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Ecuador Flavor Fiesta
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Ecuador Flavor Fiesta Foodie Tour
Ecuador sits directly in the center of the equator on South America’s Western Coast, almost 3,000 meters above sea level. The country encompasses three different, fascinating natural landscapes to explore, as visitors can trek the Andes mountains, wander the Amazon rain forest, and spend hours snorkeling and watching wildlife on the Galapagos Islands.
This immersive journey across mainland Ecuador offers you the opportunity to visit the highlights of the Andes Mountains followed by a unique, luxury retreat in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. You will also spend time in the capital city of Quito, where you will learn about the city’s history through its gastronomy and architecture.
Your tour includes visits to small local markets and meetings with artisans selling traditional handicrafts, such as Andean textiles, filigree jewelry, and Tagua nut carvings. The origins of such art works stretch back hundreds of years and act as a living history of the region, making them the perfect souvenirs for the discerning traveler. You will continue your immersive cultural experience with a visit to one of Ecuador’s many indigenous communities. Housed deep in the forest, many of these communities are part of educational tourism initiatives that help to grow their local economy and share their unique lifestyle and traditions with the world.
Some of the highlights of your culinary tour will be your hands-on cooking classes and multi-course meals, when you will taste the many delightful flavors of Ecuador, from a simple cassava to a decadent Seco de Chivo stew.
Itinerary
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Day One: Arrival
- Arrival in Quito and take a private transfer to the hotel.
- The geographical location of Ecuador’s capital is breathtaking: Quito is situated in a high valley, approximately 2800 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by snow capped peaks.
- Start your trip at your own pace, relax at the hotel after the long flight.
- Dinner on your own, overnight in Quito.
Day Two: Quito
- After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to explore the beautifully restored old town of Quito. Known as the largest preserved colonial city in the Americas and the “Florence of the Andes,” Quito was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. During a walking tour, you will visit Plaza Grande and the churches La Compañía and San Francisco. The tour concludes with a visit to Quito’s landmark, the statue of the Virgen de Quito, “El Panecillo.”
- Next, you will enjoy a cooking class at a restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century building with minimalist interior touches. Spread across three levels with various ambiances, it is located in the heart of Quito’s Colonial Quarter. Discover a menu featuring typical recipes from the Andes and Ecuadorian coast. Savor these local specialties together during lunch (beverages paid on the spot).
- Free time to explore the city or rest at the hotel. Your guide or concierge can offer you recommendations for restaurants tonight, as you will enjoy dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Quito.
Day 3: Quito - Mindo
- After breakfast, check out and private transfer from your hotel to the Monument to the Middle of the World. Here, you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.
- At the nearby Intiñán Museum, you will experience the forces of the two hemispheres through fun experiments and learn about the country’s culture and history.
- You will then continue to Casa Agave for a 90-minute tour. Immerse yourself in the world of agave as you explore the botanical garden and discover the diversity of agave plants and their significance in distillation. Visit the distillery to observe the distillation process and understand the techniques needed to produce high-quality spirits. Enjoy a tasting of six agave-based spirits, including tequilas and mezcals. Conclude with a mixology session where expert mixologists will prepare exquisite cocktails with the spirits.
- Afterwards, you will drive to the Pululahua bioreserve and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Pululahua volcano, the largest inhabited crater in the world.
- Then continue to the village of Mindo, which lies in a large subtropical basin at an altitude of 1250 m and is known for its butterflies, orchids and over 400 bird species. Check into your hotel and then the evening is at your leisure.
- Overnight in Mindo.
Day Four: Mindo
- In the morning, you will travel to the Mindo-Nambillo nature reserve, where you will cross the green and wide valley in a gondola suspended from a wire cable. On the way to the other side of the valley, you will have a wonderful view over the cloud forest.
- Here you will go on a three-hour hike in the waterfall reserve “Santuario de Cascadas” to get to know the numerous waterfalls, which are also a welcome opportunity for a refreshing swim. The small waterfall circuit takes you past six different waterfalls in the following order: Nambillo, Ondinas, Guarumos, Colibri, Madre and Maderos. The large waterfall circuit also takes you to the highest waterfall in the reserve, the 15-metre-high Cascada Reina waterfall.
- In the afternoon, you will have a chocolate tour, where you will learn all about the local chocolate production process from and then enjoy a delicious tasting. Afterwards, you will visit a garden with numerous orchids, where you can view these decorative plants. The beautifully landscaped garden is home to a collection of more than 250 orchid species.
- Transfer back to your accommodation. Dinner on your own and overnight in Mindo.
Day Five: Mindo - Otavalo
- Breakfast and checkout.
- Private transfer from Mindo to Otavalo. On the way, you will make a stop at the Ecuadorian Highland Coffee Frajares, a specialty coffee producing farm that offers a fascinating coffee experience in the subtropical environment in Nanegalito. Here you will learn about the production process of Ecuadorian specialty coffee, surrounded by a beautiful natural environment and its unique flavors and aromas.
- At noon you will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Frajares.
- In the afternoon, continue to Otavalo in the area surrounding the Imbabura volcano in the heart of the Ecuadorian Lakes Province. This small town is famous for its craft market and its indigenous population, the Kichwas. The women wear a long black skirt, richly embroidered blouses and gold-colored necklaces, while the men wear white pants with blue ponchos and are often seen with shoulder-length braids.
- Arrival and check in. Dinner on your own.
- Overnight at the beautiful Hacienda Cusin.
Day Six: Otavalo
- In the morning, your guide will accompany you on a drive to the crater lake Cuicocha, one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador – also known as “Guinea Pig Lake”. The lake’s incredible color and its two islands of volcanic featuring exotic flora and fauna make this place something special. On a short walk, you can admire the lagoon from several angles. If the weather is fine, you will have a good view of the Otavalo valley and the surrounding volcanoes of Cotacachi, Imbabura and Cayambe. You can also go to the landing stage and take a boat ride around.
- You will then visit the leather town of Cotacachi. Here you will find everything to do with leather: bags, shoes, belts, jackets, wallets and much more.
- Afterward, you will participate in a cooking class at Kawsaymi with Chef Claudia Fuerez, learning about Andean cuisine and tasting traditional chicha de jora and a traditional lunch.
- In the afternoon, you will explore the small craft village of Peguche. The artisans here will be happy to explain which plants and minerals are used to dye wool, how fabrics are woven and how the instruments typical of the Andes are made. You also have the opportunity to make your own “rondador”, a panpipe considered the national instrument of Ecuador.
- You will then take a lovely walk to the 18-metre-high Peguche waterfall, which makes a great photo opportunity from a wooden bridge. This waterfall is a special spiritual place for the indigenous people of the region. You will return to your hotel to rest.
- Dinner on your own, overnight at the Hacienda Cusin.
Day Seven: Otavalo - Cotopaxi
- In the morning, visit the lively and colorful Otavalo market, where many colorful textiles and jewelry are on sale. Browse around and take in the colorful hustle and bustle. Haggling is a “must” here!
- Then check out and say goodbye to Otavalo as you head south on the “Road of the Volcanoes” to the province of Cotopaxi. On the way, you will visit the historic Hacienda La Compañía. After a brief visit to the traditional main house, you will visit the associated rose plantation. Roses from Ecuador are now considered the best in the world and are one of the country’s five most important export products.
- After lunch at the flower hacienda, continue south along the “Road of the Volcanoes” to the province of Cotopaxi. With a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of the snow-covered summit of the Cayambe volcano (5790 m) on the way. The equator runs directly through the glacier of the mighty mountain, making it the highest point on the equatorial line in the world. Finally, you drive past the capital Quito to your cozy hacienda hotel, which is not far from the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park.
- Check in, dinner on your own.
- Overnight at the hacienda.
Day Eight: Cotopaxi - Papallacta
- If you like to get up early in the morning, you should enjoy the view of the Cotopaxi volcano at sunrise. The view is unique!
- Breakfast and check out.
- Today you will spend the day exploring Cotopaxi. Around the Cotopaxi volcano, you will be at an altitude of between 3800 m and 4800 m. Please remember to bring warm clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection and sufficient drinking water!
- Cotopaxi means “neck of the moon” in the Kichwa language. With a height of 5897 m, the volcano is the second highest peak in Ecuador (after the Chimborazo volcano) and one of the most climbed 5000 m mountains in South America. First you drive up the slopes of Cotopaxi to an altitude of 4500 meters. From here you have the opportunity to climb through lunar-like landscapes up to the José Ribas refuge at 4800 m and hike to an impressive glacier collapse nearby. With a bit of luck, you might spot a condor, wild horses or Andean foxes.
- In the afternoon, take a walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon at an altitude of around 3800 m and get to know the typical vegetation of the Andean highlands and the local birds: Ruddy duck, Andean gull and various hummingbirds.
- You then cross an Andean pass (4000 m altitude) into a valley, where you reach the picturesque thermal spa of Papallacta at 3300 m altitude. Once there, you first check into your room and can then relax in the beautiful hotel complex “Termas de Papallacta” with numerous indoor and outdoor pools, or find a shady spot in the spacious garden to enjoy the fantastic view of the peaks of the Andes. You also have the option of relaxing at the end of the day with a massage or in the whirlpool.
- Dinner on your own, and overnight at the Papallacta Spa & Resort.
Day Nine: Papallacta-Quito
- Start your day with a relaxing morning routine at the Papallacta Spa & Resort.
- Enjoy your free time and take advantage of the wide range of wellness offers to pamper your body and mind. Immerse yourself in the soothing thermal baths, relax with a massage or treat yourself to a facial treatment. The hotel offers you an oasis of peace and relaxation where you can leave the stress of everyday life behind you.
- After a relaxing morning, check out and continue on to Quito.
- Check in, dinner on your own and overnight in Quito.
Day Ten: Quito - Coca
- Get ready for your 4-day jungle adventure! Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport in Quito. A roughly 40-minute flight will take you from Quito over the Andes to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, also known as Coca, a lively oil town in the Amazon Basin. Your flight will incur a separate charge of approximately $300-$350 per person and will be paid separately but will be booked on your behalf.
- The staff from La Selva Lodge will be waiting for you at the airport to collect your luggage. You’ll then be taken to the nearby boat dock, where you’ll board a comfortable motorized canoe and travel downstream along the mighty Napo River for about two hours. During the trip, you’ll receive a packed lunch to enjoy at your leisure. The final leg of the journey to the lodge will be completed in a paddle canoe. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short hike on the “Matapalo Trail.” This trail is named after the Spanish term for the famous strangler fig—one of the many extraordinary trees that strangles its host tree with a network of aerial roots. Your guide will lead you through the thicket and share fascinating stories about the flora and fauna of this unique region.
- Afterward, you’ll set out on a nighttime canoe trip to look for caimans, bats, and other nocturnal animals. If the night is clear, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful starry sky!
- Back at the lodge, a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties awaits you. Drinks paid locally.
- Overnight at the eco-lodge.
Day Eleven: Coca
- In the morning, you’ll set out to explore the rainforest. After a 15-minute walk, come upon the observation tower, which rises an impressive 43 meters above the forest floor. Your nature guide will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon and perhaps even some monkeys.
- Back on the ground, your journey of discovery continues to Mandi Cocha. This small lake showcases the beauty of the igapó forest (swamp forest) with its diverse vegetation and landscape. With a little luck, you may spot the famous giant otters that call this area home. After lunch, you’ll head to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ecuadorian Amazon: Lake Garza Cocha. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe various animals, such as monkeys and birds. Sometimes large groups of squirrel monkeys join forces with families of capuchin monkeys to search for food. Keep your camera ready, as howler monkeys also like to gather at the lake in the late afternoon. Likewise, the hoatzin—a large, unique bird found only in the pristine Amazon environment—is frequently spotted at the lagoon. In the evening, you’ll experience how the rainforest comes to life during a night hike. Amphibians, insects, reptiles, and other species can be discovered behind every leaf.
- After the hike, you’ll head back to the lodge and soon enjoy your dinner. Drinks paid on the spot.
- Overnight at the eco-lodge.
Day Twelve: Coca
- Today you will return to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe to the parrot clay lick, one of the most fascinating natural spectacles. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather here to eat the mineral-rich clay, which is an
important part of their diet. Binoculars are essential to truly capture the moment. - After visiting the parrot clay lick, you’ll participate in a cultural activity. In the indigenous Kichwa community of Pilchi, you’ll learn how the original peoples of the Amazon have lived for thousands of years—how they dress, what they eat, how they cook, and how they use the forest’s resources in their daily lives.
- After this special experience, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch.
- Afterward, you’ll hike along the “Coto Trail” to Lake Garza Cocha. In the afternoon, the gentle rays of the sun make this hike a fantastic experience and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing forest. For example, groups of black tamarins can often be spotted.
- On a canoe ride back to the lodge, you’ll have the chance to observe caimans, bats, and other nocturnal animals in and around the lake, providing a fantastic finale to your stay.
- Back at the lodge, you will enjoy dinner. Drinks paid locally.
- Overnight at the lodge.
Day 13: Coca - Quito
- After saying goodbye to the lodge, you’ll board a traditional canoe early in the morning and be guided down to the Napo River. The journey begins peacefully, accompanied by the sounds of the jungle waking up and the gentle lapping of the water.
- Once you reach the Rio Napo, you’ll transfer to a motorized canoe and travel back the same way you came. After a boat ride of about two hours, you’ll finally arrive back in Coca sometime in the morning. A short flight takes you up to the highlands, where your jungle adventure ends upon arrival at Quito Airport.
- The comfortable Wyndham Hotel shuttle bus will then take you to your accommodations in just five minutes. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the airport hotel. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at the hotel’s restaurant or unwind with refreshing drinks at the hotel bar. Take advantage of the recreational facilities, such as the pool or the gym, to relax and stay in shape.
- Overnight in Quito.
Day 14: Departure
- Breakfast and transfer to the hotel for your flight home.
-
Day One: Arrival
- Arrival in Quito and take a private transfer to the hotel.
- The geographical location of Ecuador’s capital is breathtaking: Quito is situated in a high valley, approximately 2800 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by snow capped peaks.
- Start your trip at your own pace, relax at the hotel after the long flight.
- Dinner on your own, overnight in Quito.
Day Two: Quito
- After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to explore the beautifully restored old town of Quito. Known as the largest preserved colonial city in the Americas and the “Florence of the Andes,” Quito was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. During a walking tour, you will visit Plaza Grande and the churches La Compañía and San Francisco. The tour concludes with a visit to Quito’s landmark, the statue of the Virgen de Quito, “El Panecillo.”
- Next, you will enjoy a cooking class at a restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century building with minimalist interior touches. Spread across three levels with various ambiances, it is located in the heart of Quito’s Colonial Quarter. Discover a menu featuring typical recipes from the Andes and Ecuadorian coast. Savor these local specialties together during lunch (beverages paid on the spot).
- Free time to explore the city or rest at the hotel. Your guide or concierge can offer you recommendations for restaurants tonight, as you will enjoy dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Quito.
Day 3: Quito-Mindo
- After breakfast, check out and private transfer from your hotel to the Monument to the Middle of the World. Here, you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.
- At the nearby Intiñán Museum, you will experience the forces of the two hemispheres through fun experiments and learn about the country’s culture and history.
- You will then continue to Casa Agave for a 90-minute tour. Immerse yourself in the world of agave as you explore the botanical garden and discover the diversity of agave plants and their significance in distillation. Visit the distillery to observe the distillation process and understand the techniques needed to produce high-quality spirits. Enjoy a tasting of six agave-based spirits, including tequilas and mezcals. Conclude with a mixology session where expert mixologists will prepare exquisite cocktails with the spirits.
- Afterwards, you will drive to the Pululahua bioreserve and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Pululahua volcano, the largest inhabited crater in the world.
- Then continue to the village of Mindo, which lies in a large subtropical basin at an altitude of 1250 m and is known for its butterflies, orchids and over 400 bird species. Check into your hotel and then the evening is at your leisure.
- Overnight in Mindo.
Day Four: Mindo
- In the morning, you will travel to the Mindo-Nambillo nature reserve, where you will cross the green and wide valley in a gondola suspended from a wire cable. On the way to the other side of the valley, you will have a wonderful view over the cloud forest.
- Here you will go on a three-hour hike in the waterfall reserve “Santuario de Cascadas” to get to know the numerous waterfalls, which are also a welcome opportunity for a refreshing swim. The small waterfall circuit takes you past six different waterfalls in the following order: Nambillo, Ondinas, Guarumos, Colibri, Madre and Maderos. The large waterfall circuit also takes you to the highest waterfall in the reserve, the 15-metre-high Cascada Reina waterfall.
- In the afternoon, you will have a chocolate tour, where you will learn all about the local chocolate production process from and then enjoy a delicious tasting. Afterwards, you will visit a garden with numerous orchids, where you can view these decorative plants. The beautifully landscaped garden is home to a collection of more than 250 orchid species.
- Transfer back to your accommodation. Dinner on your own and overnight in Mindo.
Day Five: Mindo - Otavalo
- Breakfast and checkout.
- Private transfer from Mindo to Otavalo. On the way, you will make a stop at the Ecuadorian Highland Coffee Frajares, a specialty coffee producing farm that offers a fascinating coffee experience in the subtropical environment in Nanegalito. Here you will learn about the production process of Ecuadorian specialty coffee, surrounded by a beautiful natural environment and its unique flavors and aromas.
- At noon you will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Frajares.
- In the afternoon, continue to Otavalo in the area surrounding the Imbabura volcano in the heart of the Ecuadorian Lakes Province. This small town is famous for its craft market and its indigenous population, the Kichwas. The women wear a long black skirt, richly embroidered blouses and gold-colored necklaces, while the men wear white pants with blue ponchos and are often seen with shoulder-length braids.
- Arrival and check in. Dinner on your own.
- Overnight at the beautiful Hacienda Cusin.
Day Six: Otavalo
- In the morning, your guide will accompany you on a drive to the crater lake Cuicocha, one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador – also known as “Guinea Pig Lake”. The lake’s incredible color and its two islands of volcanic featuring exotic flora and fauna make this place something special. On a short walk, you can admire the lagoon from several angles. If the weather is fine, you will have a good view of the Otavalo valley and the surrounding volcanoes of Cotacachi, Imbabura and Cayambe. You can also go to the landing stage and take a boat ride around.
- You will then visit the leather town of Cotacachi. Here you will find everything to do with leather: bags, shoes, belts, jackets, wallets and much more.
- Afterward, you will participate in a cooking class at Kawsaymi with Chef Claudia Fuerez, learning about Andean cuisine and tasting traditional chicha de jora and a traditional lunch.
- In the afternoon, you will explore the small craft village of Peguche. The artisans here will be happy to explain which plants and minerals are used to dye wool, how fabrics are woven and how the instruments typical of the Andes are made. You also have the opportunity to make your own “rondador”, a panpipe considered the national instrument of Ecuador.
- You will then take a lovely walk to the 18-metre-high Peguche waterfall, which makes a great photo opportunity from a wooden bridge. This waterfall is a special spiritual place for the indigenous people of the region. You will return to your hotel to rest.
- Dinner on your own, overnight at the Hacienda Cusin.
Day Seven: Otavalo - Cotopaxi
- In the morning, visit the lively and colorful Otavalo market, where many colorful textiles and jewelry are on sale. Browse around and take in the colorful hustle and bustle. Haggling is a “must” here!
- Then check out and say goodbye to Otavalo as you head south on the “Road of the Volcanoes” to the province of Cotopaxi. On the way, you will visit the historic Hacienda La Compañía. After a brief visit to the traditional main house, you will visit the associated rose plantation. Roses from Ecuador are now considered the best in the world and are one of the country’s five most important export products.
- After lunch at the flower hacienda, continue south along the “Road of the Volcanoes” to the province of Cotopaxi. With a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of the snow-covered summit of the Cayambe volcano (5790 m) on the way. The equator runs directly through the glacier of the mighty mountain, making it the highest point on the equatorial line in the world. Finally, you drive past the capital Quito to your cozy hacienda hotel, which is not far from the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park.
- Check in, dinner on your own.
- Overnight at the hacienda.
Day Eight: Cotopaxi-Papallacta
- If you like to get up early in the morning, you should enjoy the view of the Cotopaxi volcano at sunrise. The view is unique!
- Breakfast and check out.
- Today you will spend the day exploring Cotopaxi. Around the Cotopaxi volcano, you will be at an altitude of between 3800 m and 4800 m. Please remember to bring warm clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection and sufficient drinking water!
- Cotopaxi means “neck of the moon” in the Kichwa language. With a height of 5897 m, the volcano is the second highest peak in Ecuador (after the Chimborazo volcano) and one of the most climbed 5000 m mountains in South America. First you drive up the slopes of Cotopaxi to an altitude of 4500 meters. From here you have the opportunity to climb through lunar-like landscapes up to the José Ribas refuge at 4800 m and hike to an impressive glacier collapse nearby. With a bit of luck, you might spot a condor, wild horses or Andean foxes.
- In the afternoon, take a walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon at an altitude of around 3800 m and get to know the typical vegetation of the Andean highlands and the local birds: Ruddy duck, Andean gull and various hummingbirds.
- You then cross an Andean pass (4000 m altitude) into a valley, where you reach the picturesque thermal spa of Papallacta at 3300 m altitude. Once there, you first check into your room and can then relax in the beautiful hotel complex “Termas de Papallacta” with numerous indoor and outdoor pools, or find a shady spot in the spacious garden to enjoy the fantastic view of the peaks of the Andes. You also have the option of relaxing at the end of the day with a massage or in the whirlpool.
- Dinner on your own, and overnight at the Papallacta Spa & Resort.
Day Nine: Papallacta-Quito
- Start your day with a relaxing morning routine at the Papallacta Spa & Resort.
- Enjoy your free time and take advantage of the wide range of wellness offers to pamper your body and mind. Immerse yourself in the soothing thermal baths, relax with a massage or treat yourself to a facial treatment. The hotel offers you an oasis of peace and relaxation where you can leave the stress of everyday life behind you.
- After a relaxing morning, check out and continue on to Quito.
- Check in, dinner on your own and overnight in Quito.
Day Ten: Departure
- Breakfast and transfer to the Quito airport.
Ecuador Flavor Fiesta Trip Details
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Included in the 13-Night Tour of Ecuador
Accommodations- Casa Gangotena, Quito – 2 Nights
- Las Terrazas de Dana, Mindo – 2 Nights
- Hacienda Cusin, Otavalo – 2 Nights
- Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, Lasso – 1 Night
- Termas Papallacta, Papallacta – 1 Night
- San Jose de Puembo, Quito – 1 Night
- La Selva, Coca – 3 Nights
- Wyndham Quito Airport, Quito – 1 Night
Food & Beverages- Daily Breakfast
- 6 Lunches
- 4 Dinners
Classes & InstructorsYour Ecuador cooking vacation includes two hands-on cooking classes featuring traditional dishes with modern features. In Quito you will participate in a cooking class at a restaurant located in beautifully-renovated 19th-century building with a tasteful interior that honors its history. The three-level eatery is located in the heart of Quito’s Colonial Quarter, and your menu will feature popular recipes from the Andes and Ecuadorian coast. Your lesson will conclude with a family-style lunch to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Your second cooking lesson will take place in Cotacachi at the Kawsaymi Restaurant with Chef Claudia Fuerez. You will learn about the foods native to the Andean people, imbuing attendees with an understanding of the importance of healthy nutrition based on Andean products. and ancestral wisdom applied to our daily lives. You will use the ancestral stove (tulpa) for a diverse array of recipes, and you will get to try the traditional chicha de jora, which is a tangy drink made of fermented corn that dates back to the Incan empire.
Excursions- Quito Walking Tour
- Excursion to the Middle of the World and Museum Intiñan
- Visit to House Agave with Tasting and Cocktail Class
- “Tarabita” cable car & short waterfall hike
- Chocolate Tour and Orchid Garden
- Excursion to Ecuadorian Highland Coffee Frajares
- Cuicocha “Guinea Pig” Lake
- Leather town of Cotacachi
- Handicraft village & Peguche waterfall
- Visit to Otavalo Market
- Visit the historic Hacienda La Compañía and the Rose Plantation
- Refuge & Limpiopungo Lagoon
- Papallacta Thermal Baths
- “Matapalo Trail” hike
- Nighttime canoe tour
- Observation Tower & Mandi Cocha
- Garza Cocha Lake
- Night Hike
- Parrot feeding station in Yasuni National Park
- Visit to a Kichwa community
- “Coto Trail” hike & canoe ride
Transfer Details- Transfers to and from the Quito Airport are included
Not Included
- Your flight from Quito to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca) will incur a separate charge of approximately $300-$350 per person.
-
Included in the 9-Night Tour of Ecuador
Accommodations- Casa Gangotena, Quito – 2 Nights
- Las Terrazas de Dana, Mindo – 2 Nights
- Hacienda Cusin, Otavalo – 2 Nights
- Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, Lasso – 1 Night
- Termas Papallacta, Papallacta – 1 Night
- San Jose de Puembo, Quito – 1 Night
Food & Beverages- Daily Breakfast
- 3 Lunches
- 1 Dinner
Classes & InstructorsYour Ecuador cooking vacation includes two hands-on cooking classes featuring traditional dishes with modern features. In Quito you will participate in a cooking class at a restaurant located in beautifully-renovated 19th-century building with a tasteful interior that honors its history. The three-level eatery is located in the heart of Quito’s Colonial Quarter, and your menu will feature popular recipes from the Andes and Ecuadorian coast. Your lesson will conclude with a family-style lunch to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Your second lesson will take place in Cotacachi at the Kawsaymi Restaurant with Chef Claudia Fuerez. You will learn about the foods native to the Andean people, imbuing attendees with an understanding of the importance of healthy nutrition based on Andean products. and ancestral wisdom applied to our daily lives. You will use the ancestral stove (tulpa) for a diverse array of recipes, and you will get to try the traditional chicha de jora, which is a tangy drink made of fermented corn that dates back to the Incan empire.
Excursions- Quito Walking Tour
- Excursion to the Middle of the World and Museum Intiñan
- Visit to House Agave with Tasting and Cocktail Class
- “Tarabita” cable car & short waterfall hike
- Chocolate Tour and Orchid Garden
- Excursion to Ecuadorian Highland Coffee Frajares
- Cuicocha “Guinea Pig” Lake
- Leather town of Cotacachi
- Handicraft village & Peguche waterfall
- Visit to Otavalo Market
- Visit the historic Hacienda La Compañía and the Rose Plantation
- Refuge & Limpiopungo Lagoon
- Papallacta Thermal Baths
Transfer Details- Transfers to and from the Quito Airport are included
Not Included
- Your flight from Quito to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca) will incur a separate charge of approximately $300-$350 per person.
Accommodation Information
Casa Gangotena, Quito – 2 Nights
This Relaix & Chateau property is centrally located in Quito’s charming Old Town District. The historic building offers an array of premium amenities maintained by the fastidious and attentive staff. The hotel boasts 31 unique rooms, with both double and king-size beds. Delight your senses at the on-site restaurant, which offers an atmospheric bar and lounge area where guests can wind down. The residence also offers exclusive activities that reveal the history of the house, the Old Town, and Ecuador’s traditions and culture.
Luxury Room
Your stylish bathroom
Beds available in double and twin
Inner patio to relax in
Bar and lounge area
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Las Terrazas de Dana, Mindo – 2 Nights
Travel to the heart of Mindo Cloud Forest, Ecuador, to Las Terrazas de Dana, a premier eco-lodge offering a premier experience for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The family-owned eco-lodge in Chocó Andino de Pichincha Biosphere Reserve is proud to share the natural wonders of Mindo. The eco-lodge seamlessly integrates metal frame construction with traditional Ecuadorian building techniques, creating a sustainable sanctuary that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. Choose from six luxury bungalows or four master suites, each featuring breathtaking panoramic views of Mindo’s cloud forest valley.
Your private bungalow
Enjoy your balcony
Private luxury bungalow
Bungalows can sleep families and larger parties
Your lovely bathroom
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Hacienda Cusin, Otavalo – 2 Nights
This historical Hacienda in the Andes has long served as the residence of world leaders and celebrities, functioning as the premier luxury accommodation in the region. Hacienda Cusin has 42 rooms, distributed across the grounds in the main houses, botanical gardens, and monastary. The hacienda is located nearby Otavalo, where you can visit the local market and explore local businesses. The hacienda offers activities such as horseback riding, forest picnics, and trekking for those who wish to arrange additional excursions.
Hacienda Cusin
Your room at the Hacienda
Relax in your suite
Each room has a fireplace for colder months
Enjoy the nice weather while writing letters or catching up on work
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Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, Lasso – 1 Night
Hacienda San Agustín de Callo is a notable country inn located at the base of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador’s Andean highlands, built on top of Inca foundations dating back to the 15th century. The property is populated by colorful gardens, stone courtyards, and a flourishing farm. The hacienda has its own atmospheric dining room offering Andean and international dishes, as well as a library and lounge. There are outdoor spaces designed for quiet walks and beautiful vistas.
Hacienda San Augustin de Callo
Your room at the Hacienda
Dining room at the hacienda
Hang out with alpacas at the hacienda
Relax in common areas
Enjoy beautiful evenings at the hacienda
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Termas Papallacta, Papallacta – 1 Night
Papallacta is a small town in the Andes located at a height of 3250 meters above sea lovel on the road from Quito to the Amazon rainforest. Here, you will stay at the famous Termas Papallacta Spa, where guests enjoy access to their private network of geothermal hot springs during their stay. You will eat at the delicious Sunfo Restaurant and relax in luxury accommodations. You may also choose to book spa treatment or nature excursion during your visit.
Your room at the hot springs
Relax at the beautiful hot springs
The spa offers pools of many temperatures
The thermal springs are good for your skin
Bring the whole family to Papallacta
Explore all the different pools
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San Jose de Puembo, Quito – 1 Night
The San José de Puembo Hotel and Convention Center is just a 15 minute drive from Quito International Airport. The hotel’s elegant main house was once part of the old San José de Puembo Hacienda, dating all the way back to the 17th century. Its interior is decorated with adobe walls, capulí wood columns, and beautiful colonial paintings, offering a retreat outside of time for weary travelers. Relax in authentic and welcoming environment without the bustle of city traffic to disrupt your afternoon.
The Courtyard of San Jose de Puembo
Your room at the hotel
Bathroom of your suite
Outside the hotel
Your room in Quito
Relax and watch tv in your hotel room
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La Selva, Coca – 3 Nights (13-night itinerary only)
Travel to a luxury resort at the very heart of the rain forest on the north bank of the Napo River and enjoy an immersive experience that blends food, nature, and culture. In order to reach this very special Amazonian lodge, travelers must use a combination of transportation modes: plane, motorized canoe, foot, and finally, a paddle canoe, allowing you to engage fully with the enchanting transition from city to rainforest. You will always be accompanied by an expert naturalist guide as well as a native guide during your excursions. The restaurant and bar come fully stocked, with snacks and drinks available for guests 24/7. Your elegant lodgings blend nature and luxury seamlessly to curate an atmosphere of serenity and ease.
Overhead view of La Selva
Lounge outside
Explore hotel grounds
Enjoy plenty of privacy at La Selva
Your hotel features a delicious breakfast spread
You will stay near the water and enjoy swimming and boating
Double Twin Room
Your accommodations offer a number of activities and amenities.
Food cooked fresh at La Selva
Enjoy privacy in the remote jungle
Canoe at La Selva
Lounge at your hotel
Familiar Room
Restroom at your accommodations
Double Lower Room
Your home away from home
Three-person Suite
Patio at your accommodations
Enjoy unique and intimate dining experiences
Relax at your accommodations or have a drink between thermal baths
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Wyndham Quito Airport, Quito – 1 Night (13-night itinerary only)
Enjoy a comfortable final night at the Wyndham Quito Airport hotel, which is conveniently located at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). You will rest in spacious rooms, dine at the lovely Gran Cóndor restaurant, recharging before your flight. You may also visit the Health Club, which has a pool, gym, and spa. The hotel offers parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and free 24-hour transportation
Your room at the airport hotel
Bathroom and hallway of your room
Twin and double bed options available
Seating areas and desk space available to eat or work
Larger suite options available.
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Please note that eco lodges generally do not offer air conditioning, but the climate of the Andes is cool and comfortable, especially in the evening.
Pricing and Tour Dates for Our Culinary Vacation in Ecuador
Find pricing and dates for our gastronomic vacation in Ecuador below, and contact us for availability or to plan your trip.
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13-Night Gastronomic Tour of Ecuador Pricing
See moreUS$6890 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$2275 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 90 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!Your flight from Quito to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca) will incur a separate charge of approximately $300-$350 per person.
Ecuadorian Flavor Fiesta Tour Dates
See moreEcuador Cultural and Culinary Tour Dates 2026-2027
Available year-round. Inquire for availability!
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9-Night Ecuador Foodie Vacation Pricing
See moreUS$4590 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$1250 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 90 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!Ecuadorian Flavor Fiesta Tour Dates
See moreEcuador Flavor Fiesta Tour Dates 2026-2027
Available year-round for a minimum of 2 people. Inquire for availability!
We Can Help You Plan Your Dream Vacation to Ecuador
Curating and planning a culinary vacation to Ecuador is more complicated than just selecting the most convenient accommodations or easily available activities, it is about knowing the best restaurants and the perfect excursions fitting the unique needs of each of our clients. We develop tours that integrate travelers into local culture, seamlessly blending authenticity and modern luxury. Throughout your adventure, you will have access to crucial support, with prompt service and assistance available to you regardless of time zone.
TIK can send clients anywhere in Ecuador or onward to the Galapagos, with custom services available nation-wide, our team is dedicated to making our product suit your needs.
Contact us to plan your culinary tour of Ecuador, and discover a destination rich with ancient cultural and gastronomic traditions, where you can become an expert on the unique cuisine offered throughout the country.
