Excursion to Otavalo & Train – 2 Days

Depart from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving to Cayambe, where the passengers will have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Bizcochos de Cayambe”, a type of cracker or bread baked in a clay oven (greatly paired with local cheese or caramel sauce). Afterwards, we will make a brief stop at “Miralago”, to admire a wonderful view of Lago San Pablo, amazing views. The tour then continues to Otavalo where Otavaleños (natives) set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is taken place. The market hosts a variety of different handcrafted items.

Passengers may choose between staying longer in Otavalo or go to visit to the leather shops at Cotacachi.  On the way to Cotacachi, we will visit a traditional workshop of Andean instruments “Ñanda Mañachi” located in Peguche and then reach Iluman, land of shamans and healers, where we will have the opportunity to witness an ancestral indigenous ritual by a Shaman.

In Cotacachi you have enough time to visit the village, the shops of leather goods and free time for lunch. Return to Quito picking up passengers in Otavalo (spot determined by Gray Line Guide).  Dinner and lodging.

The next day, very early, transfer to the station in Otavalo to take the train towards Salinas de Ibarra.

At 08:00 am the train goes out to San Roque, where we will make the first stop for a traditional snack (Café Train). Then we continue trip to Andrade Marin station, where you have a tasting of desserts prepared from tubers accompanied Rio Intag Coffee (Café Train).

Continued travel to San Antonio de Ibarra, town recognized internationally for its skilled artists and sculptors who have given continuity to the Quito School of Art. Visit sculpture workshop. Arrival to Ibarra at 11:05 am.

The route continues to Hoja Blanca where you will visit the ice cream shop in the train station. Arrival in Salinas at 13:10 pm where we will have the opportunity to watch a cultural performance (Café Train) and then will begin activities in the community (Café Train, Train Artisan Square, hiking, museum visits and entrepreneurship). Lunch and pick up passengers at the station to return to Quito.