Condors and Culture in Otavalo
Quito, Ecuador
From USD 156.00
Office phone number: +593-9-78632818
Condors and Culture in Otavalo
Quito, Ecuador
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Embark on an adventure that showcases Ecuador’s diverse natural world and colourful culture. Take in stunning Ecuadorian vistas before visiting a rescue centrededicated to protecting and rehabilitating endangered birds of prey. Feast on local food served at a native house, and shop at a vibrant indigenous craft market on this tour brimming with culture, history, and wildlife!
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Highlights
- Take in breathtaking views of San Pablo Lake
- Spot vultures, owls, and eagles at a bird rescue center, and have a close encounter with the majestic Andean Condor
- See hawks and falcons display their amazing flying skills during an exciting flight demonstration
- Enjoy traditional cuisine at a local native workshop
- Pick up some colourful crafts at a traditional indigenous market
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Schedule details
- Duration: 10 hours
- Meeting point:
Hotel Quito Lobby: Av. González Suárez N27 142 y Gonzalez Suarez.
- Starting time: 8.00 AM
- Ending point:
Hotel Quito Lobby
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, private transportation, entrance fee to Condor Park, lunch.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for the guide
Head out of Quito for a tour of Otavalo and its wildlife and market. Begin your adventure by travelling through the beautiful highland province of Imbabura. Stop at San Pablo Lake to take in sweeping views of the Ecuadorian Andes. This place is a photographer’s dream, so now's not the time to realise you forgot your camera!
Continue the trip by paying a visit to a sanctuary that rehabilitates endangered, predatory birds. Home to many bird species as well as one of the world’s most endangered birds - the mighty Andean Condor - this sanctuary does a wonderful job of feeding, housing, and rehabilitating injured and mistreated birds.
Walk the grounds and spot vultures, owls, and eagles before watching an impressive flight demonstration. Admire the agility and skill of hawks and falcons as they fly, dive, and find prey on command. Witnessing these remarkable creatures in full flight is truly mesmerising!
Next up, we’ll visit an indigenous craft market full of vendors proudly displaying their wares. Wander through the market perusing the wide range of unique jewelry, handwoven rugs, colourful clothing, bright bags, hand-carved ornaments, and vibrant textiles. The quality here is exceptional and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere, so why not buy a souvenir and support the talented artisans who keep Ecuador’s native cultures alive?
Stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Otavalo native house and workshop that serves traditional cuisine from ancient recipes. Continue the visit with a wonderful introduction to the art of ancient weaving, traditional clothing, and herbal medicines — all of it explained by our native host, who can introduce you to a legacy of hundreds of years of legends and oral traditions.
Return to Quito after an active day filled with rich and natural wonders, amazing wildlife encounters, tasty cuisine, and cultural treasures.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, private transportation, entrance fee to Condor Park, lunch.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for the guide
Dress standard: We suggest wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, a sweater or jacket and a hat.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Otavalo's climate is usually cold so we recommend you bring a warm jacket. Please bring your camera because you’re sure snap those special memories!
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +593-9-78632818
Email address: info@quitourbanadventures.com
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