Northern Andes, Otavalo, “Chaski Route” & Train | Go Galapagos

Northern Andes, Otavalo, “Chaski Route” & Train

[:en]Day 1: Quito  – Otavalo  – Cuicocha  – Karanki Magdalena Community

Departing from Quito to the north, we will ride across the colorful valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe.  A ride through the breathtaking Andean setting offers great photo opportunities and after two hours of traveling through the riveting countryside, we will arrive at the province of Imbabura.

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.

Day 2: Magdalena  – Train ride to Salinas  –  Ibarra  – Karanki Magdalena harvesting techniques

After breakfast, 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.

Back in Ibarra, we will enjoy a city tour to reach one of the highest points in the city and have a panoramic view.  Taste a helado de paila, which is a typical refreshing fruit sherbet.

In the Karanki Magdalena Community, 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 3: Peguche – Condor Park – Quito

After breakfast, we head to Peguche, famous for the textiles produced on traditional looms and it’s handcrafted wind instruments where you can purchase their goods directly from the artisans.  visit the Parque Condor which is a sanctuary for a variety of birds of prey including our national animal the Andean Condor.  Learn more about the birds inhabiting the highlands, their protection, conservations, and threats.

Return to Quito.[:es]Día 1: Quito – Otavalo – Cuicocha – Comunidad Karanki Magdalena

Partiendo de Quito hacia el norte, cruzaremos los coloridos valles de Guayllabamba y Cayambe. Un paseo por el impresionante entorno andino ofrece excelentes oportunidades para tomar fotografías y después de dos horas de viaje por el fascinante campo, llegaremos a la provincia de Imbabura.

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 en inglés. 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. Paseo en bicicleta o a caballo a través de una amplia variedad de coloridos mosaicos en las estribaciones orientales del volcán Imbabura.

Día 2: Magdalena – Viaje en tren a Salinas – Ibarra – Técnicas de cosecha de Karanki Magdalena

Después del desayuno, emprenda un viaje en tren diseñado a principios del siglo XX que conecta el norte de los Andes ecuatorianos 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.

De regreso en Ibarra, disfrutaremos de un city tour para llegar a uno de los puntos más altos de la ciudad y tener una vista panorámica. Pruebe un helado de paila, que es un sorbete de fruta refrescante típico.

En la Comunidad Karanki Magdalena, aprenda de los miembros de la comunidad sobre las técnicas locales de siembra de papas, quinua, altramuz, maíz, frijoles, trigo y otros vegetales, dependiendo de la temporada de cosecha.

Día 3: Peguche – Parque Condor – Quito

Después del desayuno, nos dirigimos a Peguche, famoso por los textiles producidos en telares tradicionales y sus instrumentos de viento hechos a mano donde puede comprar sus productos directamente a los artesanos. Visite el Parque Cóndor, que es un santuario para una variedad de aves rapaces, incluido nuestro animal nacional, el cóndor andino. Aprenda más sobre las aves que habitan en las tierras altas, su protección, conservaciones y amenazas.

Regreso a Quito.

 [:]

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