Imbabura is one of Ecuador’s most beautiful provinces. Thousands of visitors, both national and international, explore its numerous well-known destinations every week; but we want you to discover treasures that no one else will show you.
Through this series of one, two, and three-day exclusive experiential tours, Ñan has prepared a true immersion into the hidden realms of this wondrous province, where you will uncover spectacular, scenic routes, unforgettable cultural experiences, the opportunity to learn about essential aspects of our Andean people’s lives and cultures, and a unique approach to the destination itself… an unforgettable plan for this summer in Ecuador!
Make your reservations by contacting +593 99 980 0239 or click here.
Tour 1: Secret Side of Imbabura, 1 day
Precio tour (día completo): 73 USD per person (includes 15% VAT)
*Includes all entrance fees and activities, lunch, transfers in private transportation with specialized guides, and taxes (does not include alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, or tips).
Reservations: (WhatsApp)
Departures: Weekends (once we reach minimum occupancy of 10 passengers).
Early departure from Quito towards the province of Imbabura, where we will take the scenic detour to Zuleta Valley. This route, which some call “the patchwork road,” is well known as one of the most representative of the Andes, crossing rarely traveled areas surrounded by the undulating contours of the mountains under the majestic gaze of Cayambe Volcano.
Here, we will make several stops to visit native communities in the area, explore vestiges of the ancient Capacñán Inca road and mingle with the locals.
By mid-morning, we arrive in the city of Ibarra, where we will taste the classic morocho empanadas before enjoying a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the landmarks of the “white city” and conclude with one of its symbols: a delicious paila ice cream made on-site by the ice-cream masters themselves.
Tour 2: Secret Side of Imbabura, 2 days
Precio tour (2 día, 1 noche): 283 USD per person (15% VAT included)
*Includes all entrances fees and activities, accommodations, meals, taxes and transfers in private transportation with specialized guides (does not include alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, or tips).
Reservations: (WhatsApp)
Departures: Weekends (once we reach minimum occupancy of 10 passengers).
Departure from Quito early in the morning towards the province of Imbabura, where we take a scenic detour to the Zuleta Valley, allowing us to enjoy stunning patchwork landscapes in the shadow of Cayambe Volcano.
In the town of Zuleta, known for its rich history and cultural traditions, we visit local workshops to discover the ancient tradition of native embroidery, where artisans show us their techniques and beautiful designs. By mid-morning, we enjoy a traditional picnic, the famous Andean Pampamesa, sharing a delicious traditional, organic harvest in a natural setting. Then, we proceed to the community of Angla, where we are welcomed by local women. We participate in a ritual cleansing, the Limpia, a spiritual experience that highlights ancestral connections to the land.
We arrive at the historic Hacienda Cusin, a place full of charm, art, and peace. After a delicious gourmet lunch at the hacienda’s restaurant, we will be able to explore the beautiful gardens and common areas, before participating in a milking activity, where we will learn about traditional agricultural practices of the rural countryside.
We end the day with dinner at the hacienda’s restaurant, enjoying the hospitality and delicious local cuisine.
The second day begins with a farm-style breakfast at the hacienda, revving us up for the day ahead. We proceed to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve to visit Cuicocha Crater Lake, an impressive body of water formed within the caldera of an inactive volcano.
We can enjoy a boat ride on the lake, marveling at its crystal-clear waters and volcanic landscape. Alternatively, the more adventurous can opt for a one-hour trek around the crater (at an additional cost).
After this visit, we begin our return journey to Quito, enjoying the Andean landscape along the way.
Tour 3: Secret Side of Imbabura, 3 days
Precio tour (3 días, 2 noches): 474 USD per person (15% VAT included)
*Includes all entrance fees and activities, accommodations, meals, taxes and transfers in private transportation with specialized guides (does not include alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, or tips).
Reservations: (WhatsApp)
Departures: Weekends (once we reach minimum occupancy of 10 passengers).
We head to the province of Imbabura, taking a scenic detour towards the Zuleta Valley, where we will discover charming villages and stop to learn about their wonderful ancestral stories and traditional native customs (see our 1-day tour).
We arrive in Ibarra mid-morning to enjoy the city’s famous morocho empanadas and, after a delicious lunch, we tour the beautiful “white city” of Ibarra, ending with a scoop of traditional paila ice cream.
In the afternoon, we head north towards the arid landscapes of an area that reveals the fabulous and sudden climatic changes one finds in the Andes. We overnight at the beautiful Hacienda Pimán, where Ecuadorian poet Gonzalo Zaldumbide wrote his most famous works, a hidden sanctuary that will surely fill you with peace and inspiration.
The next day, we visit Afro-Ecuadorian communities, including Salinas de Ibarra in the morning, and then head to Hacienda Pantaví for lunch, situated in the folds of the western mountain range of the province. Famous for being the home of the renowned Ecuadorian artist Camilo Andrade, we explore the grounds and settle into its delightful facilities. We will visit a wonderful community initiative that produces essential oils from flowers and herbs, before returning to the hacienda for dinner.
On the last day, we enjoy the thermal waters of Chachimbiro, taking an energizing bath among spectacular mountains early in the morning, and head to Cotacachi. After a brief visit in town, we arrive at San Isidro de Iltaquí, a pretty rural lodge on the slopes of the Cotacachi Volcano, where we enjoy a full lunch before returning to Quito.
Join us on our special “Secret Side to Imbabura” tours and discover Ecuador with Ñan. ¡We’ll take you on an unforgettable ride to learn about many hidden treasures and ageless traditions!
