Ecuador – Blooming Beauty Beyond Belief-2019

You arrive with your international flight at the Quito International Airport where our driver welcomes you and drives you to Hotel Mercure

Alameda to rest and relax until our tour begins tomorrow.

Situated in an Andean valley at 2,850 m above sea level at the foot of Volcano Pichincha, Quito is a modern city with a living history and one of Latin America’s most historically important cities. Quito was the first city in the world to be declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO in 1978. Noteworthy for its architectural beauty, Quito is home to numerous churches and convents built in the colonial period. The Metropolitan Cathedral, located in Independence Plaza, is one of the city’s most impressive historical and architectural sites. Others worthy of mention are the following cathedrals and historical sites: San Francisco, la Compañía de Jesús, San Agustín, Santo Domingo, El Sagrario, La Merced, Carmen Bajo, San Sebastian, Santa Barbara, and San Blas. A large part of their interiors, especially the altars and pulpits, are gilded in gold and house innumerable works of religious art. Some of their museums hold valuable collections of paintings and sculptures belonging to the artistic genre are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’. In Quito’s historical center, with its steep, narrow, cobblestone streets, the artistic and architectural influence of Spain can be seen in the general architectural style of the brightly painted homes, their balconies, their tiled roofs, and their interior patios. Another colonial area, outside the of Old Town, is the suburb Guápulo. Perched on the eastern slopes of the city, Guapalo’s most impressive sight is its famous sanctuary to the Virgin of Guápulo, the oldest sanctuary of its kind in the country.

http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-5111-mercure-alameda-quito/index.shtml

Pakakuna Gardens is situated at a lower elevation to Quito with a considerably warmer climate. Pakakuna Gardens are considered South America’s largest, private gardens, owned by Klaus Egger, the creator of the garden who will be leading us around. The gardens have more than 500 species of plants and flowers from all over the world and thanks to the excellent climate; they are in bloom almost all the time. Pakakuna is a Quechua word (indigenous language of Ecuador), meaning “Our Hiding Place.” This describes perfectly the picturesque and tranquil nature of the site. Its temperature varies, throughout the year, between 27°C (80°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night. Pakakuna is located in Checa, in the Tumbaco valley. This vision was created as part of an environmentally sound and spectacular landscape concept. A unique space has been reserved for the cultivation and care of a vast variety of bromeliads and native orchids. Some are native while others were brought from all corners of the world. All of them have adapted easily and harmoniously to this magical place. Pakakuna Gardens sets new standards for the protection and conservation of the environment.

One of the loveliest spots on the grounds with a great view of the garden and pool is the Club House and we shall enjoy a most delicious lunch here before returning to Quito in the afternoon. (B/L)

http://pakakunagardens.wix.com/pakakuna-english#!the-gardens/c1olo

Quito is considered one of Latin America’s most charming cities and we start our city tour with an early morning visit to Quito’s beautiful Botanical Gardens. Our guided walk will introduce us to the large orchid collection – More than 1200 species of orchids and a number of hybrids are exhibited in the ‘Crystal Palace’ greenhouses. One holds altitude and the other holds tropical and the variety of these is exquisite -and many other varieties and plant species from the Ecuadorian Coast, Amazon Rainforest, the Andes (including ‘Espeletia schultzii’ from the high regions of the northern Andes) and other parts of the world. This will give you a wonderful overview of the richness and diversity of the flora in Ecuador. The garden includes plants that have adapted to the harsh climate of the high Andes, as well as tropical plants that are bountiful in the lush cloud and rain forests. The garden includes representations of the following ecosystems: the moorlands or paramos of the high Andes, the cloud forest, the dry forest, the damps of the highlands, Inca garden, bromeliad garden, palm garden, and orchid displays. More than 1,200 orchid species and a number of hybrids are exhibited in “Crystal Palaces” inside the botanical garden. These palaces occupy an area of 800 square meters. One palace holds altitude orchids and the other tropical species. In Ecuador, one of each four plant species is an orchid. I can tell you that there were many in our group that were very surprised at the plant material here. These greenhouses are incredible! and should not be missed. I have seen many orchids over the years but in these greenhouses there were orchids that will take your breath away.

did you know?

-In one hectare of the Ecuadorian tropical rain forest there are more than 350 plant species, a true world record! Ecuador holds approximately 17,000 plant species, more than the whole European continent. The medicine that has saved the most lives in the world was discovered in an Ecuadorian plant, the “cascarilla”.

Then you visit Quito’s colonial old town where you walk on cobble-stoned streets lined with moorish and baroque architecture and visit the most important plazas, monasteries and churches. Quito’s spectacular old town extends over 320 hectares – the largest historic center in the Americas. Host to 40 churches and chapels, 16 convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters, 17 plazas, 12 chapter rooms and refectories, 12 museums and countless courtyards. Fingers crossed we get to visit The Church of the Society of Jesus or Basilica de la Conpania de Jesus – a monument to the Jesuits who built it between 1605 and 1765 and really isn’t totally completed yet. It is covered in 23 karat gold….everywhere….every centimeter! We were not allowed to take any photos while inside and it is just so hard to describe it, you just have to see it for yourself. The central nave is topped by a 26 meter high continuous barrel vault and decorated in gold leaf. The main golden altarpiece built in 1745 is topped by an octagonal dome in intense reds, golds and blues over a sky background. There is precious artwork here too as well as angel faces, fruit crowns, grape clusters and more. This is one truly ‘take your breath away’ church. Quito’s historical heritage is only equaled by the energy and vibrancy of its residents.

We will enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant. Then we cross the Equator Line at the “Middle of the World” about 20km north of Quito. You can literally stand with one foot on each side of the equator. The Intiñan Museum is located on the Equator-Line where you are invited to do various “Equator experiments” which are always fun to do.

We return to our hotel in the afternoon. In the evening, we invite you to the Theatrum Restaurant for a very special dinner. “Theatrum, this beautifully decorated restaurant located in the second floor of the Sucre National Theatre was built in the late 19th century. Its cuisine is new Mediterranean.” The architecture of Teatro Sucre is reminiscent of the opera houses that dominated Europe in the past. Its facade reflects the neoclassical style that was popular at that time. The building is magnificently constructed with arches and columns. The balcony features an image of Antonio Jose. As you walk towards the building you will see stunning figures of the famous Greek muses. (B/L/D)

We leave Quito to the north and drive on the Pan-American Highway to Cayambe. We visit the Hacienda La Compañía, a beautiful property which is part of the Rosadex Rose Farm. At the farm, you see the process of rose growing for export. The name of this hacienda is LA COMPAÑÍA DE JESÚS because it belonged to the Jesuit order when they were established in Ecuador 300 years ago. In 1767, when King Charles III expelled them from Spain and all their colonies, they had to leave. This Hacienda has been in the Jarrin Family for 5 generations and is still a family home and French Neoclassic The Chapel, built by the Jesuit order as well.

a memory to share with you….

-Cayambe is the center of milk producers and the fields were not only filled with vegetable gardens and rose plantations but cows. It is a beautiful area of the country, full of hills and valleys and little farms set on those hillsides with neat gardens full of life. We see many Otavalo Indians busy at work, and it is hard work on these hills. We see an old woman hunched over as she is carrying a huge pile of wood – perhaps firewood – on her back along the side of the road. We see the sides of the roads full of wildflowers in purple, blue and white.

We enjoy lunch at the Hacienda La Compañia before we drive to the Hosteria Puerto Lago where we stay overnight. In the late afternoon we invite you on a cruise around the lake with beautiful views of the impressive Imbabura Volcano with an elevation of 4572 meters. The area around is very fertile with crops of maize, sugar cane and beans. It last erupted 14,000 years ago but still remains monitored. Imbabura is considered the sacred protector of the region. We have dinner and stay overnight at the Hosteria Puerto Lago. (B/L/D)

http://www.haciendalacompania.com/#!__ingles

http://www.rosadex.com/home/

http://www.puertolago.com/eng/

From Puerto Lago is it a short drive to Otavalo where we visit Ecuador’s largest indigenous market. There are about six communities or villages that bring their wares to sell and each one makes something different. They have learned to work together rather than competing. So many stalls here with all manner of gifts to buy and after you were finished looking at stalls of sweaters woven in brightly coloured yarns, gloves, scarves, wall hangings, table cloths, jewelry, pants, embroidered shirts, bags, packs, and then all the small stuff, you could also visit the fresh fruit and vegetable part of the market. It’s a great place to pick up bargains and to find little things to take home to your friends and family. Just about all of the goods here are hand made and unique to Ecuador. With excellent prices I might add. There were many ladies cooking and selling foods too and the smells of these foods were so delicious. The province of Imbabura is located in northern Ecuador, a picturesque land of lakes, majestic sierras and terraced farmlands and is home to the Otavalo Indians, industrious and enterprising people, who offer their products at the famous outdoor market. The textile industry was established in 1540 and became home to textile haciendas where the Indians, under Spanish control, would weave up to 200,000 yards of fabric a year. That was traded locally or in Peru or Potosi. What started out as a challenge for them has turned into a sustaining ability to earn a living to this day.

We have lunch at the colonial Hacienda Pinsaqui before we visit the small town of Cotacachi which is famous for its leather goods. In the afternoon, we go to the Quito airport to take the flight to Cuenca. In Cuenca we transfer to the Hotel El Dorado where we stay overnight.

(B/L/D)

http://www.eldoradohotel.com.ec/Home

We visit South America’s largest producer of Orchids located outside of Cuenca. At Ecuagenera the owner, Pepe Portilla will welcome you and give you a short introduction about Orchid growing and care before you are invited to a guided tour of the plantation. You will see orchids that are still hidden away by the owner/breeder as they are not ready for market yet. There are many photo opportunities here. During the walk through the plantation you will be amazed at the variety and sizes of orchid flowers – from the smallest to the largest orchids – some so tiny and fragile you have to observe them with a loupe. You wonder why orchids might cost a lot? Each crossing takes about 5 years and to see the flower add another 3 years to that. We may even get into an area that has very special orchids..what a treat that was! We were all in orchid overdrive here…Ecuagenera was launched 50 years ago with the arrival of Father Angel Andreetta. As a result of his work, in 1968 it was possible for Ecuador to participate for the first time in a world exposition of orchids in Columbia. Wanting his work to continue, Andreetta found help from a young man who demonstrated a real love for nature, Mario Portilla, who would become his main ally for many years.
‘Ecuagenera works to research, cultivate, preserve, and promote the orchid and its nearly infinite expressions of beauty. “From the very beginning, Ecuagenera has been involved in conservation and investigation,” Pepe Portilla says. “The reason we have so many plants is that man-made changes are driving some species to extinction. But once we have the plant here, we can save the chromosomes and protochromes in the laboratory. We can’t grow them all here, but we can save them here.” Portilla continues, “However, now, at Ecuagenera, we have more than 8,000 plants from all over the world. We are trying to germinate every one of them. It’s not easy. We must experiment with the medium, the germination process, how often to water. So it’s a lot of science all the time. So far, Ecuagenera has created 30 different new hybrids, “and we like to think there are many more,” Pepe claims proudly. “We named one after the Minister of the Environment and another after a teacher in our school.” “It’s an honor to offer this pride and joy asset to the world.”

Ecuagenera also established and manages the Liceo Particular Bilingüe Nuevo Mundo (New World Institute), a private school near the nursery. Many of the students at the Liceo work at the orchid operation and not only get hands-on experience with the principles of horticulture, botany, biology, and the value of honest work, but also earn a wage or reinvest in their tuition. The students who come from families with limited resources receive scholarships. Classes range from pre-school through college (high school) in 21 classrooms, each with a capacity for 30 students; the curriculum consists of science, math, the arts, history, politics, family economics, health and athletics, and language. The Liceo also boasts state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment for the language labs, a computer for each student in the computer lab, even a licensed dietician who manages the kitchen and cafeteria. Full-year scholarships cost $940 and cover tuition, books, uniform, and lunch.

We have lunch in Ecuagenera. In the afternoon, we return to Cuenca. (B/L)

http://www.ecuagenera.com/ORCHID-SPECIES

did you know?

-one out of five plants in Ecuador is an orchid; so far 4,200 species have been identified and 43% of these are endemic. Ecuador is the country with the largest diversity of orchids in the world and many are endangered.

2500 meters above sea level and set in a valley, this city is gorgeous. Surrounded by mountains, traversed by four rivers, and home to beautiful 14th and 15th century architecture, Cuenca surprised nobody when it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the Old Town, you will find Parque Calderón and other colonial parks and plazas, neighborhoods that date back to the first days of the Spanish conquest of the area, and religious art museums showcasing some of Ecuador’s most impressive artwork. Also to be admired in this area are architecturally impressive buildings and churches such as the Old and New Cathedrals, Santo Domingo, San Sebastián, and San Blas, to name but a few. The city is also famous for hosting the International Art Fair. The most impressive of the city’s many museums are as follows: Banco Central, Casa de la Cultura, Conceptas Convent, Remigio Crespo Toral, Artes Populares de América, Arte Moderno, and Instituto Azuayo de Folclore. With so much cultural heritage to offer the tourist, it’s no surprise that Cuenca was chosen as the Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2002. 2,000 Buildings are considered to be architectural treasures…

We have lunch at our Hotel. In the afternoon, we travel on a 3-hour scenic overland journey from Cuenca to Guayaquil through the spectacular Cajas National Park. A fine highway lined with fields of bananas and other crops, until our arrival where we have dinner at the Hotel Palace. (B/L/D)

http://www.hotelpalaceguayaquil.com.ec/default-en.html

did you know?

-on our drive through the Cajas Mountains we learned about bananas, a huge crop here in Ecuador. Banana Bonita is the largest producer, followed by Dole. They even have their own banana ports to get them ready for shipment in those huge containers which are specially made for shipping bananas. Machala is the banana city of Ecuador. To put this into perspective. Each box is 22-25 kilos and the size of each box is 8” x 20” x 13”. Each banana has to be 10” in length. There are 228,297,363 boxes shipped each year. The Baltic States take the most bananas, then Russia, then U.S.A. followed by Mediterranean countries, Middle East, Europe and East Africa. Banana plants are planted with Cacao under them too.

Magic-Flowers is one of South America’s largest producers of Tropical Flowers. The owners will guide our group through this vast flower plantation, explaining and showing us the large variety of heliconia, ginger and many other tropical plants they produce. Magic-Flowers is Rainforest Alliance Certified and in 1990 they began its rescue of the Amazonian Flora. We will see flowers like ginger and heliconia, growing as they should – and they are tall, we will see and taste fruits right off the plant. To see teeny tiny cacao pods and baby bananas, to split open a cacao pod and pick away at the seeds, which are a sweet sour taste, to watch how the flowers are treated and prepared for delivery, is a real experience. The contrast between this plantation and the other two that we have visited could not be more evident as this plantation has 120 acres in production. Adjacent to Magic-Flowers is the Coffee and Cacao Hacienda Palo Santo which is operated and owned by the same family. Get to know the process of Cacao and Coffee growing. We have a delicious box lunch at Magic Flowers before we return to Guayaquil. (B/Box Lunch)

did you know?

-this country is the second in the world in bird variety, with a total of 1,616 species, (17.9% of the worlds species) of which 52 are endemic. 132 species of hummingbirds that totals 37% of the species in the world.

http://www.magic-flowers.com/?reloaded=true

http://www.haciendapalosanto.com/

We show you the tropical city of Guayaquil on an exciting city tour. Founded in 1938 Guayaquil was South America’s most important port in colonial times. Now a days it continues to be the principle port but is also its economic center. The city has become a modern metropolis with a beautiful strolling waterfront filled with parks and gardens called the Guayas River Waterfront. The number of free living Iguanas in the “Seminario Park” will leave you giddy like the children playing here among them. We continue the journey to the Historical Park, a lovely place to visit for history, plants and animals. It even has a wonderful potager garden. It tries to keep the regions cultural and ecological values and is a truly delightful place to learn about what the area was like long ago where you get a closer look at the flora and fauna of the region and also see a typical cacao hacienda. We enjoy our Farewell Lunch in a traditional restaurant before we return to the Hotel. (B/L)

At the indicated time transfer to the Airport for your international flight. (B)