Spend an unforgettable week with host Nik Millhouse experiencing Ecuador’s spectacular Andean scenery.  Highlights of the trip will include visits to world famous craft markets and villages and tours of lovely gardens and haciendas.  Lodging will be at the wonderful 17th Century Hacienda Cusin and Las Palmeras Inn (150 years ago known as Hacienda La Banda).  Donations from the trip benefit the Tandana Foundation and our community work in Ecuador and Mali.  Special thanks to Hacienda Cusin owner Nik Millhouse and managers Cesar Arcos and Paulina Vivero for making this trip possible.

Itinerary

March 5, Saturday:

Arrival in Quito’s International Airport; transfer about 90 minutes to a night at Las Palmeras Inn.

March 6, Sunday:

Breakfast in Sala Cuy followed by Las Palmeras property tour with owner Nik Millhouse.  Explore the famous Otavalo Craft Market.  Lunch at Casa Sol overlooking Otavalo.  Cocktails at Nik’s house, Casa Olana.  Dinner at Las Palmeras and traditional music provided by Quena y Rondador band, featuring Tandana Scholarship Coordinator Vicente Pazmiño.

March 7, Monday:

Visit to Agato Village for a presentation by prominent weavers, the Andrango family.  Visit the Condor Raptor Park (overlooking San Pablo Lake, with spectacular views of the sacred Imbabura Volcano).

March 8, Tuesday:

Breakfast at Las Palmeras.  Tour of Tandana’s community projects in nearby Quichinche with Tandana Foundation Executive Director Anna Taft.  Meet Tandana scholarship students and learn about their lives, schools, and dreams.  Transfer to Hacienda Cusin and tour a nearby rose plantation.

March 9, Wednesday:

Tour of Cuicocha (Guinea Pig Lake), Cotacachi (nearby village featuring leather crafts).  Lunch at 18^th Century Hacienda Pinsaqui.  Tour of San Antonio (village featuring wood-carving crafts). Dinner accompanied by balladeer Ramiro.  Log fires and night at Hacienda Cusin.

March 10, Thursday:

Travel to Quito via Hacienda Pakakuna.  Tour of Pakuna’s elaborate mountain gardens.  Lunch.  Tour of Harry Zalenko’s orchid collection in Cumbaya.  Dinner at La Viña restaurant and night at Hotel Quito.

March 11, Friday: Breakfast, followed by guided tour of Colonial Quito: Plaza Independencia, La Compania and San Francisco Cathedrals, Quito City Museum, and Agustin Monastery.  Lunch at Patio Andaluz. Afternoon tour of Modern Quito: Casa de la Cultura archaeological Museum and art gallery, shopping along Calle Juan Leon Mera.  Cocktails at a restored, early 19th Century house. Dinner at Mea Culpa in Spanish-colonial Quito. Night at Hotel Quito.

March 12, Saturday:

Transfer to Quito International Airport for return flights

PLEASE NOTE: Quito is at 9,200’ and Hacienda Cusin is at 8,500’ – all participants must be in good health.

Cost

$875 per person, paid to Casamolina Inc., plus a $500  tax-deductible donation to The Tandana Foundation.  Prices are based on double occupancy; please add an additional $100 if you would like a single room.  Please note there is a minimum group size of 12 people.

Price includes: itinerary-related transportation, hotels, 22% taxes, meals, Cusin/Las Palmeras wi-fi, guide, Quito city tours.

Not included: airfare to/from Quito International Airport; Quito International Departure Tax, $40.80 p.p.; personal expenses, such as telephone, fax, Internet, laundry, and room service; museum entrance fees, $1-$3 p.p.; travel/medical insurance (recommended).

Additional night, before or after the tour, including waiter-served breakfast and dinner, room with log-fire, sports facilities, wi-fi, 22% taxes: double occupancy, $60 p.p.; single occupancy, $80 per day.

Send $875 per person ($975 if you would like a single room) by January 20, 2011 to:

Casamolina, Inc.

53 East 66th Street

New York, NY 10065

*Deposit is non-refundable but is transferable (to self or friend) for 1 year from reservation date, until March 5, 2012. 

Send $500 tax-deductible donation by January 20, 2011 to:

Tandana Foundation

2933 Lower Bellbrook Road

Spring Valley, OH 45370

Questions?  Please contact Nik at hacienda@cusin.com.ec

Thank you for your interest!