“PILGRIMAGE PACKAGE ECUADOR”

Day 1 .- Transfer In

After the arrival, our guide will welcome and transfer you from the airport to the hotel. He will give you all inforamtion about the city and general information about Ecuador such as all details about the Pilgrimage Package. Overnight in Quito. -/-/-

Day 2.- . “Tour of Santa Marianita de Jesus life”.- Carmen Alto Museum & Church – La Compania church – Inmaculada Concepción Church – The Catalinas Monastery.

The tour begins on “Carmelitas Descalzas Order Complex”. Where we will visit the church and monastery of “Carmen Alto” called “Carmen de San José”, it was the first of the Order in the old Quito. Established in the year of 1653, it is one of the most important religious icons for the inhabitants of the city, since in this house, before being a monastery, lived and died Santa Mariana de Jesús (1618-1645).

Then we will continue to the La Compañia church (1605), with its amazing gilt altars, this is considered as one of the finest examples of baroque art in America,

and the Moorish influence can be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings; this is also the place where the body of Mariana de Jesus rest. Then we would proceed to visit La Concepción church, it was founded in 1577, their patron saint is Our Lady of Good Success, to whom apparitions and miracles are attributed.

Finally the Catalinas Monastery is one of the city’s most important cloisters, a true living museum of traditions and legacy. It is a bright orange cloister with a museum that highlights religious memories of centuries past and over 100 canvases of Baroque Art. The Catalinas (St. Catherine acolytes) prepare and sell horseradish and eucalyptus syrups for coughs and remedies, creams, candles and other products that claim to cure everything from, wrinkles to cancer. It is, in fact, quite interesting to simply listen all the anecdotes. On the second floor, as a prelude to the visit of the museum, find a wooden bench… they say whoever sits on it, will soon be pregnant!. Late in the afternoon you will return to your hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 3.- El Quinche Sanctuary + Trip to Riobamba city

After an early breakfast you will visit El Quinche Sanctuary. This is a pilgrimage and adoration shrine to the Virgin of Quinche. It is one of the most visited sanctuaries in Ecuador, that despite several earthquakes, remains preserved. The current Shrine is of limestone and brick the total capacity of the Shrine for more than 4000 thousand people.

With the contribution of the faithful devoted and of the pilgrims, it has been possible to adequate and extend this place for worshiping to a much larger area: the new Sacristy has 200 m2. The lateral access to Campo Mariano is 1200 m2 and covered in stone with ornamental walls. After experiencing the true holiness of El Quinche we would head in a 4 hour trip to spend an overnight in Riobamba were our adventure continues. (B/L/D)

Day 4.- Visit to La Balbanera Church + Religious Museum of the Conceptas + Cotopaxi National park (Panoramic Tour) – return to Quito

Our day begins very early, after a nice breakfast, we would travel to the town of Colta’s main attraction, which is the first catholic church built on Ecuadorian soil. Built almost to the banks of the Colta lagoon by the Spaniards in 1534, in a colonial construction style, its stone façade is the only witness of its history, from here you can get a fantastic view of the snow-capped Chimborazo.

This historical church venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary Nativity of Balbanera, next to the church there the town’s plaza square where you can see a cross, inwhich processions are held during the religious festivities and other events exposing once again the religiosity and faith of the Ecuadorian people and celebrations are held in her honor.

Then we will proceed to La Concepción Museum, a collection of religious figures from the colonial era. It is a museum of religious art, it belongs to the Convent of the Mothers Conceptas; It is one of the historical, cultural and religious tradition jewels of the country.

The museum was cemented in 1980 in a section of the convent, a sector that was previously retouched, retaining its original image.

One of the most important figures is the Custody of Riobamba, which is 200 years old. This piece was made of solid gold and silver. It is also adorned with emeralds, pearls, diamonds and other jewelry. In this museum you will be able to admire art, discover the faith of our people and learn on which human values are represented in the Ecuadorian culture.

After lunch we will head back to Quito but in midway we’ll stop in the Cotopaxy view point for some pictures and enjoy ad little bit of nature and its surroundings. We would sleep in a hotel located in the valleys that surround Quito for our next journey. (B/L/D)

Day 5.- Transfer OUT to Quito Airport.

Depending on the flight departure you will be transfer to the airport. B/-/.-

“PILGRIMAGE PACKAGE ECUADOR”

Day 1 .- Transfer In

After the arrival, our guide will welcome and transfer you from the airport to the hotel. He will give you all information about the city and general information about Ecuador such as all details about the Pilgrimage Package. Overnight in Quito. -/-/-

Day 2.-. “Tour of Santa Marianita de Jesus life. – Carmen Alto Museum & Church – La Companía church – Immaculate Concepción Church – The Catalinas Monastery.

The tour begins on “Carmelitas Descalzas Order Complex”. Where we will visit the church and monastery of “Carmen Alto” called “Carmen de San José”, it was the first of the Order in the old Quito. Established in the year of 1653, it is one of the most important religious icons for the inhabitants of the city, since in this house, before being a monastery, lived and died Santa Mariana de Jesus (1618-1645).

Then we will continue to the La Compañia church (1605), with its amazing giltaltars, this is considered as one of the finest examples of baroque art in America, and the Moorish influence can be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings; this is also the place where the body of Mariana de Jesus rest. Then we would proceed to visit La Concepción church, it was founded in 1577, their patron saint is Our Lady of Good Success, to whom apparitions and miracles are attributed.

Finally, the Catalinas Monastery is one of the city’s most important cloisters, a true living museum of traditions and legacy. It is a bright orange cloister with a museum that highlights religious memories of centuries past and over 100 canvases of Baroque Art. The Catalinas (St. Catherine acolytes) prepare and sell horseradish and eucalyptus syrups for coughs and remedies, creams, candles and other products that claim to cure everything from, wrinkles to cancer. It is, in fact, quite interesting to simply listen all the anecdotes. On the second floor, as a prelude to the visit of the museum, find a wooden bench… they say whoever sits on it, will soon be pregnant! Late in the afternoon you will return to your hotel. B/L/D.-

Day 3.- El Quinche Sanctuary + Trip to Riobamba city

After the arrival, our guide will welcome and transfer you from the airport to the hotel. He will give you all information about the city and general information about Ecuador such as all details about the Pilgrimage Package. Overnight in Quito. -/-/-

Day 4.- Visit to La Balbanera Church + Religious Museum of the Conceptas+ Cotopaxi National park (Panoramic Tour) – return to Quito

Our day begins very early, after a nice breakfast, we would travel to the town of Colta’s main attraction, which is the first catholic church built on Ecuadorian soil. Built almost to the banks of the Colta lagoon by the Spaniards in 1534, in a colonial construction style, its stone façade is the only witness of its history, from here you can get a fantastic view of the snow-capped Chimborazo.

This historical church venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary Nativity of Balbanera, next to the church there the town’s plaza square where you can see a cross, in which processions are held during the religious festivities and other events exposing once again the religiosity and faith of the Ecuadorian people and celebrations are held in her honor.

Then we will proceed to La Concepción Museum, a collection of religious figures from the colonial era. It is a museum of religious art, it belongs to the Convent of the Mothers Conceptas; It is one of the historical, cultural and religious tradition jewels of the country.

The museum was cemented in 1980 in a section of the convent, a sector that was previously retouched, retaining its original image.

One of the most important figures is the Custody of Riobamba, which is 200 years old. This piece was made of solid gold and silver. It is also adorned with emeralds, pearls, diamonds and other jewelry. In this museum, you will be able to admire art, discover the faith of our people and learn on which human values are represented in the Ecuadorian culture.

After lunch we will head back to Quito but in mid-way we’ll stop in the Cotopaxi view point for some pictures and enjoy ad little bit of nature and its surroundings.  We would sleep in a hotel located in the valleys that surround Quito for our next journey. B/L/D.-

Day 5.- Visit the Peace Grotto – Cathedral of the city of Tulcan

After a good night sleep our journey continues to the north part of Ecuador. Our first stop is La Gruta de la Paz. A place where nature and faith are the architects, a sanctuary of the Virgin Mary located in an impressive cavern in the Apaquí river canyon. The strength force of the water filtered through an arm of the mountain that opened a stage full of stalactites, among which nest small birds and bats.

Undoubtedly, this wonderful place is one of the most representative sites of this northern region in Ecuador and has become the most visited site by foreigners.

Then we will proceed to the Cathedral of the city of Tulcán.

It is a wonderful architectural church that has magnificent images of artistic value. It has an altar carved in gold leaf that is located outside the main square. Its restoration culminated in the year 2000.

The remodeling of the Cathedral adopted a modernist style. Its interior is Classic style in the altars.

It has a monumental doorway, with three domes and fronts with exhibition paintings such as the Virgin of Las Lajas and La Dolorosa, which previously belong Padre Bedón School.

We will do an overnight in Tulcan where our next journey will begin. B/L/D.-

Day 6.- Visit to Las Lajas Church + Tulcan Cementery

After breakfast, we will continue our trip to north of the country, we will cross the border line with Colombia and we’ll drive to the sanctuary of Las Lajas, the Gothic church known as ‘a miracle of God in the abyss’, is an engineering jewel built on the Guaitara river canyon, near Ipiales, in the place where, according to legend, the indigenous María Mueses and her daughter Rosa saw the image of the Virgin appear in 1754.

It worked towards the beginning of the 20th century, supplanted a house of prayer that dates back to the 18th century and is a congregation. Three towers are based on a scaffolding of two curves that crosses the channel. The height of the sanctuary, from its base to the pinnacle is 100 meters, and the extension is estimated at 50 meters high by 17 meters wide and 20 meters long. Inside, the three naves are secured with ribbed vaults. It has fiberglass mosaics and, in the middle of the day, its illumination is given by the light channeled through the glass windows. It is one of the most important churches in Colombia.

As Las Lajas is located down inside a canyon, be prepared for a hilly walk. From the parking lot it is easily a 15 minute walk down hill to reach the start of the church. You can also cross the bridge and start walking up the other side of the canyon for the perfect view of the imposing white architecture contrasting the luscious green landscape. Expect a half an hour walk back up the hill to your car or taxi, as you are over 8500 feet above sea level.

There is also a cable car which takes you on a 15minute ride from outside the canyon to behind the church. During the ride, you get a short view of the other side of the church and the canyon, not visible by walking.

After this visit, we will head back visit The Cemetery of Tulcán, recognized by local and foreign inhabitants, as a modern marvel. Unique in its kind, was created by Mr. Azael Franco in 1936. Carved in cypress these wonders turn this field into a palace where harmoniously combine art and beauty.

What makes this cemetery unique are its impressive figures carved in cypress; Augustinian figures, pre-Columbian, Ecuadorian fauna, semicircular arches and giant masks. We will return to our next hotel located near the city of Ibarra. B/L/D

Day 7.- Visit to San Antonio de Ibarra + Hacienda La Compañia + Return to Quito

In the morning, we would head back to Quito but we will make a stop in San Antonio. A small town, a truly land of artists dedicated to wood carving, this activity has its origin in the work of skilled craftsmen who in the late nineteenth century were engaged in carving sculptures of religious images. These were known as “Santeros”, they also carved altarpieces and altars for churches.

oday, not only this type of figures is made in San Antonio but other criteria have been adopted like animals, murals, busts, faces, abstract figures, among other wooden figures.

Our next stop is Hacienda La Companía de Jesus where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, characterized by its roses production. The twelve hours of sunlight, the mild temperature and the conditions that remain throughout the year, make this place an ideal place for such production.

Today, not only this type of figures is made in San Antonio but other criteria have been adopted like animals, murals, busts, faces, abstract figures, among other wooden figures.

Our next stop is Hacienda La Companía de Jesus where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, characterized by its roses production. The twelve hours of sunlight, the mild temperature and the conditions that remain throughout the year, make this place an ideal place for such production.

This farm for a few years is open to the visit of tourists. In the same you will see, on one hand, the house of French neoclassical style, which is still the family residence of the owners of the hacienda.

And on the other hand, you will know various curiosities about the production of roses and a beautiful show room of these beautiful flowers.

The origins of the Hacienda the Company of Jesus go back to the time of the Jesuits who arrived in Ecuador, who built it.

After being expelled the Jesuits by the king Carlos I of all the Spanish earth where they were, the house was bought in 1767.

You will visit the chapel of the seventeenth century, the sculptures of the altar have been made by the Quito School of Arts, and one of them is dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Opposite to the chapel is the old barn, building that now houses a spectacular exhibition of up to 70 varieties of roses that are produced in the Hacienda. We will return to Quito to our hotel for departure at the next day. B/L/D.-

Day 8.- Transfer OUT to Quito Airport.

Depending on the flight departure you will be transfer to the airport. (B/-/-)