Rural Ecuador 3 Days

Isinlivi - Departing Quito in the morning you will be transported down the Avenue of the Volcanoes with spectacular views along the way on a clear day. We then head up into the mountains to the small rural village of Isinlivi where clean air and beautiful views are the norm. We will take you to visit the local cheese factory (of course you can sample the delicious cheese too! NOTE: NO ENGLISH GUIDES ARE AVAILABLE HERE) with an optional pleasant stroll through the countryside back to the hostal afterwards. You can also visit the Don Bosco woodwork project, explore the village yourselves or enjoy a short hike in the area (maps available at the hostal).

Community visits - Today we get you fully immersed in local village life with visits to a local school and to learn about the village water project. A traditional lunch with a friendly local family, and a hike to Lake Tilinte (approx. 1 and 1/2 hours total, moderate-easy walk) where the local volunteer will explain all about the local traditions, fables and customs. Part of the fee for you tour goes towards a donation to the local family and to the school; it is also possible for you to directly donate a food package, used clothes or school utensils if you wish. In the evening the hostal sauna will be heated up and available for your use. NOTE - THESE VISITS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE MON-FRI, NOT WEEKENDS. THE VOLUNTEER IS NOT A FORMAL GUIDE BUT CAN HELP YOU WITH THE VISITS.

Quilotoa + Tigua - After breakfast we will drive to the famous Quilotoa crater lake which will literally take your breath away! An emerald green laguna inside the crater of an extinct volcano with steep jagged cliffs and views straight down the entire Avenue of the Volcanoes! It is possible to trek into the crater to the lake shore (with optional mule ride out for those with tired limbs), and there are handicrafts for sale at the local Quilotoa market too. Leaving Quilotoa behind there are many spectacular views of this area which is sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Ecuador. There is also time for an interesting stop at the Tigua art workshop to meet the Toaquiza family and admire some impressive local artwork with impressions of life in the Andes.