Embark on a carefully curated journey through Ecuador’s northern Andes, where rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together. From the UNESCO-listed historic center of Quito to centuries-old haciendas, lush rose plantations, and the colorful markets of Otavalo, this tour offers an authentic and unforgettable experience, blending tradition, scenic beauty, and refined comfort.

Special Notes:

•Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

•Please note that Quito is at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level, and Otavalo is at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). Guests should be able to walk without experiencing altitude-related issues.

•The program is not recommended for anyone with heart or respiratory conditions

•The program is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or mobility scooters

DAY 1 – January 23, 2028

Upon disembarkation in Guayaquil, you will be met by our local representatives and transferred to the airport for a flight to Quito. Upon arrival at the airport, our representatives will assist you with the check-in process.

The flight is not accompanied.

Located at the base of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is known for its mild climate, rich history, and well-preserved colonial architecture. Once home to the Quitu tribe, later part of the Inca Empire, and re-founded by the Spanish in 1534, Quito was also key in independence movements. At 9,300 feet, it is the world’s second-highest capital and became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Arriving in Quito, you’ll go through immigration, collect your luggage, and meet our local representative, who will transfer you to Quito.

Here you will visit El Panecillo, the iconic hill rising at the southern end of the old town. See the statue of Quito’s “Winged Virgin”, visible from almost anywhere in the city, and enjoy the stunning view of colonial Quito.

Pass by the San Francisco Church, founded in the 16th century, and visit the Church of La Compañía, admiring its magnificent structure and the seven tons of gold covering its gleaming walls.

Explore on foot the Plaza de la Independencia, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and Quito Cathedral. Take in the beautiful centuries-old buildings. With picturesque cobblestone streets, flower-adorned balconies, and a lifestyle that has barely changed over the centuries, the historic center is truly the soul of Quito.

An early dinner will be served at local restaurant and then you will transfer to your hotel for check in.

DAY 2 – January 24, 2028

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then meet your guide. This morning, you will drive north from Quito through scenic mountain landscapes to Quitsato, which comes from the Tsafiqui language of the Tsáchila people: quitsa means “middle” and to means “world,” referring to the Middle of the World.

Quitsato is a solar museum and cultural site in Ecuador, located exactly on the Equator near Cayambe. It is famous for its giant solar clock, which uses the Sun’s shadow to indicate time, solstices, and equinoxes. The site offers an interactive experience teaching astronomy, geography, and ancient indigenous knowledge.

Next, you will visit Hacienda La Compañia in the Cayambe area, a former Jesuit estate renowned for its stunning rose plantations. Learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and shipping of Ecuadorian roses, and explore the estate’s historic 1919 home and 16th-century chapel. The visit concludes with a delicious homemade lunch at the hacienda.

Afterwards you will arrive at Hacienda Cusin, over 400 years old, a historic Andean estate showcasing traditional architecture and colonial heritage. You will be welcomed by the friendly staff who will assist with check-in, and you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in the Hacienda and its beautiful gardens. Dinner will be served at the Hacienda.

DAY 3 – January 25, 2028

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to Otavalo, a small town of around 130,000 people, famous for its warm, welcoming community and its world-renowned market, which has been active since pre-Incan times. The Otavaleños are among the most prosperous indigenous groups in Ecuador, largely thanks to their highly sought-after textiles, carpets, colorful ponchos, traditional jewelry, and intricate needlework.

Explore the Plaza del Poncho, the heart of the textile market, bursting with color and local craftsmanship. Observe the traditional dress worn by market vendors, which reflects the evolution of Andean garments while preserving cultural identity. Also, visit the local produce market, where you can discover a variety of Ecuador’s unique fruits and vegetables.

Next, head to the charming village of Peguche, home to a family workshop that produces traditional Andean musical instruments. Learn how to craft a pan-flute and enjoy beautiful highland music performed by the family. Guests can even try playing the instruments themselves, a fun challenge!

Finally, visit the Arte Nayia Gallery, run by a local family specializing in handcrafted dreamcatchers. Here, guests can learn about the tradition behind these creations and even make their own unique piece to take home, embedding their personal wishes and hopes for the future while spending time with the family.

After lunch at local restaurant transfer to Cuicocha, a crater lake located in the Ecuadorian Andes, within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Biosphere Reserve. It was formed by an eruption of the Cotacachi volcano and features emerald-colored waters surrounded by steep cliffs. In the center of the lake are small volcanic islands. It is an ideal spot for hiking, boat rides, and birdwatching. A short walk along the trail will allow you to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

After this visit, return to Hacienda Cusin where dinner will be served at the Hacienda’s restaurant. Afterward, enjoy a torchlight tour, a nighttime walk around the estate, concluding with a bonfire and a hot drink.

DAY 4 – January 26, 2028

After breakfast and check out take part in a fun hands-on cooking class where you will learn to make traditional Peruvian “empanadas de Viento” (a typical cheese empanada).

Enjoy your empanadas and lunch before proceeding to the airport for a flight to Lima. After arriving at the airport, checking in and passing through security screening, you will have access to the international departure VIP lounge prior to your flight.

Upon arrival in Lima, go through immigration, collect your luggage, and meet our local representative in the arrivals hall. In time, head to the Port of Lima where you will re-board the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Flights are subject to change, so the itinerary may be modified in terms of times, duration, and the inclusion and/or substitution of the visits offered. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1 – times subject to change based on final flight details which could change up to time of departure

10:30am Depart from Guayaquil Port for a Panoramic Tour

11:15am Panoramic City Tour

12:40pm Approximate arrival time at the airport and check-in for flight to Quito

1:46pm Flight from Guayaquil to Quito (flight details TBA and subject to change)

2:36pm Arrive at Quito Airport

3:15pm Transfer to Quito (box lunch on the route)

3:15pm Quito City Tour

6:15pm Walk to the restaurant

6:30pm Dinner at local restaurant

7:30pm Transfer to the hotel

8:00pm Arrival to the hotel and check in

Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel Quito or similar hotel

DAY 2

7:30am Breakfast at the hotel

8:30am Depart for the Quitsato monument

9:45am Arrive and visit Quitsato

10:30am Transfer to the Hacienda La Compañia

11:00am Arrive at Hacienda La Compañia and visits

1:00pm Local at the Hacienda

2:00pm Transfer to Hacienda Cusin

2:30pm Arrive at Hacienda Cusin and check in and rest of the afternoon at leisure

7:00pm Dinner at Hacienda Cusin

Overnight at Hacienda Cusin or similar hotel

DAY 3

7:30am Breakfast at the Hacienda

8:30am Transfer to Otavalo City

9:00am Visit the Plaza de los Ponchos and time for shopping

11:00am Transfer to Peguche

11:15am Visit the artisan workshops

1:00pm Transfer to local restaurant

1:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant

2:30pm Drive to Cuicocha crater

3:15pm Short walk

4:30pm Transfer to Hacienda Cusin

5:30pm Arrive to Hacienda Cusin

7:00pm Dinner will be served at la Hacienda

8:00pm Torchlight tour, and a nighttime walk around the Hacienda

Overnight at Hacienda Cusin or similar hotel

DAY 4 – times subject to change based on final flight details which could change up to time of departure

8:30am Breakfast at the Hacienda

11:45am Cooking class

1:00pm Lunch will be served at the Hacienda

2:30pm Transfer to Quito airport

4:50pm Approximate arrival time at the airport and check-in for flight to Lima

5:20pm Access to the international departure VIP Lounge, Quito Airport

8:20pm Flight from Quito to Lima (Flight details TBA and subject to change)

10:35pm Arrive at Lima Airport and transfer to Callao Port

11:45pm Approximate arrival at the ship for embarkation

Expected Weather:

The average temperature in Quito in January ranges from a high of 67°F (19°C) to a low of 50°F (10°C).

In January, Otavalo experiences mild, temperate, and humid weather, often characterized by sunny mornings followed by afternoon rain showers. Temperatures typically range from lows of around 9°C (49°F) to 19–20°C (66–68°F) during the day.

What to Bring:

Dress comfortably and warmly – long and short-sleeved shirts, sweater, jacket or windbreaker, scarf, hat, insect repellent, sun protection, binoculars, camera, small backpack, water bottle, charger

Local Currency:

Ecuador’s local currency is US Dollars. It's helpful to bring small denominations, as change can sometimes be an issue, especially for larger bills like $50 or $100. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.

Credit cards are accepted in many places, but smaller establishments or rural areas may require cash.

Electricity

Ecuador uses 110 volts, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. In cases where needed, hotels can usually provide adapters.

Luggage information

The luggage allowance for all flights on this program is as follows:

One piece of luggage per person with no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and a carry-on bag of maximum 15 pounds (9 kg).

Should guests have excess or overweight luggage, any fees will be paid by each guest at the various airports upon check in. Prices are set by the airline and are subject to change.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1.Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) - Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry a POC. Further paperwork may be required by the airline. Please advise RSSC of the specifics at least 14 days before sailing.

2.CPAP Machine NOT being used in flight – please advise RSSC right at least 95 days before the program starts if you will bring a CPAP on the internal flight(s) used in this land program. Please supply the make, model and battery type.

3.CPAP Machine to be used during flight – same as above + a doctor’s note is required mentioning the need to use the machine during flight.

*Guests are required to bring with them any details from the manufacturer regarding the CPAP specifications. While most modern CPAP machines are FAA-approved for in-flight use, having a copy of your manufacturer’s FAA-approval status will help to quickly clear any confusion that may arise.

* Not providing the above details in a timely manner may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator will be responsible for.