Quichua community tour 3D/2N Itinerary 2026

Leave Quito in the morning and travel to the community of La Calera near Cotacachi.

Your experience begins with the preparation of Pachamanka, an ancient Andean cooking tradition where potatoes, meat, corn, beans, and other local ingredients are slowly cooked underground using hot volcanic stones. Together with the local community, you’ll help prepare and wrap the food before placing it inside the earth oven.

While the Pachamanka cooks, take part in local community activities. Learn about the traditional practice of plowing the land with oxen, and visit Alli Maki, a women’s embroidery group preserving traditional Andean designs and handmade textiles.

After returning for a delicious Pachamanka lunch, continue with a visit to a local family working with cabuya (agave fiber). Learn how this plant is transformed into natural fibers and handicrafts using traditional techniques.

Later in the afternoon, settle into your homestay with a local family and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Andes.

After breakfast with your host family, travel to Cotacachi-Cayapas National Park for a scenic hike around Cuicocha Crater Lake.

The trail passes through beautiful Andean landscapes, climbing from 3,100 to 3,450 meters above sea level. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the crater lake and surrounding volcanoes.

After the hike, visit a local alpaca project, where you’ll interact with the animals and learn about their importance in Andean culture and daily life.

Later, continue to the town of Cotacachi for lunch and free time before returning to the community for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the community of Peguche, known for its strong artisan traditions.

Explore a workshop where local families make traditional Andean musical instruments, followed by a visit to a weaving workshop to learn about traditional textile techniques using handlooms.

Finally, visit the famous Otavalo Market (Plaza de Ponchos), one of the most important handicraft markets in South America. Enjoy free time to explore the colorful stalls, shop for local crafts, or enjoy lunch before returning to Quito.

Arrival in Quito around the afternoon.