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
Condors may be strong and skillful but sometimes even birds of prey get the blues. Visit a rehabilitation centre for condors that are down on their luck, then enjoy a nature walk, a visit to a sacred waterfall and some down time at a craft market. This Quito tour isn't full of the usual travel suspects.
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Highlights
- Take in breathtaking views of San Pablo Lake
- Spot vultures, owls, and eagles on a nature walk
- See hawks and falcons display their amazing flying skills during an exciting flight demonstration
- Have a close encounter with the majestic Andean Condor
- Enjoy traditional cuisine with a modern twist
- Visit the mystical Peguche Waterfall
- Pick up some colourful crafts at a traditional indigenous market
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Schedule details
- Duration: 10 hours
- Meeting point:
Quito Urban Adventures Office (Reina Victoria N21-226 between Carrión and Roca in La Mariscal).
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 8.00 AM
- Ending point:
Quito Urban Adventures Office (Reina Victoria N21-226 between Carrión and Roca in La Mariscal).
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!
Our first stop on this Otavalo tour is 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 trail 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!
Stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant that serves innovative cuisine from both ancient and modern recipes. Continue your adventure with a short walk to the Peguche Waterfall, considered by locals to be a sacred place. Surrounded by lush greenery, the powerful torrents of water create a hazy mist that wafts through this enchanting natural world.
Finish your tour of Otavalo by visiting an indigenous craft market full of vendors proudly displaying their wares. Wander through the market perusing the wide range of unique jewelry, hand-woven rugs, colourful clothing, bright bags, hand-carved ornaments, and vibrant textiles. The quality here is exceptional and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere, so it's an ideal spot to pick up a unique local souvenir created by one of the many talented artisans at the market.
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 must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 years are not permitted on the tour.
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Local contact
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