Rise and shine, fellas! Day 2 in Quito is a blast! We began our day with a hearty breakfast at our hotel as we anticipate a full day of activity! Guests at Hotel Patio Andaluz can select from a selection of pastries, cheeses, eggs, sliced meats, fruits, juices, tea, coffee, and yogurts, as you can see on the picture below.
Our guide, Daniel, arrived on time and we began going out of our hotel to explore the colonial town. We observed many cathedrals, old buildings, and monuments that teach us so much about the country's rich history and culture. Everything was lovely and artistically pleasing to the eye.
We arrived at Independence Plaza after where we get to see the Cathedral, Archbishop Palace, Presidential Palace (Carondelet Palace), Municipal Palace, and the 5-star Hotel Plaza Grande. This is an intriguing location because it contains a combination of governmental, religious, and tourist structures all in one location.
After our eyes were satisfied with what we saw, we had the opportunity to meet Betty, the head of our local partner in Ecuador! We're taken aback by how stunning she looks! Hugs and photos here and there. But you know what's fascinating? We've known her for over two years (working remotely), yet it felt like we'd known her forever! Isn't that amazing?
After a few minutes of saying our goodbyes, we set off towards Otavalo Market, which was more than an hour but less than two hours away. On our approach to this location, we witnessed various terrain formations, stunning scenery, large and little villages that provide various delicacies such as Bizcochos, and much more! Here are a few sights -
When we arrived in Otavalo, our guide let us loose in the market. But first, he showed us how to haggle in order to get better deals - and it worked every time - great! What can you see in the market? A lot, to be sure! Souvenirs ranging from fridge magnets, key chains, key holders, wallets, to shirts, hoodies, and so much more! I had to exercise restraint since, even though it's much cheaper here, I'd be broke if I grabbed everything I saw! We also got the opportunity to visit a nearby hamlet that specializes in leather products - I would've liked to add more items to what I previously purchased at the market, such as boots and purses, but I'm sure it'll be over luggage!
We went to Cotacachi Lake after spending time in the markets. It is a spectacularly gorgeous natural lake in Ecuador's Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The lake is located in the Andes Mountains, approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Quito, Ecuador's capital city. It is set in the valley between two extinct volcanoes, Cotacachi and Mojanda. The region surrounding the lake is breathtakingly gorgeous, with panoramic views of the Andes Mountains, neighboring valleys, and the nearby Cotacachi and Mojanda peaks. Forests, meadows, and high-altitude marshes surround the lake, which is home to a rich range of flora and fauna. The area around Cotacachi Lake has been inhabited by indigenous populations for millennia, and many locals regard it as a sacred site. Hiking, birdwatching, camping, fishing, and kayaking are among the activities available, although we just spent a few minutes hiking in the freezing weather.
After our visit at Cotacachi Lake, it's time to check into our hotel for the night. But, guess what? Our hotel will be at Termas Papallacta, which is less than 3 hours ride from our current location. Papallacta, which means Potato Land according to our guide, is a popular destination for visitors who come to enjoy the natural hot springs. Were we bored on the road? No! We took in the picturesque mountain valley at a great elevation above sea level.
We arrived in the evening and had a sumptuous meal at their restaurant that serves a variety of Ecuadorian and international cuisine, with an emphasis on healthy and organic ingredients.
We called it off for the night after immediately checking into our cabana.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
