Culture and art in the middle of the world

Upon arrival at Quito Airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Nestled among Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital and boasts one of the most stunning settings globally. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito played a pivotal role in the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-founded by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534.

The colonial center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is one of Latin America’s largest and best-preserved. It is home to exceptional museums, churches, and art galleries.

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Photo: mehdi33300

Today, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a journey to Tumbaco Valley, where you’ll visit the Barroquema Art Gallery. Here, you’ll not only admire an array of pottery but also engage with the artists and witness a live sculpture modeling demonstration. Additionally, you’ll create your hand-molded red clay bowl, which will be ready for pickup in three days. Don’t worry, we’ll collect it for you.

Next, head to Cumbayá, one of Quito’s most exclusive districts, for a culinary experience at the renowned 3500 Restaurant. Enjoy a meal that is as artistic as it is delicious, blending traditional Ecuadorian flavors with avant-garde culinary techniques.

After lunch, continue to downtown Quito to visit an art gallery where Mrs. Carole Lindberg will share her story. The Galleria/Taller, located in a colonial residence from the mid-1800s in the San Roque neighborhood, showcases a permanent collection of Lindberg’s work and includes various studio spaces used by other artists.

In the San Marcos neighborhood, known for its artisans, visit Casa Coraje to meet artists Illowaski Guanchala and Pamela Suasti. Illowaski’s realistic paintings capture everyday scenes with remarkable detail, while Pamela’s wool embroidery offers a unique artistic perspective.

Next, explore the Watercolor Museum to learn about the famous Ecuadorian painter Muñoz Marin. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight.

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© Carole Lindberg

Begin your day at the Equatorial Line complex, where the monument at latitude 0º 0’0″ offers a unique opportunity to stand in both hemispheres. The site, significant in Andean cosmovision, features a park, gift shops, and the Ethnographic Museum, which provides an overview of Ecuador’s diverse cultures.

Next, visit the bohemian neighborhood of La Floresta, known for its contemporary galleries, coffee shops, and local and international restaurants. Enjoy free time for lunch (optional).

Afterward, visit Pentasiete, a contemporary gallery showcasing both emerging and renowned Latin American artists.

In the evening, embark on a city night tour exploring Quito’s historic center, the largest in the Americas. Visit key churches such as the Cathedral, Compañía, and San Francisco, each rich in multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Enjoy a private tour of the San Francisco Convent and taste its original craft beer brewed from an XVI Century recipe.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

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Photo: jkraft5

Travel to Otavalo, famed for its artisan market. On the way, stop at Guayllabamba to try chirimoya, a local fruit, and at Cayambe for the famous bizcochos, a local delicacy.

In Otavalo, explore the textile market at the Plaza of Ponchos, one of South America’s most renowned markets, offering various handicrafts and tapestries. Enjoy some free time to bargain and shop with the friendly Otavaleños.

Visit Mr. Miguel Andrango’s workshop in Agato for a weaving demonstration by three generations of his family. Observe the transformation of raw wool into thread and learn about the traditional tools and natural dyes used. Visit the store for potential purchases.

Lunch at Hacienda Pinsaqui, a historic hacienda, followed by a visit to Hacienda Zuleta, a colonial-era working farm previously owned by former President Galo Plaza Lasso. Recognized by Outside magazine and National Geographic Traveler, the hacienda is a top destination.

Overnight at the Hacienda.

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© GoRaymi

After a farm-to-table breakfast, meet the women of Zuleta, renowned nationwide for their vibrant embroidery, which complements their traditional knee-high pleated skirts. This craft, introduced in the late nineteenth century, gained prominence with the establishment of the Zuleta Embroidery Workshop by Rosario Pallares, wife of former Ecuadorian President Galo Plaza Lasso. Following this, you will have a traditional lunch before returning to Quito.

Upon arrival in the capital, visit La Capilla del Hombre , the museum of Oswaldo Guayasamín. Guayasamín was a prominent Ecuadorian painter and sculptor of Kichwa and Mestizo heritage. His work is celebrated for its profound commentary on humanity, a theme reflected in La Capilla del Hombre. This museum was co-designed by Guayasamín and is dedicated to documenting both the cruelty and the potential for greatness within humanity.

Guayasamín’s death on March 10, 1999, marked a significant loss for Ecuador during a period of intense political and socio-economic crisis. Despite this, he is honored as a national treasure. The museum, which opened to the public in 2002, showcases his legacy and commitment to peace—a contribution recognized by UNESCO. Enjoy a cocktail on-site while admiring the remarkable work of Guayasamín. Return to the hotel for the night.

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© Hacienda Zuleta

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Quito Airport for your Galápagos or international flight.

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Photo: Moiz_Cukurel