On our first full day in Ecuador for our Adventures by Disney trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos, morning came very early. We had to have our luggage outside the room by 6:30 am and breakfast was at 7. We met in the lobby and took the elevator to the top floor of the hotel. There was a balcony overlooking the city where we took photos and then we had a breakfast buffet. There were some tropical fruits and other Ecuadorian breakfast foods plus traditional American foods.
During breakfast we had an introduction of ourselves to the group. This is always a good way to start an Adventures by Disney vacation because it is your first introduction to the other adventurers who you will be spending the next week with.
We then boarded the bus and started on our way to the Otovalo Valley. After about an hour we stopped at a gas station for a convenience break and then continued another hour or so until we reached the “Center of the Earth”. This is a sun dial that sits right on the equator. It was really cool to be able to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at the same time. There is another monument for the equator line in Quito but this one has been determined to be a more accurate locale for the equator.
Then we were back on the bus for another ride to a Rose Plantation. Ecuador is the largest exporter of roses in the world. The process of growing roses is so carefully done that the roses are amazingly beautiful. 
After the rose plantation we drove to a Hacienda for lunch. The hacienda was originally a mill and we were able to look at all the workings and grounds. When we arrived we were served a tea made from a citrus fruit and sugar cane. For lunch, we were served green plantain empanadas, chicken with rice and then bizcots with caramel. Lunch was delicious. .
Our next stop was at the home of a family of musicians. We saw them demonstrate how to make a pan flute and then they played a song for us. After that we all got to make our own flutes.
We then took a short walk to a weaver shop where we saw a demonstration of weaving and wool dyeing. The rugs were amazingly beautiful and we had the opportunity to purchase if we wanted to.
Then we were back on the bus for a short ride to the Hacienda where we will spend the next two nights. Hacienda Pinsaqui was built 300 years ago and was turned into a hotel about 18 years ago. When we arrived, we were greeted by musicians playing music and then we were assigned our rooms. Each of us had a room with two beds, a bathroom, seating area and a wood burning stove.
We had a short break before we met for a folklore dance demonstration and then off to dinner. After dinner we had free time. When we arrived at our room, the fire had been lit in for us and there were hot water bottles in our beds to warm them. It was a great way to end the nights in a nice warm bed.
Find out what other exciting experiences you can have on an Adventures by Disney vacation by contacting me for a no obligation quote.
Similar Posts:
- None Found
