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Day 2, Otavalo: The silent market
The Awakening Valley is the starting point for this trip that
sets off with a visit to Calderon, famous for with its bread-dough
figurines, and Cayambe, where we savor local delicacies. Then we
continue driving through beautiful Andean landscapes until we arrive
in the famous Otavalo Indian Market in time to start our hunt for
hand-knitted wool sweaters, colorful tapestries, straw hats, and
much more. Otavalo differs from other markets in Latin America in
that Otavalenos do not scream out their bargains but keep their
voices very low even during negotiations. Later we visit Cotacachi,
a quiet country town surrounded by majestic mountains, an excellent
place to shop for hand-leather clothes and accessories. The historic
Hacienda Pinsaqui or a similar country inn will provide an excellent
setting for a well-deserved lunch before returning to
Quito in the
late afternoon. This evening, head out for the recently revamped
colonial district and take a stroll along the narrow streets before
dining in one of the trendy restaurants. (B,L)
Day 4, The enchanting Galapagos:
Bartholomew
 Early
this morning a representative transfers us to the airport in time
for the two-hour flight to Galapagos. This incredible archipelago is
made up of 13 large islands, six smaller ones, and over 40 islets.
Its wonders span from the most varied and incredible geological
formations, lava flows, blowholes, spatter cones and lava tunnels,
to beaches of olive, black, or white sand and the most diverse
species of plant life. However the most surprising sight for
visitors is perhaps the varied
species of animals which inspired Charles Darwin on his visit in
1835: Sea lions,
penguins,
tortoises,
iguanas, several species of
marine birds, many of them endemic, and a rich underwater fauna.
This afternoon we set sail and begin our explorations with a dry
landing at Bartholomew Island. CONTINUES... |
