GTGC – 86 – QUITO HACIENDA HATO VERDE

GTGC – 86 – QUITO
HACIENDA HATO VERDE
Three Days / Two Nights – Private Services

Daily

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Quito / Machachi / Hacienda Hato Verde

Departing from your hotel heading South from Quito we descend into the valley of Machachi, a green territory mainly made up of dairy farms, until we arrive at
*Hacienda “La Alegría”. This is a great way to get introduced to the Spirit of the Andean Haciendas and their daily workings. Visit the grounds and get suited for a horseback ride along old cobblestone roads and trails leading to a great view point of “La Viudita” which overlooks the entire valley. Along the way, there will be plenty of breathtaking scenes and great photo opportunities. Return to the Hacienda and freshen up to enjoy a typical lunch hosted by the Hacienda owner.

After lunch, get ready for an exciting demonstration by the Chagras (Andean cowboys) and lamas, on their riding and working skills, also this fantastic Hacienda offers a visit to their cheese maturing cellar, where you can observe the ripening and aging process.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Overnight accommodations Hacienda Hato Verde
Depending on the availability of the Hacienda Alegria, the Andean activities may vary from hiking, biking, canopy or other soft adventure activities.

DAY 2: Hacienda Hato Verde / Cotopaxi

After a delicious breakfast at the hacienda, we drive to the impressive active volcano Cotopaxi (5.897 m. High). Our first stop will be at the Limpiopungo Lake, and during our stay at the National Park, we can do a moderate level trekking. Also, we can see from the lake the silhouette of the Cotopaxi volcano. We will have our lunch in a restaurant in the National Park.
Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Overnight accommodations Hacienda Hato Verde

DAY 3: Hacienda Hato Verde / Quilotoa Lake / Quito

Departure from Hato Verde Hacienda, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the place, where our destination will be visit Quilotoa Lake (key-low-toe-ha) with a high crater inside, a water- filled 3 kilometer (2 miles) wide caldera. This caldera was formed by the collapse of the volcano in an eruption that took place approximately 800 years ago. The caldera has since accumulated a 250 m. (820 feet) deep lake crater which has an extraordinary turquoise color because of dissolved minerals. It will take you a half hour hike down to the lake. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor and hot springs occur on the eastern flank of the volcano.

The return hike takes one hour, or there is an option of renting a mule. (Optional and at expense of the passenger) We will stop for a well-deserved lunch in the area. During our trip we might have the possibility to see a naïf artist. Naïf art is a strong characteristic of this region and it is well known throughout the world. If the artist stand is open, you could have the opportunity to purchase one of these unique paintings. Return to Quito and hotel.
Meals; Breakfast