Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
The weather in Quito is moderate—usually around 70 during the day and mid-50s at night. There is always a chance of rain in the forecast, so bring rain gear. We always stay in the percentage that does not rain, but you will be prepared if it does!
Step into a journey woven with devotion and architectural grandeur that will inspire awe. This eight-day pilgrimage traces Ecuador’s spiritual heart and reaches into Colombia’s mystical lands. It is not just a tour; it’s an expedition into the soul of faith, framed by the spires of sanctuaries and the whispers of history.
Begin in Quito, where the cobbled streets of the Old Town beckon with their secrets. From the moment you land, the city enfolds you in its colonial embrace. You are whisked away to the quaint Casona de La Ronda, your sanctuary in the bustling city. Your first meal at ‘Hasta La Vuelta Señor’ offers Ecuadorian hospitality before you visit the Santo Domingo museum, where the echoes of the past set the tone for your adventure. As night falls, Quito’s twinkling lights invite you to rest with dreams of domes and altars.
The next morning, Quito unfolds its sacred treasures. The churches of the Old Town, from the majestic to the hidden, stand as testaments to divine artistry and human devotion. Your guide leads you through these hallowed halls, each story adding layers to your understanding of this city’s faith. Lunch in the vibrant center fuels you for an evening overlooking the city at Pims or Vista Hermosa, where the vistas are as sumptuous as the cuisine.
Day three deepens your connection with Quito’s spiritual life at the San Francisco Church and its museum. Here, amid ancient texts and sacred art, you join the faithful in a midday Mass, a moment of peace and reflection. The day closes with a quiet, contemplative dinner at your hotel, the city’s silent blessing.
As the journey continues northward to Ibarra, the landscapes shift; the urban gives way to the pastoral. A stop in Cayambe treats you to the local delights of bizcochos and cheese, a simple pleasure amidst the simple beauty of the highlands. In Ibarra, the cathedral waits to tell its part of the story, and the peaceful Yahuarcocha Lake reflects the sunset as you dine and dream at Hotel Estelita, enjoying the local delicacies and the serene beauty of the surroundings.
The adventure continues to Tulcán, your last stop in Ecuador, where the local cathedral and its celebrated cemetery captivate your imagination with their sculptured beauty. Soon, the journey takes its most dramatic turn, crossing into Colombia to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Las Lajas. This architectural marvel, draped across a bridge spanning a river gorge, is like something from a divine vision. Here, the highlight of your pilgrimage is that you attend Mass, feeling the spiritual power that draws thousands each year. The Cathedral of Las Lajas is not just a place of worship but a testament to the enduring faith and the power of human creativity.
Your return to Quito is a quiet denouement. The modern part of the city hosts you for one last night of reflection. As you dine, you recount the moments that touched your spirit, from the soaring arches of Quito to the miraculous Las Lajas.
On the eighth day, as you prepare for departure, you are not just a traveler returning home but a pilgrim who has traversed earthly and spiritual landscapes. This journey has transformed you, leaving impressions of awe and gratitude that will resonate long after you’ve returned to the familiarity of home.
Join us on this sacred path, where each step is a prayer and every church a poem.
