Tour: 2-Day Otavalo Artisan Experience

Otavalo MINI-ADVENTURE PRICING

Our Otavalo mini-adventure pricing is designed for any size group. The more people you travle with, the better the price! The price guidelines, plus your cost of accommodation determine the final cost of this mini-adventure. Contact us for more details.

Accommodation

The hotel cost is not included in the mini-adventure price. We offer a few accommodation options for this mini-adventure to Otavalo. Hotel Otavalo, Cusin, Palmaras Inn, as well as Pinsaqui Hacienda, just outside of Otavalo are our main hotel offerings. As the price of the tour varies based on what hotel you choose, please review them to determine your personal preferences.

No matter what your choice, you can expect to stay in clean and comfortable hotels and lodges. Each place you visit delivers a truly fantastic experience, where you feel close to nature. With that said, most of your time will be spent outside exploring the magnificent surroundings. Usually, the only time you will be in your room is to shower and sleep! Every attempt is made to make sure your stay is comfortable and complete with hot water and air-conditioning. However, due the developmental stage of Ecuador, an invigorating cold shower may creep into the itinerary or you may have to sleep with a fan. This is not the norm but we like for you to know the possibilities up front.

Shopping at the Markets

It is best to be prepared to buy a few small items by having small denomination, untorn bills available. Not all merchants will have change for large bills (or will say they don’t!)

Mini-Adventure Pickup and Drop-off

We’ll arrange to pick you up and drop you off at most hotels in Quito, or at pre-determined meeting points. Note that if you are staying at an Airbnb or similar we may require you to meet the group at a nearby hotel. If you want to be dropped off somewhere in Quito at the end of your adventure (i.e. somewhere in the Old Town) please advise us ahead of time.

Meals

You are responsible for both lunches and one dinner on this mini-adventure. Allow about $45-50 for the three meals, more if you intend to enjoy some drinks with your meals.

Arriving in Quito

Upon arrival at the international airport in Quito, you can grab a taxi and make your way to the hotel. There will be taxis waiting and the hotel will be expecting you. It should cost around $25-30USD and you should negotiate a set price BEFORE you get in the taxi. If you have paid for an airport pick-up, a representative will be waiting for you – look for your name on a sign!

NOTE: Quito, like most major cities, is not without its pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Leave your valuables and passports in your room or hotel safe and only carry what you need just to be safe. See our website for more safety tips.

Departing Quito

There no planned activities on the last day so you can depart any time. If you depart before noon, we’ll be sure to get you to the airport in ample time. Otherwise, grab a taxi (the hotel will be happy to organize one) and negotiate before you get in the car. If you’re staying a while and need help with accommodations or post-trips, we’re here to help.

Money

CURRENCY, BILLS & ATM’S – The currency in Ecuador is US Dollars. There are ATM’s in Quito and other major towns, but it is best to carry some cash rather than hope that ATMs will always work.  

Travelers Checks are rarely used, and the only way to use them on the islands is to cash them at the bank during weekday hours (and pay a percentage for this service). Most, if not all stores will only accept cash and small bills at that. Make sure all your notes are less than $100 and are in reasonably good condition – the locals and banks aren’t fond of torn or tattered bills.  It is advisable to let your bank know you are traveling to Ecuador before you depart from home.

TIPPING – 10% is the typical tip in restaurants and is usually included in your bill as a service charge.  For drivers, helpers, and crew during your trip, $5-10 a day is customary and included in your tour price.  For your leader, $8-12 per day per person is the norm.  Tipping is in no way required and entirely at your discretion.  It is however of great significance to those who have helped make your tour a success and a great way to express your appreciation for a job well done.     

Group Leader & On-site Support

Your guides will have a wealth of information about the history and culture of Ecuador.  They are locals and speak excellent English.

Your Responsibilities & Fellow Travelers

Being punctual by adhering to meeting times set out by your guide is an important part of ensuring everyone gets the best travel experience. Spending many days with fellow travelers from around the world can be exciting and dynamic. At times, it can be a challenge.  For the best possible trip, it is important that all passengers adhere to meeting times as a common courtesy.  With a small effort on your part and some patience on behalf of your fellow travelers, we are certain that the tour will be enjoyable for all.   

Travel Documents & Visas

In order to enter Ecuador, you must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity. You may also need a visa or immunizations depending on your home country. Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up to date travel requirements. Please talk with your family doctor or visit a travel clinic at home. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE PROPER TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of all important documents with you.

Tip: Even better is to take a picture or scan important documents in an email to yourself (passport, airline ticket, etc.). 

Travel Insurance

Bags get lost.  Flights get delayed.  And the unexpected, well you get the picture.  Things happen.  Travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your investment should a misfortune occur.  There are several to choose from and not as expensive as you may think.  Between 5 and 15 dollars a day will give you peace of mind before and during your trip.   *Safety is our number one priority on each and every trip.  However, the destination in which we operate has limited medical facilities and is an island off the coast of a third world country.  Although we don't anticipate a medical emergency, travel insurance with medical and emergency evacuation coverage is highly recommended.

Security

Purse-snatchers and pickpockets love to prey on the unsuspecting and obvious tourist.  It is best to leave your valuables, extra cash, and passport in room or hotel safe as a precaution, especially in Quito, Ecuador.  Please visit website for more information.

Safety

Safety is our first and foremost concern on all of our tours.  However, participation in any and all activities is at your own risk.  This is an adventurous tour in nature with a variety of activities that carry their own inherent risk. Always stick with the group during scheduled activities.

Altitude Sickness

The best way to adjust to altitude is to arrive early and let your body acclimatize. If you plan to spend extra time in Quito or the Andes, it can take 2 days for your body to adjust before taking part in any trekking or strenuous activities. Eat many small meals and avoid alcohol. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is very important at altitude. Altitude sickness may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, insomnia and loss of appetite. Being in “great shape” has no impact on how you’ll be impacted by altitude. If you are concerned about how the altitude may affect you, talk to your doctor before departing on your trip.

Age Restrictions

We have had travelers on our tours ranging from 9 months to 90 years old. We can easily customize private tours for all ages. We also occasionally require medical forms to be completed by doctors for travelers with pre-existing conditions or those that may be over 65 years of age. We evaluate every trip and booking individually, so please contact us if you have any concerns.

Andes Weather

Weather in Quito and the Andes will be much different than what you encounter in the Galapagos. In the Andes it can get quite cool in the temperate forest climate at night. Be sure to pack layers to allow for a wide range of temperature changes from day to night.

Air Temperature:

Oct to April Andes Air Temperature (40-75°F, 4-24°C)

May to Sept Andes Air Temperature (30-70°F, 0-21°C) 

Rainfall:

Oct to April Andes Rainfall (8-18 rainy days/month)

May to Sept Andes Rainfall (2-7 rainy days/month) 

Fitness & Health Requirements

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY – You don’t have to be an avid hiker but you do need to be comfortable walking around for a few hours. This mini-adventure is easy and suitable for all travelers.

PARTICIPATION NOT REQUIRED – All the activities and events offer something new or exciting, but if you’d rather sit something out, or do your own thing for a while, by all means – it is your vacation!

Transportation

We use a variety of transport in Ecuador. Depending on your group size, transportation for this mini-adventure will be in anything from an SUV to a large tourist van. We always make sure there is plenty of room to enjoy the travel times in comfort.

Emergency Procedures

Active volcanoes exist in Ecuador. In the event of an evacuation, your guide will advise you of the proper procedures. In the event of an evacuation happening when the group is not together, head directly to your hotel to meet your group and guide. If that is not possible, follow instructions from the local authorities and contact our office to advise us of your whereabouts.

DISCLAIMER

All itineraries are designed to be as informative as possible and are provided in good faith. Unless otherwise stated, all prices in this Dossier are in USD$. Due to the temperament of Mother Nature and the Ecuadorian Government, itineraries may change and activities may be shifted, omitted or replaced without notice. Our goal is to give you the best possible tour with a safety-first mentality.