Taste of Ecuador: Slow Food Experience

6 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Take it slow on this 5-night culinary journey in Ecuador. Slow Food is a global organization helping to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, and the grassroots movement reached Ecuador in 2007. Ever since, Ecuadorians try to protect their unique culinary heritage and preserve the environment according to the three basics of the Sl...
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Lunch and cooking classes at Samyanuy food experience

What's this trip about?

    Take it slow on this 5-night culinary journey in Ecuador. Slow Food is a global organization helping to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, and the grassroots movement reached Ecuador in 2007. Ever since, Ecuadorians try to protect their unique culinary heritage and preserve the environment according to the three basics of the Slow Food concept: good, clean and fair. Today, many Slow Food association members in Ecuador export their homegrown goods to the USA and Europe. Begin and end in the capital of Quito. In the high-altitude Andean city, experience centuries-old history from the Incas to the Spanish colonial rule. Take photos in San Francisco Square, taste some of the best chocolate in the world and visit a market where you'll pick up ingredients for a cooking class. In Otavalo, located about 56 miles north of Quito, you'll experience this unique town that holds one of the most famous markets in Latin America. Dating back to pre-Incan times, Otavalo market is a vibrant daily affair where you can pick up fragrant spices, woven textiles and even a live goat or two!  Helpful links for travel to Ecuador: Visa & Passport Info Vaccines & Medications Info

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityEcuador

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Otavalo
  • Quito

Activities

  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare to Quito (UIO)
    • All airport and inter-city transfers
    • 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Casa Aliso, or similar
    • Quito City Tour
    • Visit to La Ronda with chocolate tasting
    • Market visit and cooking class, with lunch
    • Visit to the Equatorial Line Monument ("Middle of the World")
    • 1 night in Otavalo at the Las Palmeras Inn, or similar
    • Visit to the Mishky Huarmy slow food organization, with lunch
    • Visit to the Otavalo Indian handcrafts market
    • 1 night in Quito at the Hotel Casa Aliso, or similar
    • Lunch and cooking classes at Kawsaymi food experience
    • Dinner in a local Quito restaurant
    • Breakfast daily

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Quito!

Arrive in Quito and enjoy a transfer to your first accommodation. Set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Quito is easy on the eyes. The city is known for its colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and th...

Day 2 Quito

Wake up and enjoy a tour of Quito's cultural and religious highlights including San Francisco Square and the cathedral. Later, head to Calle La Ronda - one of Quito's oldest streets - for a walk and a chocolate tasting!

In the evening, head to Plaza Santo...

Day 3 Quito

Ever wanted to stand right on the equator? Now's your chance, because today you will visit "La Mitad del Mundo" (Middle of the World), just outside Quito. You'll also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum focusing on the native tribes and interactive activities like b...

Day 4 Quito - Otavalo

Leave Quito today and take an approximately 2-hour bus ride to Otavalo, a town in the Andes which hosts a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times. Before arriving in town, stop at Mishky Huarmy organization to learn about their mission of empowering...

Day 5 Otavalo - Quito

Spend the morning continuing to explore Otavalo, then head to the town of Kawsaymi for another cooking class! Feel immediately at ease as you're greeted by a family, then help prepare a three course meal. 

After this culinary adventure, you will return to Quito. Cap off an unforgettable journey with an included farewell dinner in a typical Ecuadorian restaurant.

Day 6 Depart Ecuador

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your bag and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport. Board your plane and spend your relaxing flight home dreaming about your next adventure.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,118
Price per day$353
Last Updated: 11/8/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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