to

3 your hacienda to relax. Today breakfast and lunch will be Day 7: Sunday, February 16, 2014 Cotopaxi - Baños - Riobamba Stop at San Antonio de Salcedo to sample the exotic fruit-flavored, hand-churned ice cream Continue down the Avenue of the Volcanoes towards the town of Baños, at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano Soak in the incomparable views at this gateway to the Amazon Spend some free time exploring the hot springs and visit the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water Don t miss sampling melocha, a locally-made sugar cane taffy candy Catch views of the famed Bride s Mantle and Devil s Cauldron cascades on the Avenue of the Waterfalls Continue to Riobamba, a town shadowed by five snowcapped peaks Stay at colonial Hacienda Abraspungo Savor an Ecuadorian meal and folkloric music. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 8: Monday, February 17, 2014 Riobamba - Ingapirca - Cuenca Tour Riobamba, the Ecuadorian capital under Spanish rule, boasting 18th-century architecture In nearby Colta, home to indigenous Quichua people, admire the transparent Colta lagoon and Balbanera Church, the first Catholic church in the country Wind through Andean valleys shrouded in clouds Visit Ingapirca, the largest pre-columbian archaeological site in Ecuador Admire the Incan masonry at the Temple of the Sun Soak in the ambience during lunch at a 200-year-old hacienda Arrive in elegant Cuenca, once the second largest city in the Inca Empire. Today breakfast and lunch will be Day 9: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Cuenca Explore Cuenca s unique architectural legacy during a tour highlighting the churches and palaces of Calderon Park and the blue-domed Old Cathedral built in 1557 Enjoy fresh flowers at the Mercado de la Flores and visit the renowned Central Bank Museum and botanical gardens Tour a Panama hat factory to witness The Collette Foundation is an employee-run, global initiative connecting Collette employees, its vendors, and travelers like you with partner communities worldwide in our mission to improve the quality of life for children worldwide one project at a time. Cruise-Land: These combine the best of land and sea. These tours feature all the qualities of our traditional escorted tours, including a Tour Manager; and include high quality cruise ships that feature various amenities. local artisans transforming local toquilla palm straw into these famous finely woven hats which actually originated in Ecuador Spend the remainder of your day at leisure Browse the shops or stroll the river walk. Today breakfast will be Day 10: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 Cuenca - Guayaquil Complete your journey down the Avenue of the Volcanoes and descend through glacial valleys to the Pacific coast Perhaps glimpse the Andean condor as you travel through high cloud forests and Cajas National Park The Inca Trail runs through this area, connecting the centers of the ancient empire Watch as the landscape opens to coffee, banana and cacao fields At Hacienda Cañas, tour a banana plantation, see a cacao nursery and learn how chocolate is made Enjoy a lunch of regional cuisine Arrive in Guayaquil, gateway to the Galapagos Visit the Malecón 2000 waterfront area and the 19thcentury neighborhood of Las Peñas. Today breakfast and lunch will be Day 11: Thursday, February 20, 2014 Guayaquil - San Cristóbal Island, Galapagos - Embark Ship Fly to beautiful San Cristóbal Island, gateway to your Galapagos adventure Partake in lunch aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend At Port Baquerizo Moreno, visit the San Cristóbal Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve Admire these gentle giants and learn about the park s conservation programs Stargaze from the deck of your ship and contemplate the wonders of the Galapagos. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 12: Friday, February 21, 2014 Española Island (Gardner Bay and Suarez Point) Board your panga to visit Gardner Bay Guarded by a colony of sea lions, the beach is home to Galapagos hawks and endemic finches Swim and snorkel with the marine life, including manta rays and white-tipped sharks Continue to the volcanic terrain of Suarez Point During a nature walk, watch for hooded mocking birds, lava lizards, Sally Lightfoot crabs and blue-footed boobies Count Waved Albatross at the world s largest colony Finish your day with a visit to the Soplador blowhole. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 13: Saturday, February 22, 2014 Floreana Island (Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point) Land at storied Post Office Bay Explore how this place, named for a barrel left in 1793 by Captain James Colnett as a post office for passing sailors, came to be Continue the tradition and leave a letter Snorkel with green sea turtles or search for Darwin s finches Sail to Cormorant Point and spot sting rays and reef sharks Learn about the ecosystem s unusual plants and perhaps observe a small colony of penguins Enjoy another chance to snorkel and swim near the playful sea lions! Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 14: Sunday, February 23, 2014 Santa Cruz Island (Darwin Research Station and Cerro Mesa Reserve) Venture to the Charles Darwin Research Station See the giant tortoises from its breeding program Trek through the Santa Cruz highlands to Cerro Chato Savor some organically grown Galapagos coffee Walk inside dormant lava tubes to gain insight on how these islands formed Explore Port Ayora town. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 15: Monday, February 24, 2014 Daphne Island - Disembark Ship - Baltra Island - Guayaquil Garner panoramic views as you circumnavigate Daphne Island Look for marine iguanas and crabs teetering along the rocky shore Return to Guayaquil Gather tonight for a special farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 16: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 Guayaquil - Tour Ends Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1, 2 Mercure Grand Hotel Alameda Quito, Quito Day 3, 4 Hacienda Pinsaqui, Otavalo Day 5, 6 Hosteria La Cienega, Cotopaxi Day 7 Hacienda Abraspungo, Riobamba Day 8, 9 Hotel Carvallo, Cuenca Day 10 Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil, Guayaquil Day KleinTours, Quito Day 15 Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil, Guayaquil On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

4 Please Note: Book Now rates valid until Aug 10, 2013, valid on air inclusive packages only. Air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates. Taxes or fees to be paid in domestic airports are approx. $4 USD. There is an approx. $31 USD airport departure tax from Guayaquil, payable upon exiting the country. These fees are at your own expense. Triple accommodations are not available. The cabins available are Superior Outside cabins, located on the Earth Deck and Sea Deck. Upgrades may be available to Junior Suites (Earth Deck) or Balcony Suites (Moon Deck). Please see pricing for upgrade fees. Single accommodations are limited and will be confirmed upon request and availability from the cruise line. Note that a cruise ship has a limited quantity of cabins available in each cabin category. We will make every effort to accommodate your cabin category preference at the time of booking. If the cabin category preferred is not available at the time of booking, the next closest category available will be offered and a surcharge may apply. To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Explorations airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times. Highest elevation: Limpiopungo Lagoon, Cotopaxi National Park, at approximately 12,540 feet. *The optional homestay at La Magdalena must be pre-booked. Space is limited. Rooms are simple and have private bathrooms. Otherwise you may overnight at the Hacienda. Please make your decision known at the time of booking. Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods. Children must be 7 years or older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be younger than 12 for child reduction to apply. Child rate only applies if sharing cabin with 2 adults. Explorations prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, and some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. In addition, temperatures on this tour can be very high, so bring adequate sun protection. Explore. Connect. Live. La Magdalena On the slopes of a breathing mountain, you will live a dream. Perched high on the Cubilche Volcano is the small community known as La Magdalena. Its people, the Karanki, will welcome you into their lifestyle of harmony with the environment. Time stands still shepherding and harvesting, traditionally homemade cheese and bread, embroidery in tune with natural rhythms. Share in time-honored customs during a visit to this extraordinary village. Cancellation Charges for this tour: After your seat reduction date has passed, a non-refundable deposit will be retained. For Cancellation between days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 30% of total price. For cancellation between 15-1 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 50% of total price. For cancellation on the day of departure and after: 100% of total price. For Ocean Cruises: For cancellation between days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 35% of total price. For cancellation between days prior to departure: 60% of total price. 30 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of total price. For River Cruises: including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China, days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 50% of total price. For cancellation between days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 85% of total price. For cancellation 30 or fewer days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 100% of total price. For Galapagos and Antarctica: A cancellation fee of 60% will apply for cancellation between days prior to departure; A cancellation charge of 100% will apply for cancellation less than 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation protection is highly recommended and must be purchased at time of deposit. Air rates are subject to change until tour is paid in full. If waivers have not been purchased and a reservation is cancelled for any reason prior to departure - Air is 100% non-refundable once paid in full. Cancellation charges also apply to reservations made for "pre" and "post" night accommodations. Payment of a Per Person Waiver Fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Waiver Fee itself, made to Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Waiver Fee with Air only covers airline tickets you have purchased from Collette Vacations. Exception: If you originally purchased non-refundable airline tickets, the Waiver does not provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes or fees, in the event of a cancellation. This air ticket is covered by Collette Vacations' travel protection plan under Part B, if you cancel your trip for covered reasons (see Part B for more details).the Waiver and Insurance does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual's Traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%. Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our brochure for details. Consumer Protection Plans: Collette Travel Service holds membership in the following highly reputable industry organizations: the United States Tour Operators Association and the American Society of Travel Agents. Each association operates a consumer protection plan to cover deposits made by travelers. Full details are available from the organizations or Collette Travel Service. Collette is pleased to give this additional protection to our clients. Our California Sellers of Travel registration number is Our State of Washington Unified Business Number is Our Nevada Sellers of Travel registration number is IDENTIFICATION Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact. IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION Responsibilities: Neither Collette Travel Services, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively "Collette"), own or operate any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. Because Collette does not maintain control or operate the personnel, equipment, or operations of the suppliers it uses and as such Collette assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents; (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers; or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act of or omission on the part of any other party not under the supervision and control of Collette. Additionally, Collette waives any and all liability for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, acts of God, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Collette deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or the safety of the tour. Collette reserves the right to withdraw any tour at any time. Collette reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the tour manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. Collette does not accept liability for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the passenger at all times. Passengers may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Collette. Payment of the deposit to Collette constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association in the State of Rhode Island. Such proceedings will be governed by and in accordance with substantive Rhode Island law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Explorations is a brand of Collette Travel Services Inc., a Rhode Island based corporation. *Airfare: For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all vacation packages. If you purchase an air inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges: Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline s checked baggage policies. Photos shown are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be included in the actual tour itinerary.

5 Day 1: Prepare for your adventure Arrive in Quito Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure. Extend Your Vacation With... Optional 5 Days 4 Night Ecuador Amazon Pre Tour Extension Rate: $1, USD per person, double, land & air inclusive 10 Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners Day 2: Cross into the Amazon Fly over the snowcapped peaks of the Andes to the Amazon Basin Arrive at Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally known as Coca, where you will be greeted by a naturalist guide Embark on a two-hour journey by motorized canoe down the Rio Napo, one of the Amazon s many tributaries, and into lush Yasuni National Park Arrive at your lodge's private reserve Native paddlers await with dugout canoes to carry you across Añangu Lake to your eco lodge Along the way keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, herons, kingfishers, toucans and more Relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings Observe nocturnal wildlife and so some caiman spotting by boat if you wish after dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 3: As the jungle comes alive Begin your day at sunrise Take advantage of the cool morning hours when the animals are most active Journey to the parrot clay licks for an unforgettable experience Observe eleven species of parrots, parakeets and macaws while surrounded by lush flora Later, embark upon a leisurely-paced hike to visit the Quichua community of Añangu and share in the villager s daily activities Then, explore terra firma on a nature hike along the creek before arriving at another parrot clay lick Sample a picnic lunch alfresco and keep a sharp eye out for even more species of these colorful birds Retire to the lodge for a relaxing dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 4: The exploits of an explorer Start the day with a climb up the canopy tower Experience sweeping 360 degree panoramic views, formerly reserved only for the birds, of the Rio Napo Observe the wildlife that call the Amazon home from above the treetops and possibly glimpse the volcanoes of the Andes Be on the lookout for colorful tanagers passing through the canopy, spider monkeys searching for fruit and more as the life of the forest canopy unfolds After lunch at the lodge, set out on a scenic hike along primary forest to discover the interior Spot lizards and the rare endemic golden-mantled tamarin monkey if you are lucky Hop aboard a riverboat and navigate through murky waters teeming with anacondas and caimans Be on the lookout for lounging sloths and playful otters along the shoreline After a day filled with adventure, recount the magic of your trip over dinner with your fellow travelers. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be Day 5: Bid farewell to the Amazon Head back by canoe to Coca The river may reveal new sights and sounds as you say goodbye to the Amazon Connect on to Quito to start your tour. Today breakfast will be Please Note: Taxes or fees to be paid upon exiting domestic airports are approx. $6 USD. This extension is hosted by a local representative who will provide all included services. Triple accommodations are not available. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. During your stay in the Amazon rainforest at the eco lodge, all meals are included and all excursions are led by a naturalist guide with expert knowledge of the region. Itinerary is subject to revision due to weather conditions and particular interests of the group, and changes may be made to maximize opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural interaction. Explorations prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. When traveling in the Amazon you will encounter full days of sightseeing, frequently in warm temperatures. You will be travelling by small river boats to reach the lodge and by canoe during some excursions and should be reasonably fit in order to board comfortably. In order to most fully experience the wildlife, you will be walking on nature trails which may be muddy and over one mile in length. To experience the Amazon fully, Explorations recommends that all travelers be in reasonably good health and prepare properly. Unfortunately, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on this trip. In addition, passengers who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks will not fully enjoy this trip and Explorations strongly recommends a different Explorations tour. Your eco-lodge has fully screened bungalows, mosquito net protection and private bathrooms in each room.

6 162 Middle Street Pawtucket RI Phone: , Fax: TOUR: Ecuador: Avenue of the Volcanoes & the Galapagos Islands DEPARTURE DATE: Feb 10, 2014 GROUP NAME: Sheron Watkins-The Travel Group BOOKING NUMBER: AVAILABLE PREPAID OPTIONS Personalize your tour by adding an optional activity below. Our recommended options have been carefully chosen to help enhance your individual experience. Complete the provided Prepaid Options Form to reserve your options. Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. PASSENGERS NAME: (Please submit a separate form for each passenger) Salutation: First: Middle: Last: Suffix: Nickname: (Mr., Mrs., Rev.) ( Please print EXACTLY as it appears on Passport) (Jr., Sr.) Price Per Person Option (USD) Cuenca s Culinary Delights Please make checks payable to Collette Vacations and send to: Sheron Watkins-The Travel Group Attn: Sheron Watkins 1240 Silver Fork Court Lincoln, CA Cuenca Cuenca s Culinary Delights $60 USD Spend your free afternoon in Cuenca learning more about Ecuadorian culinary traditions as you visit a countryside market and then savor an unforgettable dinner of regional cuisine in a colonial mansion. Enjoy a scenic drive along the weeping willow-lined banks of the Santa Barbara River. In the village of Gualaceo, you will experience immersion into an authentic Andes highlands market. There you will find not tourists, but rather the local people showcasing the bounty of their fields: a cornucopia of vegetables, grains, beans, herbs, and more. Your guide will teach you about the variety of produce on display and its many uses in traditional dishes. Gualaceo Valley is also famous for its peaches, which may be in season, along with other delectable Andean fruits. The Gualaceo market is a window into authentic daily life in the Ecuadorian highlands among the proud descendents of the Inca and Cañari people. Return to Cuenca where you will be guests in an elegant restored colonial mansion in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the genuine hospitality of your hosts, stroll the courtyard, step back in time, and soak up the ambience of the Old World during a savory dinner. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Please note a minimum of 4 passengers is required. Transportation is