KARANKI - MAGDALENA & IBARRA
Highlights
Visit Otavalo’s vibrant indigenous market.
Experience local activities and cultural connections
Explore Peguche, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha Lagoon.
Explore the stunning landscapes of an active volcano.
Marvel at the vibrant turquoise crater lake.
Indigenous Communities Visit involves experiencing traditional culture.
Discover the Magic of Karanki-Magdalena
Travel through diverse ecosystems to Otavalo’s vibrant market. Visit Peguche, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha Lagoon. Stay with the Karanki-Magdalena Community, admire traditional crafts and experience the Andean hospitality. Explore Ibarra and Parque Cóndor, then enjoy a typical ecuadorian meal at Pinsaqui Hacienda. A journey of cultural treasures and scenic wonders awaits!
Itinerary
Quito – Otavalo – Magdalena Community
AM
Driving north from Quito, we pass through various ecosystems and agricultural zones, even crossing the equator. Along the way, we taste local flavors and enjoy scenic views of volcanoes, including “El Taita” Imbabura.
At the Otavalo market, visitors can engage with locals, negotiating for woven goods, bags, hats, flutes, and other crafts.
We visit villages like Peguche, known for traditional looms and Andean instruments, and Cotacachi, famous for its leather work. Next, we explore Cuicocha Lagoon in Cotacachi Cayapas National Park. Enjoy free time for lunch with recommendations from your guide.
PM
Our journey continues to the Karanki-Magdalena Community, at 3,100 meters above sea level. The landscape resembles a colorful patchwork, and locals are known for their exquisite embroidery, which is available for purchasing directly from artisans.
Experience their daily life, unhurried by modern distractions. Overnight in a comfortable room with private facilities and hot water. Enjoy authentic, Andean home cooking and optional activities like horseback riding and hiking.
- Meals Included: Dinner at Magdalena Home Stay.
- Accommodation: Magdalena Home Stay.
- Service and Entrance Fees Include: Bilingual guide (English—Spanish), a Tour transfer, Cotacachi Lagoon, and an Andean Instruments Workshop.
Magdalena Community – Ibarra – Quito
AM
Join Magdalena locals in their morning activities, such as milking.
Next, we visit Ibarra, “La Ciudad Blanca,” Imbabura`s capital. Your guide will share its history as we admire the city’s architecture.
Our next stop is “Parque Cóndor”, a bird of prey rescue center. The park educates visitors about the issues that Andean condors and owls face.
PM
We continue to Hacienda Pinsaqui, a historic site in Imbabura Province. Enjoy a traditional lunch, explore its gardens, and interact with its horses.
Afterward, we drive back to Quito, dropping you off at your hotel or at the airport.
- Meals Included: Breakfast at Magdalena Home Stay, Lunch at Pinsaqui Hacienda.
- Service and Entrances Fee Included: Bilingual guide (English – Spanish), Touristic Transportation, Parque Condor Refugee.
Contact our travel experts.
What to take on the trip
Essentials:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camera
- Plastic bags for garbage
- Umbrella
What to Wear?
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
- Rubber boots and rain ponchos (for rent at the community).
- Waterproof pants.
- Windbreakers, warm evening clothes.
- Cap or hat,
Contact our travel experts.
Other Ecuador Land Tours
Explore more of Ecuador with our additional land tours. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences this beautiful country has to offer.
