Extended Family Itinerary
5- Day Itinerary
Explore the Ecuadorian Andes and cloud forest over the course of five days. Combine culture, nature, fun and adventure with this family-friendly itinerary. Visit ancient ruins, an animal rescue center, beautiful Andean valleys and the nearby could forest area of Intag, where tropical butterflies and hummingbirds await!
DAY 1
Explore the Zuleta valley by horseback starting from Hacienda Zuleta and following the Condor ́s Path, where you might spot Andean Condors, as well as visit the archaeological ruins of the Caranqui culture. Put your trout fishing skills to the test at a trout farm and enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by Hacienda Cusín.
Overnight stay at: Hacienda Cusín
DAY 2
If you weren’t able to spot condors in Zuleta, you can see them up close at Parque Condor, as well as other rescued birds of prey like hawks, owls and vultures. Try to make it to their falconry show 11.30 am or 3.30 pm (best to reconfirm with Reception).
Stop by Ñanda Mañachi, an instrument making workshop led by José Luis Pichamba where you and the kids can learn to make basic panflutes.
Overnight stay at: Hacienda Cusín
DAY 3
Depart Cusín for Andrade Marín in Atuntaqui to explore a textile museum before boarding the “Tren de la Libertad I” (Freedom Train) north towards Ibarra, passing through through seven man-made tunnels and bridges spanning steep canyons, ending at the tropical town of Salinas. There, you can appreciate the history, culture and cuisine of Afro-Ecuadorian communities before heading back to Cusín in the afternoon.
Overnight stay at: Hacienda Cusín
DAY 4
Depart Cusin and travel by private car to Intag via Cotacachi. Stop by Cuicocha caldera and crater lake for a short hike before continuing to Intag. As the elevation drops to 6,000 feet, you’ll begin entering one of Ecuador’s most diverse cloud-forest habitats, home to 15-17% of the planet’s plant species, and almost 20% of its birds.
Lunch on arrival. Explore this mountain retreat’s forest. Dinner. Night walk, spotting extraordinary nocturnal creatures and listening to the bewitching sounds of the forest.
Overnight stay at: El Refugio Intag Cloud Forest Lodge
DAY 5
Early hike through the trails running through El Refugio Intag Cloud Forest to spot birds and other wildlife, fish for trout in the river, experience Ecuador’s longest zipline from the pre-Inca archaeological site of Wariman, visit the nearby town of Apuela on market day or stop by the Nangulvi Thermal Springs for a relaxing dip. Needless to say, you won’t run out of things to do here!
Finally, return to Cusín, where cozy log fires, splendid dinners and in-room massages await.
More Itineraries
The Valley of Dawn
1 to 6 nights
Please enquire
Our Otavalo tour delves into the heart, soul and culture of the landscapes and people found on every cardinal point from the hacienda.
Páramo El Ángel
2 nights / 3 days
From $150 pp
Explore a unique ecosystem by foot or horseback, staying at nearby historic haciendas or lodges, with our personalized tour.
Intag Cloud Forest
2 nights / 3 days
From $75 pp
On this Otavalo tour, discover the verdant world of Ecuador’s mega-diverse cloud forests in Intag, a short drive to the west.
Family Itinerary
2 nights / 3 days
Please enquire
Explore Otavalo and its surroundings with this family-friendly itinerary, guaranteed to delight children and adults alike.
Crafts and Shopping Itinerary
2 nights / 3 days
Please enquire
Otavalo boasts one of the largest markets in Ecuador, as well as plenty to discover and buy in nearby villages.
Nature Lover’s Itinerary
2 nights / 3 days
Please enquire
Though the Ecuadorian Andes are dotted with breathtaking landscapes, there are a few, lesser known, spots we’re eager to share with you.
Adventurer’s Itinerary
2 nights / 3 days
Please enquire
In the heart of the Cotacachi-Cayapas native reserve, you’ll find the Andean Community of Piñan, sitting at 3112 m (10,210 ft).
