Day 2: After an early breakfast at our hotel, Jacquie will lead us to Quito's beloved Basilica del Voto Nacional where residents will gather to take part in the Palm Sunday procession, hosted by Jacchigua, a performing arts conservatory long considered Ambassadors of Ecuador's cultural heritage. We will walk alongside the procession as figures dressed in traditional costumes stroll down cobblestoned streets to the Plaza de San Francisco. We can stay for the outdoor mass, held around midday.

Our afternoon activity is flexible, depending on our energy levels on this first day at high altitude.

Day 3: We start our day early with a scenic drive to Quilotoa, passing through Andean villages and breathtaking highland landscapes. Once there, we'll take a short walk along the crater rim to enjoy stunning views from various angles, including the famous Shalala viewpoint. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to a cozy hacienda near Cotopaxi Volcano, where dinner awaits at the hotel restaurant, featuring excellent local dishes crafted by their talented chef.

Day 4: Enjoy a leisurely start at the hacienda, though early risers may catch a stunning view of Cotopaxi from the grounds before the clouds roll in. After breakfast, we head to Cotopaxi National Park, where our group will decide how to spend the day. We might take a relaxed stroll around Lake Limpiopungo, soaking in views of Cotopaxi’s towering cone while watching for wild horses and a variety of bird species. If the group feels more adventurous and the altitude isn’t an issue, we could hike to the José Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters for a breathtaking panorama of the high páramo.

Return to Quito in the late afternoon.

Day 5: The Arrastre de Caudas is a rare and sacred ceremony, performed only at Quito's City Cathedral during Holy Week. This centuries-old ritual, once practiced by early Christians to honor Christ’s sacrifice, features six clerics dressed in long black capes, symbolically cleansing sins as they process to the altar. 

The ceremony reaches its powerful climax when the clerics lie face down, capes spread over their bodies, the cardinal waving a large black banner emblazoned with a red cross over their prostrate bodies, representing the transition from death to resurrection. 

Part of the experience includes waiting outside the Cathedral to be granted access. Only a limited audience is permitted inside and entry cannot be guaranteed, adding to the anticipation and reverence of this unique event.

To top off our day, we will treat you to dinner at a local restaurant known for its chicha-tasting and delicious traditional dishes like Mote con Chicharron. All with a gorgeous view of Historic Quito at night.

Day 6 - Maundy Thursday is a special day in Quito when residents and visitors alike visit many of the seven churches along the iconic street bearing that name. We will join in this tradition, entering those churches open to the public. 

Today is ideal for a traditional Holy Week meal, fanesca. Every year, restaurants around Quito compete to win the title of the most delicious one and Jacquie will be sure to know where we should go to try it.

The highlight of Maundy Thursday is a candlelight procession starting at the Basilica del Voto Nacional and ending at the Plaza de Santo Domingo. You will have the option to walk behind the traditional figures carrying a candle or to observe at various points along the route and admire the traditional costumes of the Cucuruchos, Veronicas, and other significant figures of Holy Week.

Day 7: This day begins early with a visit to see the preparations for the Jesús del Gran Poder procession, an expression of deep Catholic faith. After visiting the Church of San Francisco to leave offerings and view the ancient wood figures like Jesús del Gran Poder, the Virgin Mary, and various Angels, that will be carried in the parade, we’ll position ourselves above the crowd for a safe and excellent view. From here, we will learn more about the history of this stark pilgrimage, observing the cucuruchos, Veronicas, multiple Jesus Christs carrying the cross, Roman soldiers, and other symbolic figures.

In the late afternoon, we will travel to the rural town of Alangasí, where we’ll witness a unique local telling of the Good Friday story. This tradition includes devils that parade into the church. Residents take great pride in creating the scariest devil costumes, usually wearing red and donning huge masks bedecked with animal horns. The day will conclude with a meal shared with a local family, where we will enjoy traditional cuisine and hospitality before returning to Quito in the evening.

Day 8 - For our final day, after a leisurely breakfast, we'll visit the monument, Mitad del Mundo, the ideal place to place a foot on either side of the Equator line and stand in two hemispheres at once. 

In an exclusive experience, we'll visit La Casa del Agave, South America's first combined museum and distillery. Alongside our private guide, we'll learn about agave and its many uses, including ancestral harvesting methods. We will be offered the chance to taste innovative items like a prebiotic drink called chawarmiske, a spirit similar to tequila called Miske, agave sap beer, vegan honey, vinegar, and ice cream. You may even find some nice gifts to take home.

For departing guests, we will arrange a late afternoon or early evening transfer to the airport. For those extending their stay with us for another week for our tour Heritage and Harmony: Exploring Ancient Cultures and Living Landscapes, we will transport you to our next hotel in the beautiful valley just outside of Quito. 

If you require an additional night in Quito to accommodate a flight the following day, we can happily assist with those arrangements as well.