Chaski Route & Otavalo treasures | Go Galapagos

Chaski Route & Otavalo treasures

[:en]Day 1: Quito – Otavalo – Cuicocha – Magdalena
Arriving in the morning to the city of Ibarra, we will embark on a train journey engineered in the early 20th-century that connects the northern Ecuadorian Andes and the Pacific Coast. The ride descends into the warm, dry valley of Salinas, across sugarcane plantations, magical landscapes, through tunnels and over bridges spanning canyons and patchwork fields.

Walk through the famed craft market of Otavalo, which is the most famous and picturesque in South America. For visitors, the market offers the possibility of approaching Ecuadorians at a more intimate level as you negotiate prices of a variety of woven goods, bags, hats, flutes or simply appreciate the skillful and generous people responsible for the elegance and beauty of the clothing and handicrafts.

Cuicocha comes from the Kichwa indigenous language and means “Lago del Cuy” or Guinea Pig Lake in English. It was given this name due to the guinea pig shape of the largest island in the middle of the lake. These animals play a significant part in the everyday life of indigenous people as they make for a high protein meal especially for populations living in high altitude.

The ride continues through a marvelous Andean setting we head into the indigenous community of the Karanki Magdalena.  Bike or horseback ride through a wide array of colorful patchwork on the eastern foothills of the Imbabura volcano. Join a gastronomy lesson while preparing a traditional lunch.  Learn from the community members about local planting techniques of potatoes, quinoa, lupin, corn, beans, wheat and other vegetables depending on the harvesting season.

Day 2: Ibarra – Train ride to Salinas –  Peguche – Quito

Arriving in the morning to the city of Ibarra, we will embark on a train journey engineered in the early 20th-century that connects the northern Ecuadorian Andes and the Pacific Coast. The ride descends into the warm, dry valley of Salinas, across sugarcane plantations, magical landscapes, through tunnels and over bridges spanning canyons and patchwork fields.

Enjoy a unique lunch at the Salinas afro-Ecuadorian community restaurant, implemented by Go Galapagos – Kleintours in an effort to boost tourism in support of this fascinating area.   The menu has been carefully put together through with the community to share the local savoir-faire with our high-quality standards.

Visit the village of Peguche, known for traditional weaving and the handcrafted Andean musical wind instruments. The tour also offers a range of alternatives, including villages such as Cotacachi, an Indian village which features leatherwork including bags, jackets, hats, gloves, and belts.

Drive back to Quito.[:es]Día 1: Quito – Otavalo – Cuicocha – Magdalena

Camine por el famoso mercado artesanal de Otavalo, que es el más famoso y pintoresco de América del Sur. Para los visitantes, el mercado ofrece la posibilidad de acercarse a los ecuatorianos en un nivel más íntimo al negociar precios de una variedad de productos tejidos, bolsos, sombreros, flautas o simplemente apreciar a las personas hábiles y generosas responsables de la elegancia y belleza de la ropa y artesanías.

Cuicocha proviene de la lengua indígena Kichwa y significa “Lago del Cuy” o Lago Conejillo de Indias. Se le dio este nombre debido a la forma de conejillo de indias de la isla más grande en el medio del lago. Estos animales desempeñan un papel importante en la vida cotidiana de los indígenas, ya que hacen una comida rica en proteínas, especialmente para las poblaciones que viven en gran altura.

El viaje continúa a través de un maravilloso escenario andino nos dirigimos a la comunidad indígena de Karanki Magdalena. Embarquese en un paseo en bicicleta o a caballo a través de una amplia variedad de coloridos mosaicos en las estribaciones orientales del volcán Imbabura. Únase a una clase de gastronomía mientras prepara un almuerzo tradicional. Aprenda de los miembros de la comunidad sobre las técnicas locales de siembra de papas, quinua, chocho (altramuz), maíz, frijoles, trigo y otras verduras dependiendo de la temporada de cosecha.

Día 2: Ibarra – Viaje en tren a Salinas – Peguche – Quito

Al llegar por la mañana a la ciudad de Ibarra, nos embarcaremos en un viaje en tren diseñado a principios del siglo XX que conecta los Andes del norte de Ecuador y la costa del Pacífico. El viaje desciende al cálido y seco valle de Salinas, atravesando plantaciones de caña de azúcar, paisajes mágicos, a través de túneles y puentes sobre cañones y campos de parcelas.

Disfrute de un almuerzo único en el restaurante comunitario afro-ecuatoriano Salinas, implementado por Go Galapagos – Kleintours en un esfuerzo por impulsar el turismo en apoyo de esta fascinante área. El menú ha sido cuidadosamente elaborado junto con la comunidad para compartir el savoir-faire local con nuestros estándares de alta calidad.

Visite el pueblo de Peguche, conocido por el tejido tradicional y los instrumentos de viento musicales andinos artesanales. El recorrido también ofrece una variedad de alternativas, incluyendo pueblos como Cotacachi, un pueblo indigena que cuenta con trabajos en cuero que incluyen bolsos, chaquetas, sombreros, guantes y cinturones.

Viaje de vuelta a Quito.[:]

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